Clarkson's Season Ends with Pride and Promise for the Future

 

    Clarkson’s memorable season came to a close two weeks ago, falling 3-1 to Cornell in the ECAC Hockey Championship. The loss marked the end of the Golden Knights' most successful campaign record-wise since the 2019-20 season. Despite a strong showing throughout the year, a crowded national field and a few costly losses to lower-ranked teams meant that Clarkson's only shot at an NCAA Tournament berth was through the ECAC’s automatic bid ultimately claimed by Cornell.

Still, there’s plenty for the program to be proud of. The Knights were home to a roster of standouts, including ECAC Goalie of the Year Ethan Langenegger, Defensive Defenseman of the Year Trey Taylor, Coach of the Year J.F. Houle, and Player of the Year Ayrton Martino. Both Martino and Taylor recently signed two-year entry-level contracts with the Dallas Stars, with Taylor electing to forgo his final season at Clarkson to begin his pro career.

“I’m just really proud of this group,” said captain Ryan Richardson. “I think we turned the culture around at Clarkson and put it back on the right track and I think that showed.”

Defying Expectations Under New Leadership

Entering the season, Clarkson was picked to finish fourth in the ECAC Coaches Poll, though some media outlets had them as low as seventh, pointing to the uncertainty of a new coaching regime. J.F. Houle, previously head coach of the AHL’s Laval Rocket, joined Clarkson following a season in which Laval finished at the bottom of their division. Despite signing an extension in May, Houle chose to return to his alma mater, prioritizing a fresh challenge and a meaningful opportunity for his family.

“I’ve been in the pros for 12 years, and this was a chance for a new experience,” Houle explained. “I want to do everything I can to help Clarkson grow and improve. It’s also great for my family our son goes to school here.”

Houle’s leadership, paired with strong student captains Ryan Richardson, Trey Taylor, and Kaelan Taylor, fostered a winning mindset. Although Clarkson hit a few bumps in the road suffering losses to RIT, Alaska Fairbanks, St. Lawrence, RPI, and Princeton the Knights found their rhythm when it mattered most. They surged to second place finishes in both the ECAC regular season and playoff standings.

Their late-season consistency was key. Clarkson lost just five games in the second half, including only one in February, and delivered a strong playoff run. They knocked off a Harvard team with eleven NHL draft picks and outlasted a red-hot Dartmouth squad that had just upset Union.

Although the run ended in a narrow defeat to Cornell, Richardson summed it up perfectly: “A couple bounces short.”

Looking Ahead: A Period of Change

The offseason brings big changes for Clarkson. The team will lose eleven players to graduation, the pros, and the transfer portal. Departing are Richardson, Kaelan Taylor, Brady Parker, George Grannis, Caden Lewandowski, Garrett Dahm, Ayrton Martino, and Langenegger, while Trey Taylor heads to the NHL and both Ryan Taylor and Ray Fust have entered the portal.

Despite the turnover, the future remains bright. Key returners like Eric Bargholtz, Tristan Sarsland, Ryan Bottrill, and Talon Sigurdson are expected to anchor next year’s squad. They’ll be joined by a fresh wave of talent, continuing Clarkson’s tradition of recruiting from the Canadian major junior ranks; a strategy that will be tested in the upcoming season.

As for next year’s schedule, one marquee matchup is already locked in: Clarkson will host North Dakota on October 24 and 25. Known as one of college hockey’s powerhouse programs, North Dakota’s visit is sure to draw a packed crowd. Clarkson’s season is tentatively expected to begin with an exhibition game on October 4, though official details won’t be confirmed until mid-June.

With renewed focus, returning talent, and a hunger to climb back to the top, Clarkson has its sights set on Lake Placid once again, this time hoping to finish the climb.