SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The sixth-seeded Plattsburgh State Cardinals wrapped up their 2025–26 campaign with a 4–3 defeat to Skidmore College in the quarterfinal round of the State University of New York Athletic Conference Men's Ice Hockey Tournament on Wednesday night at the Skidmore Ice Arena.

Skidmore struck first at 16:59 of the opening period when Tyler Chenevert capitalized to give the Thoroughbreds a 1–0 lead after 20 minutes. Skidmore used that momentum in the second, with Coleman Jenkins extending the advantage to 2–0 less than four minutes in. Plattsburgh State responded quickly, as senior Brannon Butler (Toronto, Ontario/Boston Advantage) tallied a goal at 4:42 to pull the Cardinals within one. The Thoroughbreds regained control before intermission, with Shane Baker and Cooper Rice scoring to make it 4–1 heading into the third period.

In the final frame, Plattsburgh State mounted a late-game push. Senior captain Spencer Bellina (Medina, Ohio/Chippewa Steel) beat Skidmore netminder Tommy Aitken at 12:03, and senior Jake Sacratini (Montreal, Quebec/AIC) added another tally with just one second remaining in regulation to cut the deficit to a goal. However, the comeback bid fell short as Skidmore held on for the 4–3 victory. Goaltender Tommy Aitken stopped 35 shots in the win for Skidmore, while Plattsburgh State first-year goaltender Brady Spry (Belleville, Ontario/Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL)made 34 saves in the loss.

Plattsburgh State finishes the season with a 13–13 overall record and a 9–9 mark in conference play, concluding a year of gritty effort and multiple tight contests. The Cardinals now turn their attention to offseason development as they look to build on a competitive campaign.