Niagara, NY – The Robert Morris University men's hockey team, under the direction of fifth year head coach Derek Schooley, took to the ice Saturday evening at Dwyer Arena against CHA rival, Niagara. The Colonials, hoping to snap a two game losing skid and close out of the first half of the season with a win, struggled in the second period and fell 3-0 to the Purple Eagles.
The Colonials had a chance to take a lead early, going their first power play of the night less than two minutes into play. However, RMU came up empty handed despite a strong break away attempt by senior forward Jason Towsley (LaSalle, Ontario / Leamington Flyers).
In general, the first period at Dwyer Arena was largely dominated by hard hitting and aggressive play by both squads as they held each other scoreless through the first twenty minutes. Junior goaltender Wes Russell (Springfield, Ill. / Quinnipiac) made his 13th start of 2008, tabbing seven saves in the first while the Colonial offense managed to pick up seven shots on goal.
The first half of the second period continued to mirror much of the action that took place in the first. However, the Purple Eagles found themselves on two quick power plays midway through the period. Robert Morris managed to kill off the first penalty, but was unable to do so on the second.
On their third power play of the night, senior forward Vince Rocco tallied his third score of the year to put Niagara up 1-0 at the 8:56 mark. The goal, scored exactly one minute into the power play, was assisted by juniors Chris Moran and Ryan Annesley.
Just seconds after killing off a four-on-three advantage in favor of the Colonials, Niagara's Jim Burichin slapped a rebound over Russell to extend the Purple Eagle's lead to two. Burichin's first of the season was assisted by Dan Baco and Ryan Olidis with 2:57 remaining in the second.
Unlike the third period in the teams' previous meeting this season, neither squad picked up a single penalty minute. The third period was a relatively quiet one, until Niagara sealed the win with their third goal. With 4:27 remaining in the game, David Ross recorded his fourth score of the year as he put the puck past Russell on the stick side. Helpers were awarded to Bryan Haczyk and Sam Goodwin.
Overall, Russell made 26 saves in Saturday evening's loss. The Purple Eagles outshot the Colonials 29-26 while RMU went zero-for-two on power play chances.
Robert Morris (3-10-2 ; 1-2-1 CHA) will see a break in the action over the next two weeks over winter break. On Saturday, January 3, 2009 the Colonials will return to the Island Sports Center to host American International in a two game series. Saturday's game is scheduled for a 7:35 p.m. start while Sunday's contest will face off at 4:05 p.m.
