Bemidji, Minn. – On Friday evening, the Robert Morris University men's hockey team kicked off conference play against the CHA's defending champions, #11 Bemidji State in John S. Glas Fieldhouse.  The Colonials played solid defense, holding the dangerous Beaver offense scoreless for the opening two periods of play.  However, the CHA's leading scorer, Matt Read, finally broke the deadlock midway through the third and propelled BSU past Robert Morris with his game winning goal.

In a nearly even first period, the Colonials put 10 shots on goal while the Beavers concluded with 11 shots of their own.  Each team also failed to convert on one power play chance.

The second period mirrored the first as another scoreless 20 minutes ticked away.  However, Bemidji State took the edge of shots with 15 as the Colonials were held to just seven.  Once again, the Colonials were shut out on two power play opportunities.

Finally at 8:23 of the third, Read notched his sixth of the year to give the Beavers the 1-0 lead.  Read's goal, assisted by Jordan George and Chris Peluso, would be all BSU needed to earn the victory.

With 45 seconds remaining, RMU pulled sophomore goalie, Brooks Ostergard (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Bay State Breakers) to send out an extra attacker.  But the man advantage was not enough as George netted an empty net goal to seal the 2-0 win for Bemidji State with 24 seconds left in the contest.

Ostergard made his fifth start of the season in goal for the Colonials and stopped 37 of the 38 Beaver shots on goal.  Robert Morris killed off all three BSU power plays, but did not score on the four of its own.  The Beavers also held the advantage on shots, 39-23.

Robert Morris (2-5-0 ; 0-1-0 CHA) and undefeated Bemidji State will face off again tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m.