Schenectady, NY (March 5, 2004) The Dutchmen worked hard the last three weeks, going 7-3-1 over their last eleven games to secure home ice. It didn't seem to help tonight as Union (14-16-5) was soundly defeated 8-3 in game one of the ECAC first round playoffs. Clarkson (14-16-5) had five different players score as they move to within one win from advancing.

Union would go down 1-0 before Matt Vagvolgyi's seventh goal of the season would tie it at 1-1. Clarkson would take a 2-1 lead into the second period which saw the Golden Knights score three goals to take a 5-1 lead after two periods. Clarkson would strike first in the third period to gain a big 6-1 advantage, and then Jonathan Poirier would make it 6-2 with his eighth goal of the season.

Clarkson would score their second empty net goal of the period, as Coach Nate Leaman would pull goalie Kris Mayotte twice in hopes of pulling closer. With a 7-2 Golden Knight lead, Poirier would score his second of the night, and ninth of the season to make it a 7-3 game. Clarkson would notch another, and go on to an 8-3 victory.

It was a physical game which featured 13 penalties for 47 penalty minutes. Union would out shoot Clarkson by a final of 24-22.

For the Golden Knights, Chris Blight had two goals and one assist, Mac Faulkner also had two goals to go along with two assists. Lyon would also have three points, two goals and one assist for Clarkson. Sophomore goalie Kris Mayotte took the loss while making 14 saves, and sophomore rival Dustin Traylen would make 21 saves in the win.

The same teams will square off again tomorrow night from Messa Rink with Clarkson needing just the win to end the Dutchmen's season. Union has never advanced past the first round in the ECAC playoffs as a Division-I program. Game time is 7:00pm and can be heard on ESPN radio, 1300 AM, "WTMM".