Schenectady, NY (Feb. 26, 2005) A solid defensive effort on both ends of the ice led to a 0-0 tie in Union's regular season finale against Princeton at Messa Rink. Dutchmen goaltender Justin Mrazek (Regina, SASK) made 16 saves in his first appearance since an earlier season loss to Harvard three weeks ago. The freshman rebounded in convincing fashion to pick up his first collegiate shutout. The tie gave Union a one-point edge over Clarkson for the eighth and final home playoff spot in the first round of next week's ECACHL playoffs.

After a tentative start in the first period, Union outshot Princeton 29-11 over the final two periods of regulation and owned a 4-1 edge in the overtime session. In the second period Union's Jason Ortolano (Carteret, NJ) sent a blast through traffic at 5:05. Princeton goalie Eric Leroux kept the puck in his sights and was able to cover. Less than a minute earlier Princeton's Kyle Hagel redirected a shot on goal that Mrazek was able to kick away.

In the third period Union's leaders stepped up and led a suffocating attack on Leroux. Assistant captain Scott Seney (Silver, Spring, MD) recorded all five of his shots in that period. His best chance came at 16:45 off a Princeton turnover in its own zone. Seney fired a wrist shot on net but once again Leroux covered the puck.

Senior captain Jordan Webb (Nepena, ONT) had two breakaway opportunities in the third. Another Tigers' turnover gave Webb a breakaway opportunity. He came up empty though as he was unsuccessful in trying to fake Leroux out of position.

Junior A.J. Palkovich (North Bellmore, NY) had a chance for some late game heroics with 1:16 left in regulation. He took a pass through the slot from Brian Kerr (Kirkland, QUE) to Leroux's right. The netminder anticipated the pass though and slid across the crease to make a kick save.

In the overtime session Webb found himself with another shot right in front of the net off a Princeton turnover but again could not get Leroux to budge. With just over two minutes the Tigers got a backhanded chance in front from Haget. Mrazek stood his ground as well, smothering the puck with his blocker.

Union finished with a 38-16 shot advantage for the team's first scoreless tie since November 4, 1995 at Army. They close out the regular season at 12-20-2 overall and 8-13-1 in the ECACHL. The Dutchmen will host Clarkson for the second consecutive season in the opening round of the playoffs beginning next Friday, March 4^th at 7:00 p.m.