Men's Preview - Team USA @ Clarkson ; Women Defeat Quinnipiac

After starting the season 4-1-1 the Clarkson Golden Knights face off against the USNPDT-U18's tonight at Cheel arena. Clarkson is one of a handful of teams that has played six games so far this season and this weekend serves a multitude of purposes. First, it allows an open week for players that are injured to rest and recuperate. Second, it provides the coaching staff to re-evaluate some of the new, and old, players and set up line combinations and defensive pairings they might not try during a regular season game. Finally, it gives the potential recruits on the U-18 team a chance to see a visiting and potential future home arena.

Expect Clarkson to start freshman goalie Matt Smith and for some of the non-regulars to see some ice time. Granted no team wants to lose a hockey game, but to risk injury in an exhibition game is foolish. Senior defensman Mike Grenzy will probably not start or even be in the line up tonight. Clarkson will look to continue to improve their special teams as well. Last weekend brought the whole spectrum from bad penalty kill to great play on the man advantage. These exhibition games should allow coach Roll to fine tune the special teams for the ECAC opener next weekend.

Prediction: Clarkson 5 - USA 3

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Last night Clarkson defeated Quinnipiac 6-3 in Connecticut. The Bobcats struck first but the Knights rattled off six straight goals to take command. Genevieve Lavoie tallied first and Christine Bailkowski had a natural hat trick to put the Knights up 4-1 in the second. Ashley Shaidle and Lauren Lubrano tallied to put the Knight up by five. Quinnipiac scored twice in the third to cut the lead, but the Knights held on for the win. Kira Hurley got the win and Jessica Finley saw action in net in the third period. Clarkson is now 3-3-1 and faces Princeton this afternoon.