The Union College men’s and women’s hockey teams will face off against RPI in the 2026 Capital District Mayor’s Cup, continuing one of the area’s most competitive rivalries.
On the women’s side, Union enters the matchup with an 8-15-3 record and will face an RPI team that is 6-21 on the season. Union’s offense is led by junior forward Maddie Leaney, who leads the team in both goals and points with 14 goals and nine assists for 23 total points. Sophomore forward Karianne Engelbert is close behind, ranking second on the team in both goals and points with 10 goals and 12 assists, totaling 22 points. Senior defenseman Stephanie Bourque leads the team in assists with 18 on the season.
In net, Union has strong options. Junior goaltender Monja Wagner, who was recently selected to Switzerland’s Olympic hockey team, has posted a 3.07 goals against average and a 0.914 save percentage. At the Mayor’s Cup press conference, Wagner spoke about what it would mean to potentially start in the rivalry game.
“It would mean a lot to me,” Wagner said. “Getting to be on the bench for two years and experiencing it from that angle was really fun, but I feel like playing is another level of excitement. It is also an honor to take on that responsibility and influence the game as a goalie.”
Union also has first-year goaltender Emma Rhéaum, who has a 2.67 goals against average and a 0.912 save percentage in nine games. The Garnet Chargers have quality options between the pipes heading into the Mayor’s Cup.
For RPI, sophomore forward Charlotte Wensley leads the team in goals with eight on the season. Senior Nina Christof, who will represent Germany in the Olympics, is another key contributor with 10 points this year. In goal, junior Reese Keating has started most games for RPI, posting a 3.32 goals against average and a 0.901 save percentage.
On the men’s side, Union enters the rivalry game with a 14-8-2 record, while RPI has struggled this season with a 6-17 record. Union’s leading goal scorer is senior forward Brandon Buhr, who has 15 goals on the year. Junior defenseman Tyler Dunbar leads the team in points with nine goals and 15 assists for a total of 24 points. Senior forward Parker Lindauer leads the team in assists with 17 and ranks third on the team in points with 22, adding five goals.
Union also boasts depth in goal. Freshman Brayden Gillespie has emerged as a breakout player, starting eight games and recording a 1.80 goals against average with a 0.929 save percentage. He also recorded a shutout against eighth-ranked Quinnipiac, leading Union to a 4-0 upset win. Sophomore Cameron Korpi has started 16 games this season and holds a 2.34 goals against average with a 0.900 save percentage.
RPI’s men’s team is led offensively by graduate student Luciano Wilson, who leads the team in assists and points with 12 assists and 17 total points. Sophomore forward Filip Sitar is the team’s leading goal scorer. In goal, freshman Nate Krawchuk has started 15 games and has a 3.19 goals against average with a 0.895 save percentage.
Beyond records and statistics, the Mayor’s Cup carries added significance for Union as it looks to build momentum moving forward. Buhr spoke about the importance of the rivalry game at the Mayor’s Cup press conference.
“This rivalry game, if we can get this win here, it could give us momentum going forward,” Buhr said. “The key is getting back on track scoring goals, but more specifically rebuilding our chemistry, moving the puck, getting it to the net, and scoring again.”
A Union win would extend its four-year streak of Mayor’s Cup victories, while an RPI upset could bring a major shift in momentum for the rivalry. Either way, the 2026 Mayor’s Cup is set to deliver an intense and meaningful matchup for both programs.
