When the first puck dropped on a chilly evening in 1926, few could have imagined the longevity of the contest that would come to be known as the Route 11 Rivalry. Named for the highway that threads through upstate New York, the matchup pits two of the region’s most storied programs against each other each season.
Clarkson has long held the upper hand, boasting a cumulative record of 136‑78‑12 against St. Lawrence. The Golden Knights have also earned 22 NCAA tournament berths and seven Frozen Four appearances, underscoring a tradition of excellence that stretches back decades.
St. Lawrence, though often the runner‑up, has left its own mark. The Saints reached the NCAA championship game twice, only to fall on both occasions, a testament to the fine line that separates the two sides in this rivalry.
Home‑ice advantage has played a decisive role, with St. Lawrence winning roughly two dozen more games on its own rink. Yet both programs have experienced recent downturns, making each meeting feel like a fresh start and adding urgency to the series.
A Rivalry That Transcends the Ice
The 1999 ECAC championship final remains a highlight, a dramatic showdown that captured the imagination of fans and cemented the rivalry’s place in college hockey lore.
When the two teams met in January for the latest installment, tickets vanished in just 34 minutes, illustrating that despite the ebb and flow of form, the demand remains as fierce as ever.