Princeton Edges Clarkson, 4-3

Princeton University extended its home winning streak this season to five games with a 4-3 triumph over conference rival Clarkson University last night at Hobey Baker Rink. Tigers junior forward Kai Daniells notched the game-winning goal in the third period, his second straight game-winner and sixth goal of the weekend, to complete Princeton's comeback from a two-goal first-period deficit.

"We've got to make our own breaks," said Princeton head coach Ben Syer afterwards, "to compete and believe in ourselves and do it together."

Owen van Steensel (power-play) and Luke Pakulak scored 48 seconds apart to open the scoring for Clarkson midway through the opening period. Luc Pelletier then scored on a breakaway midway through the second stanza for the Tigers, shortly after he burst out of the penalty box after serving two minutes for tripping.

"That goal gave us a little bit of life, hope, whatever you want to call it," said Syer.

Kevin Anderson tied the contest early in the final frame, before Julian Fachinelli gave Princeton its first lead just under four minutes later. 

"We knew if we stuck to our game, we were too good not to break through," said Daniells post-game. "When we stick to our structure and play our game, we're as good as anyone in the conference."

Daniells then made it 4-2 with less than three minutes left, wristing a shot home from the high slot after skating right to left.

"He has skill," said Syer of Daniells. "When he plays hard, he's a different player, and he earned his goals this weekend. He didn't cheat the game, and he set the tone for the entire team."

Remi Gelinas tallied an extra attacker goal in the final minute to pull Clarkson within one, but Daniells won a faceoff with 1.6 seconds left in Princeton's defensive zone to seal the victory.

"I'm proud of them," said Syer about his team. "They competed and didn't quit. They stayed with it."

Conor Callaghan made 23 saves for the Tigers, and also added an assist on Pelletier's goal. 

"He was good," said Syer of Callaghan, who has started the last five games in net for the Tigers. "He made some timely saves, and he was real good for us."

Shane Soderwall, the 2024-25 NCAA Division III Player of the year at Curry College, stopped 24 shots for the Golden Knights, wo have lost their last five games overall, three of them by two goals or less. 

Princeton outshot Clarkson, 28-26, while the two schools went a combined 1-for-7 on the power play. The Tigers and Golden Knights will meet again on Jan. 30 in Potsdam, N.Y. to complete their season series.

Princeton (5-2-0 overall, 2-2-0 ECAC Hockey) steps out of conference play next weekend for two games at CCHA opponent Bowling Green. Clarkson (4-10-0, 1-5-0) will take part in the Adirondack Winter Invitational in Lake Placid, N.Y., along with Alaska Fairbanks, St. Lawrence and UMass Lowell. 

"It's going to be exciting, " said Daniels, who added that he has friends on this year's Bowling Green squad. "It's some school time off, to get out and play some hockey."