In a thrilling showdown at MVP Arena on January 24, the men’s hockey team won its fifth straight Mayor’s Cup, coming back from a 2-4 deficit to defeat RPI 5-4 in overtime. With the dramatic victory, they extended their recent dominance in this long-standing rivalry.
The game looked to be slipping away when RPI took control late in the third period, pushing the score to 4-2. Head coach Josh Hauge made the bold decision to pull goaltender Cameron Korpi for an extra attacker. That gamble paid off spectacularly
. Senior Brandon Buhr, who had yet to score at that point, ignited the comeback with a goal at 17:18 of the third, narrowing RPI’s lead and setting the stage for an electrifying finish.
Just over a minute later, sophomore Riley Brueck delivered the equalizer with a clutch goal that sent the crowd roaring and forced the contest into overtime. Buhr seized the moment again, tipping a rebound out of mid-air for the game-winner 2:25 into overtime.
Buhr’s overtime winner marked his 17th of the season and underscored his knack for delivering in big moments. The victory also halted a two-game skid for Union and preserved head coach Hauge’s perfect record in Mayor’s Cup games.
Beyond the individual heroics, the win highlighted Union’s resilience. RPI had controlled much of the game and leaned on strong goaltending from Nate Krawchuk, who finished with 35 saves. Yet Union’s determination proved decisive in the closing minutes.
With this victory, Union now owns five consecutive Mayor’s Cup titles. The team will carry this momentum as they prepare to face Dartmouth on January 30.
