Bemidji, Minn. - The Robert Morris University men's ice hockey team returned to its conference slate on Friday evening in the John S. Glas Fieldhouse as they took on No. 6/7 Bemidji State University. As the CHA's top squad, the Beavers took immediate control with their explosive offense as they downed the Colonials, 5-1.
RMU, still holding onto the second spot in the CHA standings, moves to 7-14-4 overall and 3-5-4 in CHA play after the loss.
The Beavers wasted no time getting on the board as it took them just over one minute into the first period to claim the early 1-0 lead. On a power play, the CHA's top scoring freshman, Jordan George, notched his opening goal of the night.
Midway through the session, the Beavers tacked on a second tally thanks to Ian Lowe at the 13:56 mark.
Despite shots being tied at the end of the one, Bemidji State continued to pull away as the Beavers extended their lead to three with George's second marker of the night scored 34 seconds into the second period.
Finally at 8:04 of the middle frame, sophomore James Lyle (Nepean, Ontario / Smiths Falls Bears) broke through to net the Colonials first and only goal of the contest. Assists on Lyle's first of the season were awarded to Andrew Blazek (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Topeka Roadrunners) and Stefan Salituro (Willodale, Ontario / Mahoning Valley Phantoms).
With the assist, Blazek has recorded a point in four of the last five games for the Colonials.
With the score 3-1 in favor of the Beavers, BSU regained its three goal advantage at 13:10 of the second with an even strength marker from Tyler Lehrke.
Heading into the last intermission down 4-1, RMU owned the edge on shots 23-20.
In the third period, the Colonials slapped another 10 shots on net but came up empty handed. With only 30 seconds left in the game, Lowe got his second of the night with an empty net goal to seal the Beavers, 5-1, victory.
Robert Morris was a disappointing zero-for-six on the man-advantage while Bemidji State converted on one of its five power play chances.
Sophomore Brooks Ostergard (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Bay State Breakers) made 27 saves while allowing four Beaver goals in his 19th start of the 2009-10 campaign.
The two teams will face off again tomorrow night on the campus of Bemidji State at 7:05 p.m.
