Princeton Upsets Cornell to Reach ECAC Title Game

Tigers show resilience and commitment to reach their fifth league final in program history.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:00pm

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Princeton's men's hockey team pulled off an upset over two-time defending champion Cornell in the ECAC Tournament semifinal. The Tigers showed impressive resilience and team commitment to battle back from an early deficit and eventually win the game, earning a spot in the ECAC championship game. Princeton coach Ben Syer praised his team's effort and buy-in, while captain David Jacobs highlighted the squad's ability to stay positive and play for each other despite facing adversity.

Why it matters

Princeton has a history of making surprise runs in the ECAC Tournament, and this year's team has continued that tradition. Reaching the league final is a significant accomplishment for the program, especially after some early-season growing pains. The Tigers' resilient performance against the powerhouse Cornell squad demonstrates their development and potential to pull off an unlikely championship.

The details

After falling behind early, Princeton fought back with goals from David Jacobs and Julian Facchinelli to take the lead in the second period. When Cornell tied it late in the second, the Tigers regrouped and Joshua Karnish scored the game-winner in the third. Princeton's relentless forechecking, speed, and commitment to playing for each other were key factors in the upset victory.

  • Princeton topped Cornell in the ECAC semifinal on March 21, 2026.
  • The ECAC championship game is scheduled for the following day, March 22, 2026.

The players

Ben Syer

Princeton's head coach, who spent 13 years as an assistant at Cornell before taking over the Tigers' program.

David Jacobs

Princeton's team captain, who leads a squad that has been built in his image with players committed to supporting each other.

Joshua Karnish

The Princeton player who scored the game-winning goal in the third period to send the Tigers to the ECAC championship game.

Cornell

The two-time defending ECAC champion that was upset by Princeton in the semifinal.

Princeton

The men's hockey program that has a history of making surprise runs in the ECAC Tournament, including this year's appearance in the league final.

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What they’re saying

“I am just really proud of the guys here tonight. There were some ebbs and flows in the game we had to meet. Cornell is a tremendous team and they are deep. I just thought our guys were incredibly resilient, start to finish. It wasn't always pretty but a lot of key blocked shots and our guys played for each other.”

— Ben Syer, Princeton Head Coach

“We have been there many times. We have been down goals all year, but we have to stay positive. If we play the right way, we will get rewarded. We had to chip away at it and it was nice to get that first one to go in.”

— David Jacobs, Princeton Captain

“That was unbelievable down the stretch by our guys. We played for each other out there and we came prepared for everything that Cornell had to throw at us.”

— David Jacobs, Princeton Captain

What’s next

Princeton will face the winner of the other ECAC semifinal in the championship game on March 22, 2026, with a chance to win their fourth ECAC title in program history.

The takeaway

Princeton's resilient and team-first performance against the defending ECAC champions demonstrates the program's continued development under coach Ben Syer. The Tigers' ability to overcome adversity and play for each other has them one win away from an unlikely conference title, showcasing the power of commitment and belief in a team's identity.