Niagara University, N.Y. / Dwyer Arena - The Robert Morris University men's hockey team scored two third period goals to secure a 3-3 tie in College Hockey America action at Niagara University Saturday night. Robert Morris, now 13-16-2 overall and 9-8-1 in the CHA, received a goal and an assist from junior Sean Berkstresser (Apollo, Pa. / Pittsburgh Forge) while senior Aaron Clarke (Peterborough, Ontario / Niagara University) stretched his team record point streak to 11 games with a pair of assists.
Clarke now has five goals and eight assists for 13 points over the last 11 games. The senior also tied the season record with 21 assists, tying the mark set by senior Doug Conley (East Amherst, N.Y. / Tri-City Storm) last season. The previous point streak record was seven games set by sophomore Chris Margott (Thousand Oaks, Calif. / Bay State Breakers) last season. He had 11 points in his seven game run.
Trailing 3-1 heading into the third period, Robert Morris stormed Niagara in the third period. The Colonials registered 22 third period shots while holding the Purple Eagles to eight. Junior forward Ryan Cruthers (Farmingdale, N.Y. / Army) cut the lead to 3-2 with a power play goal 9:41 into the final frame. Berkstresser and Clarke had the helpers.
RMU junior Brett Hopfe (Didsbury, Alberta / Olds Grizzlys) tied the game just 35 seconds later on his first goal of the season. Juniors Tom Biondich (International Falls, Minn. / Wichita Falls Rustlers) and Joey Olson (Peoria, Ill. / Capital Centre Pride) earned the assists.
The Colonials fell behind in the first period when Ted Cook tallied his league leading 31st goal of the season on assists by Les Reaney and Sean Bentivoglio 14:32 into the first period.
Robert Morris tied the game on Berkstresser's power play goal at 1:48 of the second period on assists by Clarke and freshman Kyle Frieday (Burlington, Ontario / Oakville Blades). Niagara, however, would score twice before the second frame ended. Reaney got on the board at 3:58 and Vince Rocco knocked home his seventh of the year at 13:58 to send the game into the second intermission at 3-1.
Junior goaltender Christian Boucher (Orleans, Ontario / Cumberland Grads) got the decision for Robert Morris with 29 saves, including three in overtime. Allen Barton had 33 saves for the host Purple Eagles. RMU held a 36-32 advantage in shots and went 2-6 on the power play. Niagara failed to score on five opportunities.
The Colonials wrap up their regular season Friday and Saturday, March 2-3, as they host Wayne State at the RMU Island Sports Center. Face-off for both nights is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.
