MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The RMU men's hockey team kicks off its 2024-25 season with a home-and-home series against Miami (Ohio). The season opener takes place in Oxford, Ohio, on Thursday, October 17 at 7:00 PM, and the Colonials will host the Redhawks in their home opener on Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 PM at Clearview Arena. Thursday's game will be streamed live on NCHC TV, while Saturday's home contest will air on FloHockey with Tim Benz, Mike Prisuta and Katie Gaus providing commentary.
2023-24 SEASON IN REVIEW
Last season, RMU finished with an 11-25-3 overall record and went 7-12-2 in conference play. The Colonials made a thrilling run in the 2024 AHA Playoff Tournament, defeating No. 6 Bentley 4-3 in overtime in the opening round. Forward
Cameron Garvey scored the game-winner with just 10 seconds left in the first overtime period, sending RMU to the quarterfinals.
Freshman forward
Tanner Klimpke led RMU in both goals (15) and points (26).
Walter Zacher topped the team in assists (17) and ranked third in points (22), while
Jackson Reineke added 21 points (9g, 12a) in his rookie season. On defense,
Michael Craig was named captain for the 2024-25 season after playing all 39 games last year, recording 10 assists and 39 blocked shots.
NEW ADDITIONS
The Colonials have bolstered their roster with several new additions. Three forwards have joined the team via the transfer portal:
Mitch Deelstra,
Eric DeDobbelaer, and
Cody Monds. RMU also added six freshmen up front:
Connor Gourley,
Patrick Johnson,
Adam O'Marra,
Braden Rourke,
Trent Wilson, and
Michael Felsing. On defense,
Greg Japchen transferred in, and RMU signed freshmen
Dominic Elliott and
J.R. Ashmead. In goal, the Colonials welcome two transfers,
Dylan Meilun and
Dawson Smith, as well as freshman
Croix Kochendorfer.
ALL-TIME VS. MIAMI (OHIO)
Dating back to RMU's inaugural season in 2004, the Colonials hold a 3-4-0 record against Miami (Ohio). RMU has won the last three meetings, including a 1-0 shutout victory in 2012 against then-ranked #5 Miami in the Three Rivers Classic, with goaltender Eric Levine making 51 saves in that memorable win.
SCOUTING MIAMI (OHIO)
Miami (2-0-2, 0-0-0 NCHC) has had an unbeaten start to the season through four games. After two ties at Ferris State, the Redhawks swept Alaska Anchorage at home. Graduate forward Colby Ambrosio leads the team in points, posting two goals and five assists in the first four games. Graduate defenseman Hampus Rydqvist leads the team in blocked shots with nine. In net, sophomore Bruno Bruveris has started three games, posting a .933 save percentage and a 1.95 goals-against average (GAA) with two wins.
CELEBRITY PUCK DROP
At RMU's home opener this Saturday, October 19, Steelers legends Ben Roethlisberger and Brett Keisel will be dropping the puck at Clearview Arena.
UP NEXT
Following this opening series, RMU will begin conference play with a home-and-home series against Niagara. The Colonials will host Niagara on Friday, October 25 at 7:00 PM and then travel to face the Purple Eagles on Saturday, October 26 at 7:00 PM.
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