RPI Coach Seth Appert Brings Laptop To Press Conference, Gets Suspended

The RPI Engineers were down 2-1 to their bitter Capital District rival, the Union Dutchmen, with 7.6 seconds left in the third period when the puck slipped by Union goalie Keith Kinkaid and into the back of the net. Tie game. We’re headed to overtime, right?

Ah, not so fast. The official immediately waved the play dead, saying that RPI sophomore forward C.J. Lee had made illegal contact with Kinkaid. The goal didn’t count. The Dutchmen won the game. And that’s when RPI coach Seth Appert got hilarious.

As we started to question [RPI defenseman Nick] Bailen about the play, Appert, who was off to the side in the media room, interrupted. He brought his laptop to the table, and showed everyone the video.

The Schenectady, NY Daily Gazette has video of the whole wild post-game spectacle, but apparently embed codes haven’t reached that part of the world yet. In any event, it’s well worth a click.

Appert shows the video to the media, then steps away saying he “doesn’t need to comment” while awkwardly forcing the spotlight back on his still-at-the-podium players.

More storytelling from veteran Daily Gazette sports writer Ken Schott:

After Bailen and teammate John Kennedy left the room, it was Appert’s turn to talk. The first question I asked was if he is worried about possibly getting fined by ECAC Hockey commissioner Steve Hagwell for showing the video to the media.

Appert was defiant with his response.

“Why? Is there a policy that you can’t show video? I think the ref should be concerned about it,” Appert said.

Well, it is showing up the officiating.

As it turns out, the ECAC did a bit more than just fine Appert. He was suspended by the conference for one-game “as a result of his post-game actions” after the game at Union. He’ll miss RPI’s game on Friday night against UConn.