Anchorage, Alaska ? The Robert Morris University men's ice hockey team used three, third-period power-play goals to nock off eighth ranked Boston University in its opening game at the Nye Frontier Classic. With the, 3-2, victory the Colonials have started, 1-0, for the third time in the programs four-year history.
“Christian Boucher played outstanding in goal for us tonight,” said head coach Derek Schooley. “Our seniors stepped up in the third period and provided great leadership for our team. I am very proud of the team, but we need to realize this is just one game and we need to come back tomorrow and do it again.”
The Colonials fell behind early with two Boston University goals. One coming from Jason Lawrence at the 8:11 mark of the first period and the second coming from Brian McGuirk just 2:24 into the third session.
RMU would not go away quietly as they would score three power-play goals in the final 14 minutes of the game. The first goal came from senior Sean Berkstresser (Apollo, Pa. / Pittsburgh Forge). Chris Margott (Thousand Oaks, Calif. / Bay State Breakers) and Scott Kobialko (Spruce Grove, Alberta / Camrose Kodiaks) picked up assists on the play.
Just 1:19 seconds later, Kobialko tied the game at two with his first career goal. Ryan Cruthers (Farmingdale, N.Y. / Army) and Margott picked up the assists on Kobialko's goal. Junior Jason Towsley (Lasalle, Ontario / Leamington Flyers) netted the game-winner at the 10:06 mark of the final session, off passes from Tom Biondich (International Falls, Minn. / Wichita Falls Rustlers) and Dave Cowan (Calgary, Alberta / Olds Grizzlys).
Senior goalie Christian Boucher (Orleans, Ontario / Cumberland Grads) made 33 saves on 35 shots for the Colonials, while Karson Gillespie stopped 12-of-15 shots that he faced.
Boston University outshot RMU 35-15, while the Colonials held Boston University off the board on the power-play going 7-7 in penalty killing situations. RMU also converted 3-of-6 power-play opportunities.
The Colonials return to action Saturday, Oct. 13 as they close out the Nye Frontier Classic against CHA foe Wayne State. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:07 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
