In the season opening Ice Breaker Tournament in Madison, Wisconsin, Rensselaer won its opening game 5-1 over Wisconsin, scoring five unanswered goals after trailing 1-0. Kevin Kurk made 30 saves for the win. Scott Basiuk led RPI scorers with one goal and two assists.

In the championship game of the tournament, Boston University beat RPI 5-1, jumping out to a 3-0 lead after one period and never looking back. Nathan Marsters made 36 saves and Danny Eberly scored the lone goal. Both games were attended by over 10,000 spectators.