BUFFALO, N.Y. – The RMU men's hockey team wrapped up 2024 with another strong performance, defeating Canisius 3-1 to complete the series sweep. The Colonials head into the New Year with an 8-7-2 overall record and a 5-5-1 mark in Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) action.
FIRST PERIOD
- RMU got off to a fast start, opening the scoring just five minutes into the game. Freshman Dominic Elliott attempted a wraparound that was saved, but sophomore Tanner Klimpke was perfectly positioned to bury the rebound, giving the Colonials a 1-0 lead.
- Canisius held a slight edge in shots through the first 20 minutes (10-9), and the Colonials went 0-for-1 on the power play.
SECOND PERIOD
- Canisius tied the game on their only power play of the night midway through the second period.
- However, RMU reclaimed the lead with just 28 seconds left in the frame. On the power play, Elliott's shot from the blue line was deflected in by Mitch Deelstra for his fourth power play goal of the season. Defenseman Luke van Why earned the secondary assist on the play.
THIRD PERIOD
- RMU's defense took over in the final period, limiting Canisius to just four shots on goal, all of which were saved by goaltender Dylan Meilun.
- With the Golden Griffins pulling their goalie late in the game, Walter Zacher sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, assisted by Michael Craig and Klimpke.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Canisius held the edge in shots (29-24) and faceoffs (36-25), but RMU capitalized on their opportunities. Klimpke led RMU in shots with five, while
Trent Wilson won a team-high 10 faceoffs. Craig blocked two shots, and Klimpke, Zacher, and
Cameron Garvey all finished with a +2 rating. In net, Meilun was steady, stopping 28 of 29 shots to earn his second consecutive win.
MULTIPOINT PERFORMANCES
- Tanner Klimpke recorded his ninth career multipoint effort with one goal and one assist. He is now averaging a point per game this season (7g, 10a, 17p in 17 games) and is riding a four-game point streak with four goals and five assists.
- Dominic Elliott notched two assists, marking his fourth career multipoint performance. The freshman has tallied three goals, nine assists, and 12 points in 17 games this season.
ZACHER TOPS AHA IN GOALS
With another goal today, Buffalo native
Walter Zacher now leads the AHA conference in goals with 11. He is also averaging a point per game this season (11g, 6a, 17p in 17 games). Across 50 career games, Zacher has accumulated 16 goals, 21 assists, and 37 points.
UP NEXT
The Colonials will enjoy a three-week break before returning to action at the ASU Desert Classic in 2025. RMU will face Arizona State on Friday, January 3 at 9:00 PM ET and conclude the tournament against UMass or Cornell on Saturday, January 4 at 5:30 PM ET.
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