Robert Morris vs. Holy Cross
Friday, November 15, 2013 - 7:05 p.m. - 84 Lumber Arena (1,200) - Pittsburgh, Pa.
Saturday, November 16, 2013 - 3:35 p.m. - 84 Lumber Arena (1,200) - Pittsburgh, Pa.
Video: www.americaonesports.com | Radio: 970 AM ESPN (Fri. Only) | Audio: Penguins Radio 24/7 (Sat. Only) | Live Stats: www.rmucolonials.com
Weekend Festivities
As a part of Robert Morris Men's Hockey Men's Cancer Awareness weekend, multiple events will take place during the two games against Holy Cross this weekend. Prior to the game on Friday, there will be a ceremonial puck drop including former RMU captain Chris Kushneriuk and the mother of current captain
Colin South, Beth South, both of whom are cancer survivors. Also on Friday, there will be a silent auction and post-game autograph session. On Saturday, a second ceremonial puck drop will take place with two members of the Riddle family dropping the puck after losing their father to cancer in August. On both days, there will be a 50/50 raffle and Krush Cancer shirts ($15) and bracelets ($5) will be available.
- Robert Morris returns home after a single road contest against Air Force to host a two-game series against Holy Cross on Friday and Saturday.
- Last time out, the Colonials dropped a road contest at Air Force by a score of 4-3 despite a pair of third period goals.
- Holy Cross played a pair of Atlantic Hockey contests last weekend, suffering losses to American International (1-0) and Bentley (3-2) in overtime.
Against Holy Cross
- The Colonials last met Holy Cross on Dec. 1, 2012 at Holy Cross where the two teams would tie, 1-1.
- Robert Morris is currently on a two-game unbeaten streak against the Crusaders, taking a win and a tie in the most-recent series between the two squads.
- At 84 Lumber Arena, RMU and Holy Cross have each won a game as this series marks the Crusaders second time coming to Pittsburgh.
- Three of the six games played between the two teams have gone into overtime as RMU is 1-1-1 in those games.
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Four current Colonials have scored goals against Holy Cross, but
Cody Wydo is the only one to record multiple goals as the junior has three goals in four games against the Crusaders.
- Holy Cross finished the 2012-2013 season with a record of 20-14-3 after suffering a quarterfinal exit againt Mercyhurst in three games.
- The Crusaders have started the 2013-2014 campaign with a 2-8-0 record and have lost their last three games played.
- Holy Cross' two victories this season have come against a pair of AHA foes, Sacred Heart and Army.
- Having played four AHA contests, Holy Cross is currently tied for sixth in the standings with four points. The Crusaders are tied with Connecticut and Canisius.
- Tim Driscoll leads Holy Cross with five assists and six points.
- The Crusaders have seven skaters with two goals this season, a number that is a team high through ten games.
- Matt Ginn has started every game for Holy Cross this season, landing him a record of 2-8-0 with a goals-against average of 3.01 and a .904 save percentage.
Where is Wydo
Junior
Cody Wydo is all over the national rankings through nine games this season. Wydo is currently tied for 92nd with 31 shots on goal, tied for 43rd with five power-play points, tied for 36th with 12 points, eighth with a .323 shooting percentage, tied for eighth with one short-handed goal, tied for third with four power-play goals, tied for third with 10 goals, and first with two hat tricks.
RMU has successfully killed off 27 of the 42 penalties they have taken this season. The 64.3 percent success rate is the second lowest in the NCAA as only Alabama-Huntsville has a worse number.
Standing Tall in Conference
In the eight games this season, RMU goaltenders have combined for a 3.52 goals-against average and a save percentage of .897. In AHA play, the Colonial netminders have stepped their game up by lowering their goals-against average to 2.94 and raising their save percentage to .908.
Third Period Scoring
The Colonials have found the back of the net during the third period in each of the previous seven games. This season, RMU has outscored its opponents, 12-6 in the final frame.
Surviving the Second Period
The second period has been a period of nightmares for Robert Morris this season. Through the first nine games, RMU goaltenders have recorded a 6.33 goals-against average and an .836 save percentage.
The Defensive Corps
With three underclassmen goaltenders, the defense of Robert Morris will be counted on to stand tall and take pressure off of the trio. Senior defenseman
Andrew Blazek has done just that as he currently leads the team with 20 blocked shots. Blazek's total is the third highest in the AHA and ranks 35th in the nation.
56 Wins and Counting
This season's senior class needs just ten wins to set a new program record for victories by a class. The graduating class of 2012 holds the current record with 65 victories. This season's group of seniors currently has 56 wins, a number which is the second-most by any graduating class.
The Tenth Season
The 2013-14 season marks the 10th season for the Colonial hockey program. It is the team's fourth season in the Atlantic Hockey Association. Robert Morris has an all-time record of 124-156-40 in its time as a Division I program. Head coach
Derek Schooley has been behind the bench for every season at RMU.
