A Brief History

Cornell has done more than any other opponent to ruin Clarkson's life. The Golden Knights are a perpetual challenger for conference and national honors, and the Big Red seem always to be there to dash their hopes.

Clarkson Tech was strong from the moment of their inception in 1921, putting up great seasons in the 20's and 30's. In their old and hallowed barn, Walker Rink -- comparable to St. Lawrence's Appleton Arena -- the Golden Knights exploded onto the national stage in the late 50's. The 21-0-0 season in 1956 was marred only by Clarkson's refusal to participate in the NCAA tournament because several of their stars were ineligible.

Clarkson did get to the big show in 1956 and 1957, inaugurating a cycle of frustration which continues to this day: despite receiving 18 NCAA bids, Clarkson has only advanced as far as the title game thrice, losing each time. 1970 was particularly infuriating for Clarkson. After closing the season with 14 wins in their last 15 games, they fell to Cornell 3-2 in the ECAC final and then 6-4 in the NCAA final.

The frustration in Potsdam has built up ever since. Qualifying for the ECAC playoffs in all but one season -- most of that time while just 8 of 17 teams made it into the post-season -- they are continually thwarted by Cornell. 11 times, and in 7 of 9 F4 meetings, the Big Red have knocked them out of the ECAC tournament.

First Team All- Americans