Played on Jan 3, 2026
Game Played in Gene Polisseni Center
General Game Notes: RIT first-year forward Evan Konyen scored what proved to be the game-winning goal early in the first period while sophomore goaltender Jakub Krbecek tied a career-high with 44 saves as the Tigers upset No. 8 Penn State.
Jackson Smith (D, L, 6’4″, 199, Penn State, 05/07/2007, Penn State)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Smith stands out as a dynamic, fluid-skating defenseman who moves with a level of ease that immediately grabs attention. His agility and edge control let him work the blue line confidently, creating shooting lanes and keeping plays alive even when traffic closes in. Under pressure, he escapes with sharp footwork and smart routes, using his vision to bait defenders before distributing the puck to the right option. In his own zone, he competes with purpose-using an active stick to disrupt plays and showing enough strength to battle along the boards and protect the crease area. He was easily the best skater on the ice all night, getting 5 shots on goal and logging over 25 minutes of ice time. He played all situations and was constantly coming back onto the ice. He also played with a bit of a physical edge around the defensive net and showed confidence with and without the puck.
Aiden Fink (RW, R, 5’9″, 161, Penn State, 11/24/2004, Penn State)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Fink brought a crafty, cerebral element to the game, constantly slipping into pockets of space and spotting options others might miss. His touch in tight quarters stood out, threading short, purposeful passes that put teammates into advantageous lanes. With quick hands and agile edges, he weaved through pressure to manufacture chances and keep plays alive. He also contributed reliably on draws and showed a solid grasp of his defensive duties, staying engaged and responsible in his own end. While he did not find the scoresheet, he was noticeable in the offensive zone as he showed his smart and slippery skill sets to beat defenders despite his smaller frame.
Jakub Krbecek (G, L, 6’2″, 202, RIT, 02/01/2003, RIT)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Krbecek brings a strong, imposing frame to the crease and knows how to leverage it. He reads pucks cleanly from distance, showing steady vision and controlled tracking on long-range attempts. At his peak, he uses his size aggressively stepping out to challenge, sealing off angles, and driving powerfully off his posts. His game carries a composed, balanced feel, staying tall through movements and rarely defaulting to a full butterfly unless the play demands it. He was tested throughout the game and made several second chance saves in tight situations, showing his athleticism. While he made 44 saves for the shutout win, there were some rebound control concerns at times.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images