Robert Morris Colonials (2-6-2 ; 1-0-1 CHA)
vs.
Lake Superior State Lakers (4-5-1 ; 3-4-1 CCHA)
Friday, Nov. 21, 2008 at 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008 at 5:05 p.m.
Taffy Abel Arena - Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.
Game Notes (PDF Version)
Media Information: Both games will be broadcast live on Sault Ste. Marie's local Rock 101 FM with a free audio webcast on www.rock101.net. A pay-per-view video webcast is available on the B2 network via www.lssulakers.com. Additionally, live stats can be found at www.ccha.org
Top Story: For the second consecutive weekend, the Colonials will face a CCHA opponent. Last weekend, Robert Morris hosted Ohio State in the Pittsburgh College Hockey Showcase. Although the Colonials put forth a strong effort, the Buckeyes blanked RMU, 4-0. So far this season, Robert Morris is 1-1-1 against the CCHA after they fought Ferris State to a tie and a win. "The Lakers are playing extremely well right now. Jim Roque has them playing hard and they are well coached," said head coach Derek Schooley. "Lake Superior has some very skilled players and they play tight defense. As always, this will be a challenging weekend. We have scored one goal in our last three games so we need to bear down around the net on our chances."
Series History: The Colonials and Lakers have not matched up in nearly three years. In the only two previous meetings during the 2005-06 season, Robert Morris traveled to Sault Ste. Marie for a Friday/Saturday series. In game one, the Colonials were shut out 0-3. However, RMU dropped a 3-4 decision in OT on Saturday.
Scouting the Lakers: In the last three outings, Lake Superior State has yet to come away with a win. However, the Lakers have forced two shootout situations and picked up a tie against CCHA rival, nationally ranked #8 Notre Dame. In their fourth year under head coach, Jim Roque (49-57-20), the Lakers are currently tied for fourth place in the CCHA.
Players to Watch: Junior forward Zac MacVoy leads the team with 12 points and six goals. He is tied for the second most goals in the CCHA. Another junior forward, Nathan Perkovich, has tallied seven points and is third in the CCHA for power play goals.
Think Pink: During the month of October, the Robert Morris University athletic department took part in the nationwide Breast Cancer Awareness Month while sporting pink athletic tape and collecting donations at home events. In addition, the RMU women's team will host two "Skate for the Cure" nights during their home contests next weekend. This weekend, the Lakers will also be lending their support for the cause on Friday night of the series. "Pink in the Rink" is set to be the theme.
First Blood: So far this season, Robert Morris has yet to score the first goal in any contest. The Colonials have been outscored 37-21 in the first ten games and outscored 5-12 in the first period. However, RMU has allowed only one goal in the first period in its last three games. But the Colonials have also struggled to put the puck in the net as they have scored a lone goal the last three times out.
Against the CCHA: The Colonials are 4-8-2 all-time against CCHA teams. In the opening home series of 2008-09, RMU beat and tied Ferris State. Last weekend, Robert Morris fell to CCHA team, Ohio State in the Pittsburgh College Hockey Showcase, 4-0. The Colonials tied Ohio State, 5-5, and defeated Ohio State, 4-3, in their only meetings against a CCHA team last season. Robert Morris split their series with nationally ranked Notre Dame during the 2006-07 season, before dropping a pair of games to Miami (Ohio).
Home Sweet Home: In both two-game series that Robert Morris has hosted at the Island Sports Center this year, the team has yet to be beaten. Against Ferris State, the Colonials defeated the Bulldogs on Friday night and tied them on Saturday. When playing CHA foe Alabama-Huntsville , the Colonials came from behind to skate to a 4-4 deadlock on Friday and rallied to win 3-2 on Saturday.
Welcome to the 100 Point Club: On Friday, October 31, 2008, senior Chris Margott picked up his 100th career point as he scored RMU's first goal against Alabama-Huntsville. This makes him only the second player in RMU hockey history to accomplish such a feat. He went on to total four point in the series, recording three goals and one assist.
50th Win:The October 17 , 2008 win over Ferris State marked the 50th win in Colonial Hockey history. Also, the win gave Head Coach Derek Schooley his 50th career victory. Coach Schooley has been with the Robert Morris hockey program since it's creation in 2004.
The 2008-09 Season: The Robert Morris University men's ice hockey team graduated 14 seniors in the Class of 2008. Since the completion of the 2007-08 season, ten Colonials have signed professional contracts with various AHL, CHL and ECHL franchises. The current Colonial roster features 15 newcomers - 12 freshmen and three transfers. This year's squad has only eight upperclassmen as 21 players on the roster hold freshmen or sophomore status.
