Michigan vs Bentley - 5:30 PM, 3/27
Minnesota-Duluth vs Penn State - 9:00 PM, 3/27
Final - 3/29
As y'all probably know by now, I'm going to be boots on the ground in Albany. Though my coverage pales in comparison to Jane's (or really, any actual reporter), I'll be giving updates here about both my general travels as well as the games, both in pictures and in commentary. (Don't worry, I'll be watching the Cornell game(s) on my phone and repping the Cornell red :D )
I'm mostly just hoping for good things for Kyler Kovich. And really, don't we all?
If there's anywhere I should stop by in Albany (for food or just to burn time/see stuff), do drop a recommendation - I'm already planning to hit up the New York State Museum, as well as the Albany Institute of History and Art. Will probably head back to Crossgates as well.
(...Also, now realizing I'll have to get back to my hotel at 11:30 PM, or later, on a Friday night...)
(...I need to socialize with people around me to get a ride...)
Quote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 11:33:30 AMMichigan vs Bentley - 5:30 PM, 3/27
Minnesota-Duluth vs Penn State - 9:00 PM, 3/27
Final - 3/29
As y'all probably know by now, I'm going to be boots on the ground in Albany. Though my coverage pales in comparison to Jane's (or really, any actual reporter), I'll be giving updates here about both my general travels as well as the games, both in pictures and in commentary. (Don't worry, I'll be watching the Cornell game(s) on my phone and repping the Cornell red :D )
I'm mostly just hoping for good things for Kyler Kovich. And really, don't we all?
If there's anywhere I should stop by in Albany (for food or just to burn time/see stuff), do drop a recommendation - I'm already planning to hit up the New York State Museum, as well as the Albany Institute of History and Art. Will probably head back to Crossgates as well.
(...Also, now realizing I'll have to get back to my hotel at 11:30 PM, or later, on a Friday night...)
(...I need to socialize with people around me to get a ride...)
Now that Bombers Burrito Bar has rung down the curtain and joined the choir invisibule, as it were, I don't have any actual Albany recommendations. But to the extent Troy isn't too far for you, the Plum Blossom is still pretty much the best and most creative Chinese food I've had anywhere and in a gorgeously sculpted setting.
Don't care all that much about the outcomes in this one, but it'd be hilarious to see Bentley with two upsets. That said, I
picked Penn State over Michigan so that Cornell could upset Penn State in Vegas.
Whoever is eating the egg and chive thing on this bus: I hope you break into hives.
Look, I get things like protein bars, cookies, Cheez-its, snacks like that. Whatever, fine. But there should be a rule that you're not allowed to eat highly fragrant food on a long haul bus. I thought it was common sense, but.
Restaurant recommendations from my brother-in-law who lives in Albany:
Iron Gate Cafe
Shining Rainbow for Chinese
And well the Statehouse has tours:
https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/capitol-walk-tours
Looking forward to your coverage!!
This restaurant has had great reviews for years:
https://www.cafecapriccio.com/
I have only visited a now defunct place owned by the same people in Troy.
93 miles to Albany, as per the sign on the road. Only 8 to Utica.
If you think I overshare, the girls behind me are discussing when they ordered wings and, I quote, "didn't shit" after them. This was repeated multiple times. So the entire bus can hear it. That and the lady next to me watching YouTube shorts in Vietnamese with the sound on. (And I can tell because the captions are in Latin script and look like Vietnamese.)
How many miles to Albany? 10! Thank God.
At the hotel! Still as crappy as I remember 🥰 but it looks like the tableside lights are working this time, which means I should be able to charge my stuff here! Woot!
Probably just going to swing by the grocery store and do some cheap shopping and call it a day. Don't need to get scammed again with $15 egg rolls haha. But tomorrow I'm going to try to get out early and do some stuff before the games, and hopefully I'll get to try a few restaurant recommendations too!
Quote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 05:53:55 PMAt the hotel! Still as crappy as I remember 🥰 but it looks like the tableside lights are working this time, which means I should be able to charge my stuff here! Woot!
Probably just going to swing by the grocery store and do some cheap shopping and call it a day. Don't need to get scammed again with $15 egg rolls haha. But tomorrow I'm going to try to get out early and do some stuff before the games, and hopefully I'll get to try a few restaurant recommendations too!
Where are you staying?
Quote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 05:53:55 PMAt the hotel! Still as crappy as I remember 🥰 but it looks like the tableside lights are working this time, which means I should be able to charge my stuff here! Woot!
Probably just going to swing by the grocery store and do some cheap shopping and call it a day. Don't need to get scammed again with $15 egg rolls haha. But tomorrow I'm going to try to get out early and do some stuff before the games, and hopefully I'll get to try a few restaurant recommendations too!
I already mentioned Wolff's, but closer, the Lark St. Tavern and Lionheart have good vibes. Lark St. Tavern says they have open mic comedy on Thursdays if you want to most likely cringe. Lionheart is very British pub with darts and fish n chips like stuff
Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 26, 2026, 05:59:01 PMQuote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 05:53:55 PMAt the hotel! Still as crappy as I remember 🥰 but it looks like the tableside lights are working this time, which means I should be able to charge my stuff here! Woot!
Probably just going to swing by the grocery store and do some cheap shopping and call it a day. Don't need to get scammed again with $15 egg rolls haha. But tomorrow I'm going to try to get out early and do some stuff before the games, and hopefully I'll get to try a few restaurant recommendations too!
Where are you staying?
(https://i.ibb.co/VcVqxvBn/IMG20260326174245.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sdjVCF3x)
Same place as last time!
Quote from: RichH on March 26, 2026, 07:12:02 PMQuote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 05:53:55 PMAt the hotel! Still as crappy as I remember 🥰 but it looks like the tableside lights are working this time, which means I should be able to charge my stuff here! Woot!
Probably just going to swing by the grocery store and do some cheap shopping and call it a day. Don't need to get scammed again with $15 egg rolls haha. But tomorrow I'm going to try to get out early and do some stuff before the games, and hopefully I'll get to try a few restaurant recommendations too!
I already mentioned Wolff's, but closer, the Lark St. Tavern and Lionheart have good vibes. Lark St. Tavern says they have open mic comedy on Thursdays if you want to most likely cringe. Lionheart is very British pub with darts and fish n chips like stuff
Yes, I
have to do Wolff's this time! And ooo, British pub sounds fun.
Quote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 07:13:43 PMQuote from: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 26, 2026, 05:59:01 PMQuote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 05:53:55 PMAt the hotel! Still as crappy as I remember 🥰 but it looks like the tableside lights are working this time, which means I should be able to charge my stuff here! Woot!
Probably just going to swing by the grocery store and do some cheap shopping and call it a day. Don't need to get scammed again with $15 egg rolls haha. But tomorrow I'm going to try to get out early and do some stuff before the games, and hopefully I'll get to try a few restaurant recommendations too!
Where are you staying?
(https://i.ibb.co/VcVqxvBn/IMG20260326174245.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sdjVCF3x)
Same place as last time!
The Red-draped Inn.
Quote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 07:13:43 PM(https://i.ibb.co/VcVqxvBn/IMG20260326174245.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sdjVCF3x)
Same place as last time!
That's inspired repurposing of the prior Ramada Plaza's sign:
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRmsP_hHexbVMCIXvHpvKW5VQAmhn490P_DOA&s)
Quote from: marty on March 26, 2026, 07:19:46 PMQuote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 07:13:43 PMQuote from: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 26, 2026, 05:59:01 PMQuote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 05:53:55 PMAt the hotel! Still as crappy as I remember 🥰 but it looks like the tableside lights are working this time, which means I should be able to charge my stuff here! Woot!
Probably just going to swing by the grocery store and do some cheap shopping and call it a day. Don't need to get scammed again with $15 egg rolls haha. But tomorrow I'm going to try to get out early and do some stuff before the games, and hopefully I'll get to try a few restaurant recommendations too!
Where are you staying?
(https://i.ibb.co/VcVqxvBn/IMG20260326174245.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sdjVCF3x)
Same place as last time!
The Red-draped Inn.
Dude this place is lowkey terrifying... but it IS cheap...
Quote from: JasonN95 on March 26, 2026, 07:30:46 PMQuote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 07:13:43 PM(https://i.ibb.co/VcVqxvBn/IMG20260326174245.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sdjVCF3x)
Same place as last time!
That's inspired repurposing of the prior Ramada Plaza's sign:
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRmsP_hHexbVMCIXvHpvKW5VQAmhn490P_DOA&s)
Precisely 😂
Quote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 07:14:11 PMQuote from: RichH on March 26, 2026, 07:12:02 PMQuote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 05:53:55 PMAt the hotel! Still as crappy as I remember 🥰 but it looks like the tableside lights are working this time, which means I should be able to charge my stuff here! Woot!
Probably just going to swing by the grocery store and do some cheap shopping and call it a day. Don't need to get scammed again with $15 egg rolls haha. But tomorrow I'm going to try to get out early and do some stuff before the games, and hopefully I'll get to try a few restaurant recommendations too!
I already mentioned Wolff's, but closer, the Lark St. Tavern and Lionheart have good vibes. Lark St. Tavern says they have open mic comedy on Thursdays if you want to most likely cringe. Lionheart is very British pub with darts and fish n chips like stuff
Yes, I have to do Wolff's this time! And ooo, British pub sounds fun.
Looking at the menu, it's less British than I remember.
Next to Wolff's is the former "Miss Albany" diner which is now a ramen place. Really great historical art deco diner building.
Quote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 07:13:43 PMQuote from: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 26, 2026, 05:59:01 PMQuote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 05:53:55 PMAt the hotel! Still as crappy as I remember 🥰 but it looks like the tableside lights are working this time, which means I should be able to charge my stuff here! Woot!
Probably just going to swing by the grocery store and do some cheap shopping and call it a day. Don't need to get scammed again with $15 egg rolls haha. But tomorrow I'm going to try to get out early and do some stuff before the games, and hopefully I'll get to try a few restaurant recommendations too!
Where are you staying?
Same place as last time!
Gotcha. I usually stay out in Colonie.
But then again, I have a car.
Quote from: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 26, 2026, 08:03:41 PMQuote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 07:13:43 PMQuote from: Jeff Hopkins '82 on March 26, 2026, 05:59:01 PMQuote from: stereax on March 26, 2026, 05:53:55 PMAt the hotel! Still as crappy as I remember 🥰 but it looks like the tableside lights are working this time, which means I should be able to charge my stuff here! Woot!
Probably just going to swing by the grocery store and do some cheap shopping and call it a day. Don't need to get scammed again with $15 egg rolls haha. But tomorrow I'm going to try to get out early and do some stuff before the games, and hopefully I'll get to try a few restaurant recommendations too!
Where are you staying?
Same place as last time!
Gotcha. I usually stay out in Colonie.
But then again, I have a car.
Yeahhhhhh. There were a couple places in Colonie that looked nice for a similar price but I quickly reminded myself that I do Not have a car and therefore that's a little risky, lol.
Quote from: RichH on March 26, 2026, 07:37:41 PMNext to Wolff's is the former "Miss Albany" diner which is now a ramen place. Really great historical art deco diner building.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Tanpopo_Ramen%2C_formerly_Miss_Albany_Diner_and_Lil%27s_Diner%2C_Broadway%2C_Albany_New_York.jpg/1920px-Tanpopo_Ramen%2C_formerly_Miss_Albany_Diner_and_Lil%27s_Diner%2C_Broadway%2C_Albany_New_York.jpg)
First stop, Navigator card so I don't lose all my singles.
Second stop, Albany city hall! Will be stopping by the State Capitol at noon for a guided tour, but for now, a little free wandering :) They have some really nice art here. And the architecture!
(https://i.ibb.co/RknCY1NM/IMG20260327104706.jpg) (https://ibb.co/39X04wv8)
UMD fans spotted: 1 group
PSU fans spotted: 1 guy with a jacket
Mich fans spotted: easily half a dozen groups by now. I shot the shit with one lady who told me Albany was MUCH cheaper than Chicago (presumably, where basketball is).
Off to burn some more time at the museum pre-game :)
(https://i.ibb.co/8DG9xfc8/IMG20260327103435.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PZJgWPQC)
(https://i.ibb.co/fV3fLqpv/IMG20260327103658.jpg) (https://ibb.co/j9CmsbMR)
(https://i.ibb.co/m57ZYQjH/IMG20260327103934.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N2zDkwvL)
(https://i.ibb.co/NdWX0nB1/IMG20260327105048.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xtzyn8Tm)
(https://i.ibb.co/0yj93v0W/IMG20260327120053.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5hWjVwQz)
(https://i.ibb.co/CKK8GYjZ/IMG20260327120120.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gZZ9Kf0p)
(https://i.ibb.co/RT71gvLs/IMG20260327121159.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4RJcFmBX)
(https://i.ibb.co/20GKqZWt/IMG20260327122603.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FkR76Hmw)
(https://i.ibb.co/pBX97yVW/IMG20260327123358.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wF6xksGJ)
(https://i.ibb.co/PZ8c9Xyg/IMG20260327124453.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RpW3BrKc)
(https://i.ibb.co/My2NFXqk/IMG20260327124921.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wZ065vDh)
(https://i.ibb.co/5gdvQ8Cg/IMG20260327125033.jpg) (https://ibb.co/G4XkZ2G4)
(https://i.ibb.co/3mNDCRJt/IMG20260327130506.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tps7JLdy)
(https://i.ibb.co/0jV5XP5j/IMG20260327130655.jpg) (https://ibb.co/d0JZcnZ0)
(https://i.ibb.co/twTcNWRW/IMG20260327133707.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ymc5Mb2b)
(https://i.ibb.co/DfNTTQtk/IMG20260327133813.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Zz377xVK)
(https://i.ibb.co/RGd2c9sR/IMG20260327135334.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XfMXtbKc)
(https://i.ibb.co/4RBqF1c2/IMG20260327135749.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VYX1Lwdx)
(https://i.ibb.co/M555n2C6/IMG20260327141841.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XkkkX2C8)
(https://i.ibb.co/NdW1svdt/IMG20260327142123.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LX9Q8FXY)
Great pictures
Thanks for sharing
Makes me want to visit Albany, thanks
(https://i.ibb.co/Tx7rFXMR/IMG20260327164021.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rRzv1P2M)
SO I MIGHT HAVE THE BEST SEATS IN THE FUCKING HOUSE???
List of weird jerseys/teams to root for I've seen so far:
Union fans (very nice, not that weird given they're hosting)
NoDak
UNH, pinned the fuck out
Quinnipiac
I think there's Army?
Me, in my Cornell red
RPI
BC Eagles
Quote from: stereax on Today at 04:42:18 PM(https://i.ibb.co/Tx7rFXMR/IMG20260327164021.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rRzv1P2M)
SO I MIGHT HAVE THE BEST SEATS IN THE FUCKING HOUSE???
I think your standards may be being influenced by the ridiculous "below the goal line" seats we had in Lake Placid.
Quote from: andyw2100 on Today at 04:45:26 PMQuote from: stereax on Today at 04:42:18 PM(https://i.ibb.co/Tx7rFXMR/IMG20260327164021.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rRzv1P2M)
SO I MIGHT HAVE THE BEST SEATS IN THE FUCKING HOUSE???
I think your standards may be being influenced by the ridiculous "behind the goal line" seats we had in Lake Placid.
I'm behind the beeeeench and I'm pretty sure my line of sight is direct for the equipment managerrrrrrr I'm in my happy place don't bother me 💜
Plus I'm close to the red line! So I should have good views of the entire ice. And only four rows up, too. Beautiful. AND next to the tunnel!
Quote from: stereax on Today at 04:43:37 PMUNH, pinned the fuck out
We've seen that guy at about a hundred tournament games. My game-worn Cornell sweater used to be dotted with dozens of pins and I still never compared with that guy.
BearLover's biggest opp:
(https://i.ibb.co/QF1x5n9q/IMG20260327165830.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ynbx350M)
Quote from: fastforward on Today at 03:48:23 PMGreat pictures
Thanks for sharing
Quote from: Snowball on Today at 03:58:14 PMMakes me want to visit Albany, thanks
I'm taking eLynah with me!!!
I think someone else yelled red with me during the anthem!!!
Sitting next to the Q fans. They're pleasant :) wished us luck!
Hey stearate, what's your trick for posting photos?
Ben Robertson name-checked on the broadcast as he helps clear the D-zone.
Quote from: stereax on Today at 05:31:04 PMSitting next to the Q fans. They're pleasant :) wished us luck!
Pretty sure this is you...(https://i.ibb.co/ZpNfKGGZ/20260327-173553.jpg)
Quote from: Chris H82 on Today at 05:37:34 PMHey stereax, what's your trick for posting photos?
I hate auto-correct....
Quote from: Beeeej on Today at 05:38:30 PMBen Robertson name-checked on the broadcast as he helps clear the D-zone.
Who?
Dueling "Let's go Bentley!" and "Let's go Blue!" chants.
It's not super loud in here (without chants) but my right ear is still static-ing. Hopefully this wears off sooner rather than later.
The Bentley contingent is loud! Hell yeah.
Mich has a cowbell in the band... and needs to remind us.
Did y'all know the Bentley goalie, Swedin, is 5'10"? And 151 lbs.
Bentley also has a Castagna on their team!
Nice save by Swedin!
Bentley does R&R part 2 as well. But no "you suck"s.
Terrible Falcons turnover leads to a TJ Hughes goal. 1-0, UMich.
Quote from: andyw2100 on Today at 05:40:05 PMQuote from: stereax on Today at 05:31:04 PMSitting next to the Q fans. They're pleasant :) wished us luck!
Pretty sure this is you...(https://i.ibb.co/ZpNfKGGZ/20260327-173553.jpg)
hi
Quote from: Chris H82 on Today at 05:41:14 PMQuote from: Chris H82 on Today at 05:37:34 PMHey stereax, what's your trick for posting photos?
I hate auto-correct....
img.bb! And take the BBCode from there.
Oh Ben
UMich gets a powerplay. Not much Bentley can do on it.
Another nice Swedin glove save.
Bentley's 2 goes down the tunnel. Oof. And with him, the medical lady.
Big collision between UMich 92 and Bentley 15 by the boards.
New pair of gloves for Bentley 21.
Okay, connecting to rink wifi, trying to get the Cornell game floating...
Rink is surprisingly pretty full. Bentley 2 finally comes back.
"Your event is starting soon". Bleh. But I'm anxious NOW!
Nice pass, with nobody to receive it.
Some jerk is yelling at the backup Bentley goalie, saying nobody opens the door better than him. Odd choice of player to taunt.
HOLY SHIT ROBERTSON FROM BEHIND THE BLUE LINE??? DID IT MAKE IT IN ON TIME???
Good goal!!!
2-0 Michigan.
HIS FIRST OF THE YEAR???
Period 2 starting.
Nice block by Spence there.
Bentley player bowls into his own goalie. Ooh, delayed penalty. Time for the UMich PP.
And Bentley 22 down the tunnel, throwing his stick and gloves. One of the rink attendants closes the door to the tunnel.
I'm trying SO hard to pay attention to this game but the Cornell game is on my phone...
No call on that? The UMich guy pulled him down...
Star Wars theme from the Mich band.
Ivankovic makes a SPRAWLING save there. Wow.
Bentley band pulls out Levitating by Dua Lipa.
More backup goalie door taunts. The guy doing it, predictably, has a stein of beer in his hand.
Bentley to the PK. Their guy kinda throws a UMich guy down.
Bentley's band now playing Tequila. Fun!
Holy dance by UMich 18 there trying to solo a powerplay. Couple of nice chances.
AND IT'S THREE! Moldenhauer. 3-0 UMich.
Bentley playing with a lot more pace right now. When you're down by 3 you kinda gotta...
AND THAT'S FOUR. Ivankovic celebrating from his goal. Muscott. 4-0, UMich.
Bentley to the powerplay now. Both teams tap their sticks for armed forces members.
"Bevilacqua!" chant for the backup goalie by the UMich trolls.
Even Mich fans are yelling for Bentley to shoot lmaoooo
Hideously offside and now a scrum!!!
Stripes seem to have problems getting out of the way again.
NICE save by Swedin. Poor dude.
This place is pretty packed. Not full, but not too many open seats. Decent amount of people in the upper bowl, even.
Let's go Bentley chant still loud even down 4.
End 2, 4-0 UMich.
Start of the third.
I'm so stupidly invested in the Cornell game I'm only half watching this one.
UMich penalty. Nice shorthanded chance but Swedin takes it to the mask.
Puck hops to the bench and Bevilacqua grabs it. 106 erupts with NICE SAVEs.
Ref had to separate two players, lol.
Coinciding roughing minors! It's that point of the game. 4 on 4 time.
Still hate seeing myself on cameta, bless.
That is a CONTINGENT of RIT fans.
Bentley band pulls out We're Gonna Start A Fight. Heck yeah.
And UMich scores, 5-0.
BENTLEY SCORED A GOAL
5-1 final for UMich. Bentley did well, all things considered.
The kids here are already trying to graft the equipment managers for sticks and, surprisingly, drinks of water.
Holy fuck the amount of kids here to see mckenna
(https://i.ibb.co/KQggWq2/IMG20260327201654.jpg) (https://ibb.co/38bbcNp)
CORNELL JERSEY SPOTTED
Man this game is so much more fun already.
Is that former Devils prospect Artem Shlaine??
Kovich! Takes one to the ass.
Scramble in front of the UMD net stays out.
Both Jackson Smith and Aiden Fink use ghost sticks. Cool!
Nice glove by the PSU goalie.
Damn what a hit!
Van Olm! PSU 1-0.