Early Outlook on RIT

Courtesy of RIT

The Huskies will be playing two games against CHA opponents this upcoming season; one of them will be against the RIT Tigers, which enters its second season at the DI level. The Tigers recently released their incoming class, and it looks as if all of the players will be making an impact for the team right away.

Coach Scott McDonald has recruited 10 girls to his team; four forwards, two defensmen, two swing players, and two goaltenders. All around, this incoming class looks strong; RIT plays a gritty style of hockey and these players will complement what is already in place. Coach McDonald is one of the best recruiters that RIT has had; before becoming the women’s head coach, he was an assistant on the men’s team, and was able to bring in some of the talent that helped bring the team to the 2010 Frozen Four. Once moving to the women’s side, McDonald was able to fish in a lot of strong and quick-footed players, who were able to easily outskate all of their DIII opponents. Under his coaching, the Tigers won the 2012 DIII NCAA Champions.

Binnington Courtesy of the Democrat and Chronicle

The strength of the Tigers lays in their defensive zone. With the steady goaltending of Ali Binnington, the RIT defense can play aggressively, knowing she will be there for support. A lot of the games that the Tigers played this season were decided by one goal; with a strong defensive system set in place, they are likely to continue this trend next season. The Tigers will be losing three of their top six leading goal scorers from last season, so they will be looking for the incoming freshman to make an impact right away in the offensive zone.

Entering only their second season at the DI level, the Tigers are still building. They are in the College Hockey America (CHA) conference, which is the conference of Frozen Four participant Mercyhurst, as well as Penn State, who also just wrapped up their first DI season. Overall, the Tigers are looking to build on their previous season and this incoming class is just what the team needs to do that.

To read the full release, click here.