Men's Hockey | 12/10/2013 2:15:00 PM

Click here for RIT Game Notes --- Click here for Niagara Game Notes

ROCHESTER, NY -- The RIT men's hockey team will make history by playing in its first outdoor game, as they host Atlantic Hockey Association rival Niagara University at Frontier Field in downtown Rochester as part of the "Frozen Frontier". The game will take place at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.

This is the 18th outdoor game in the history of NCAA Men's Hockey, which the Tigers are thrilled to be a part of.
 
"I grew up practicing on outdoor ice, you really don't know what to expect on the ice, but it should be a lot of fun," said senior forward Ben Lynch (Blaine, MN/Lincoln Stars), a native of Blaine, Minn. 
 
RIT enters Saturday's game riding a five-game winning streak, having out-scored its opponents, 23-10 over that span. The Tigers have received key contributions from their three Rochester natives on the squad. Sophomore forward Dan Schuler (Webster, NY/Powell River Kings) from Webster is tied for second on the team in scoring with 12 points, while Churchville's Garrett McMullen (Churchville, NY/Trail Smoke Eaters) scored his first two collegiate goals in a 5-2 win over American International on Dec. 7. In goal, Mike Rotolo (Rochester, NY/Cedar Rapids Roughriders) from Greece became the first RIT goaltender to win his first five starts. He is 5-0-0 with a 2.00 goals against average and .935 save percentage this season.
 
The Tigers are receiving contributions from all over the lineup, as six players have at least 11 points. The RIT power-play unit is third nationally, converting at 26.5 percent (18-for-68). RIT has scored two power-play goals in a game seven times this season.
 
"The atmosphere is going to be great and regardless of where it is played, we will be in for a tough game," said senior defenseman Eliot Raibl (Vancouver, British Columbia/Quesnel Millionaires). "Hopefully the weather cooperates."
 
Niagara (3-11-1, 3-4-0 ECAC) enters Saturday's contest looking to snap a five-game losing streak. Mike Conderman and Issac Kohls lead the team in scoring with nine points each. The Purple Eagles have eight players with at least five points. Niagara has been outscored by its opponents, 55-37 this season. In net, Adrian Ignagni and Jackson Teichroeb have split time. Ignagni is 2-5-1 with a 3.41 goals against average and .890 save percentage, while Teichrob is 1-6-0 with a 3.55 goals against average and .890 save percentage.
 
RIT and Niagara has become one of the most competitive Division I rivalries, as seven of the last 10 meetings between the two schools have gone to overtime. RIT knocked Niagara out of the AHA postseason in 2012, while Niagara eliminated RIT last season.
 
"I'm from Arizona, so the weather is the complete opposite," said junior Anthony Hamburg (Phoenix, AZ/Omaha Lancers).  "The most important thing is to get two points, so it will be exciting."
 
Tickets are available for at the Gordon Field House and Activities Center Box Office, Frontier Field House Box Office or by phone at (585) 475-4121. Fans can also purchase tickets at www.rithockey.com. Adult ticket prices for the RIT men's game and are as follows: $10 (Limited View), $15 (100 level) and $25 (200 level).
 
In addition, the RIT women's team will play Clarkson University at 12:05 p.m. on Saturday. Ticket prices for that game is $10 for general admission.
 
Park Point at RIT and Locker Room Sports are the game sponsors. There will be buses that leave RIT to shuttle students to Frontier Field, starting at 5:45 p.m.

The game will be aired live on Time Warner Cable Sports Channel 26 with Gene Battaglia and John DiTullio bringing you the action from Frontier Field.  In addition, the game will be broadcast over the airwaves on WITR 89.7 FM and witr.rit.edu. Live stats are also available here.

Come out and support the Tigers in this once-in-a-lifetime event.