Robert Morris Colonials (3-7-2 ; 1-0-1 CHA)
vs.
Ohio State Buckeyes (5-6-1 ; 1-1-0 CHA)
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 at 4:05 p.m.
Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, Ohio
Game Notes (PDF)
Top Story:
Series History: Today will be the fourth meeting in two years for the Buckeyes and the Colonials. In 2007-08, the Colonials took a 1-0-1 lead in the series after skating to a 5-5 deadlock at Mellon Arena in the first half of the series. In game two in Columbus, Ohio, RMU handed Ohio State a 4-3 loss. On November 14 of this season, the Buckeyes shut out the Colonials, 4-0, in the third annual Pittsburgh College Hockey Showcase.
Scouting the Buckeyes: Fresh off a two-game sweep of CCHA foe, #14 Nebraska-Omaha, the Buckeyes have been playing solid hockey as of late. Forced to come from behind in both victories against the Mavericks, the Buckeyes tallied a 4-3 win on Friday and a 3-2 win on Saturday. Head Coach John Markell is in his 14th season with Ohio State, owning a 250-240-47 career record. Players to Watch: Sophomore goalie, Dustin Carlson was recently named College Hockey's top player for November. He had a 6-1 record during the month. On the offensive side, Corey Elkins leads the team in scoring with four goals and eight assists in 12 games.
First Blood: So far in the 2008-09 season, Robert Morris has yet to score the first goal in any match up. The Colonials have been outscored 28-47 in the first 13 games and outscored 7-16 in the first period. RMU allowed three goals in the first period during the Lake Superior State series. However, Colonial goaltending has been strong early, making 126 total saves in all first periods throughout the season.
Towsley is Tops: In last night's contest against Niagara, senior forward Jason Towsley recorded his third goal and fourth point in just two games. He picked up Robert Morris' first score of the night to tie the game at one late in the first period. Also, On November 24, 2008, Towsley led the Colonial scoring efforts in both games at LSSU tallying three points. For his efforts, Towsley was named CHA Offensive Player of the Week. In Friday's contest, Towsley recorded an assist on the Colonial's lone goal of the night. On Saturday, Towsley notched two goals against the Lakers. His first score gave Robert Morris its first lead of the weekend, putting the Colonials ahead 2-1. Just over a minute later, Towsley struck for a second time to extend the lead to 3-1 in favor of RMU.
Word from the Coach:
“We had a good game against OSU in the Pittsburgh College Hockey Showcase and we expect the same in Cleveland, said head coach Derek Schooley. "They are fast and have very good offensive talent. Also, Carlson played very well against us so it should be a tough weekend. ”
Hervato Commits: Head Coach Derek Schooley has announced that Zach Hervato signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his hockey career at RMU. Hervato is the first addition to the Class of 2013. A member of the bronze medal winning Team Canada East, he currently is a forward for the Smiths Falls Bears of the CJHL. While playing for Team Canada at the World Jr. A Challenge, Hervato picked up one goal and two assists.
CHA Accolades: On November 3, 2008 two RMU players, Chris Margott and Denny Urban were recognized for their outstanding play by the CHA. This was the third consecutive week Colonials earned awards from the CHA. Margott picked up his 100th career point as he scored RMU's first goal against UAH on Friday night. He also would go on to pick up the game tying goal with less than two minutes remaining. On Saturday, Margott put forth another strong performance when he tied the game at two all in the Colonials come from behind victory over the Chargers. He now is the leading scorer in the CHA with ten points. Urban had a solid four point weekend as he notched a helper on four of the six Robert Morris' goals. He also was +2 on the weekend, playing physical defense and breaking up numerous Charger scoring opportunities. Urban is currently the top scoring defenseman in the CHA.
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.
CHA Pre-Season Poll: In a poll conducted by College Hockey America, Robert Morris was tabbed to finish 3rd in the conference for the 2008-09 season. Niagara was the pre-season favorite garnering three of four first place votes. Bemidji State was selected to finish second, and Alabama-Huntsville tied with Robert Morris in the third slot. Also, senior forward Chris Margott was named to the Pre-season All-CHA team after his performance last season. Margott returns this year after finishing third in the league in scoring with 44 points.
