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Men's Hockey Kevin Beattie, Associate Athletic Director for Communications & Compliance

Men's Hockey Ties Princeton, 2-2 at Field House

Curtis Leonard
Box Score Watch RPI TV Broadcast

TROY, N.Y. - Defenseman Curtis Leonard scored the game-tying goal with 3:51 left in the third period and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's hockey team tied Princeton University, 2-2, in an ECAC Hockey game at the Houston Field House. RPI is now 3-5-3 overall and 0-4-1 in the league, while the Tigers are 3-4-2 and 2-1-2.

Following continued pressure, Leonard (Napanee, ON / Wellington Dukes) slipped the puck five hole with Jacob Laliberte (Rockland, ON / Cornwall Colts) and Nick Bailen (Fredonia, NY / Indiana Ice) picking up the assists on the tying goal, Leonard's first of the season.

Princeton senior goaltender Mike Condon (Needham, MA) was otherwise outstandings, making a season-high 37 saves. He was tested early and often, having to make 13 saves in the first period. RPI had a near goal in the opening minutes when a deflected puck started to slowly trickle towards the goal line before Condon dropped his stick behind it and pushed it wide of the goal. He continued his prowess with back-to-back stops on shots by Ryan Haggerty (Stamford, CT / U.S. National Development Team).

Senior defender Michael Sdao (Niwot, CO) put the Tigers on the board first at 5:36 of the first period. Senior Eric Meland (Grand Forks, ND) ripped a shot from the right point that hit the cross bar and was collected by Rob Kleebaum (Sherwood Park, AB) at the extended red. Kleebaum passed the puck back up the ice to Sdao at the left point and he rocketed a shot into the back of the net.

Kleebaum had a chance to make it 2-0 four minutes later when he intercepted a breakout pass and fired on goalie Jason Kasdorf (Winnipeg, MB / Des Moines Buccaneers), who made the stop. Condon came up with a big stop on the other end, denying Mike Zalewski (New Hartford, NY / Vernon Vipers) at the right post as the puck skidded across the paint.

RPI tied the score in the second period when junior Matt Tinordi (Severna Park, MD / Olds Grizzlys) snapped a wrist shot from the slot over Condon at 2:20. Sophomore Zach Schroeder (Prior Lake, MN / Saint Thomas Academy) started the play when he knocked a Tigers defenseman off the puck. Senior CJ Lee (Staten Island, NY / Green Bay Gamblers) picked up the loose disc and fed Tinordi, who scored for the first time this season.

The Engineers continued to hammer the cage as they had two power plays in the first 10 minutes of the second. The Tigers penalty kill extended its streak, killing off 11 straight.

Junior Andrew Calof (Nepean, ON) gave Princeton the lead at 9:49 as the Tigers converted on the power play. Sdao crossed the blue line and fired a shot that made its way through traffic to the far pipe. Calof stuffed it in between Karsdorf and the right pipe. Sophomore Tyler Maugeri earned the secondary assist on the gaol.

Condon made two saves and Kardorf stopped three in the overtime session to end the game at 2-2. Kasdorf finished with 19 saves.

Rensselaer hosts No. 16 Quinnipiac University on Saturday at 7pm. Princeton travels to No. 8 Union on Saturday for a 4pm contest.

Kristy McNeil, Princeton athletic communications, contributed to this story.

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