By Tommy Kane

Published: March 15th, 2020

A Photo of Some of the RIT Players Who Volunteered to Speak at a Club Meeting

RIT Hockey has had a tremendous impact on my life ever since I went to my first game against Northeastern on Homecoming day. The excitement of the sport and students make it a worth-while experience like no other.

Once again, 2019-2020 was the same.

This year was the first year that I covered the Men’s hockey team with my blog throughout the entire season. I enjoyed the personal interviews and the hospitality of all who were involved in the hockey operations at the Gene Polisseni Center. I felt like family.

Also, this was the first year that I was able to work on the RIT Tiger Sports Network on WITR 89.7 radio. I was a regular on Tiger Tailgate pre and post-game, as well as being able to work with Ed Trefzgar, Scott Bigger, and Andrew Bentkowski on occasion. To top it off, I was fortunate enough to be asked by Andrew to be his color-commentator for the first round of the CHA Playoffs for our Women’s hockey program.

Obviously, the season ended much earlier than anticipated for our Men’s program.

Tiger Tailgate

Helping Out with the Homecoming Game Broadcast with Ed Trefzgar and Scott Bigger

Doing the pre and post-game shows with Lauren Paige, Mitch Schauer, Cody Vincent, and Andrew was very rewarding. I have a great amount of respect for them and for my boss, Lauren.

I looked forward to Tiger Tailgate every week because I enjoyed being able to contribute to the station and inform our listeners about the RIT hockey teams. It was fun using some of my ‘insider expertise’ to give our listeners insight as to what was going on with the teams. Overall, it was always great being able to share those times with my coworkers on the show, and I am excited to continue next season.

Thank you for all you guys have done for me.

RIT Women’s Team and Color Commentating

Andrew and I After Commentating

With my job at RIT Athletics, I was fortunate enough to be down on the ice this season with Rocky Perrotta and a great crew. I would simply record statistics for both teams, such as goals, assists, penalties, and penalty minutes. It was something I looked forward to every weekend.

My favorite part of the job was being able to give our Women’s players and coaches fist-bumps before and after every game, as well as tell players if they were one of the “Three Stars” of the game.

It was rewarding to see how hard these players worked every game, and when they would win, to see their smile and jubilant faces. It warmed my heart. Another special thank you for the RIT Hockey Jacket. I will proudly wear it for life!

On March 5th, 2020, I went to the HarborCenter in Buffalo, NY, to call my first game. I was the color commentator, and despite the loss, I was grateful to be able to get the opportunity and work with Andrew, who is a great play-by-play commentator. I will never forget the great car ride I had with him and Dan Scully. Thank you, Dan, for joining us and rooting on the team.

It was sad in the end to see the Seniors after the loss to Penn State, but they know that they are great players and that they will be successful in their future. I respect them all to death.

This Women’s Hockey Program means a lot to me. I am very happy to call all the players my friend.

RIT Men’s Team and the Unfair End

Interviewing Head Coach, Wayne Wilson

Getting to speak with Head Coach, Wayne Wilson, and his team on a weekly basis was amazing. It provided some great insight for my blog and Tiger Tailgate. Thank you for opening up to me again and allowing me to cover you guys again. It is always fun being able to joke around.

I thank the Seniors especially for all the hard work they put in daily for our program. The way it ended was difficult, and I feel for you guys. COVID-19 eventually shut down the second-round match against Air Force, a game we were all looking forward to, and prematurely ended your careers at RIT. It is gut-wrenching knowing this team could have gone far.

One day, I know we will lift another Atlantic Hockey Trophy and eventually our first NCAA Trophy. The hard work from the team will get us there.

Lastly, I want to reiterate that I never thought I was going to be doing something like this in college. It is truly amazing and awesome to have all of these opportunities that I feel I have worked hard towards.

RIT Hockey means a lot to me, and I am excited about next year, where the team will be, and the new adventure.

A special thanks to the following (I may have forgotten people): My Family and Friends, RIT Men’s and Women’s Hockey Programs, Ed Trefzgar, Scott Bigger, Matt Campbell, Andrew Bentkowski, Lauren Paige, Mitch Schauer, KD Haughton, Cody Vincent, Rocky Perrotta, Stephen Jaynes, Tim Volkmann, Anthony Moscaret, Dan Scully, Zach Carrier, Wayne Wilson, Brian Hills, Len Perno, Dave Insalaco, Nate VanKouwenberg, Steve Henchen, Chad Davis, and Hannah McGowan.

GO TIGERS!