NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The RMU men's hockey team completed a two-game sweep of Niagara to open Atlantic Hockey America play, holding off a late Purple Eagles push for a 4-3 victory on Saturday night at Dwyer Arena. With the win, the Colonials improve to 2-3-1 overall and start conference action with a perfect 2-0-0 mark, securing all six points available.
 
FIRST PERIOD
RMU wasted no time setting the tone. Just 1:38 into the contest, the captain connection struck again off an offensive zone draw. Cameron Garvey won the faceoff forward to Tanner Klimpke, who buried his third goal of the series for the early 1-0 lead.
 
Both teams had one power-play opportunity in the period but came up empty. Niagara generated the edge in shots, 14-12, yet the Colonials carried their one-goal advantage into the break.
 
SECOND PERIOD
Midway through the frame, RMU doubled its lead on the power play. Bruce McDonald threaded a pass across to Ryan Taylor, who sniped home his second goal of the season. Michael Craig recorded the secondary assist.
 
With 1:05 remaining in the period, the Colonials added insurance to make it 3-0. Skating down the left wing, McDonald delivered another strong setup, finding George Krotiris on the short side for a sharp-angle finish. Jackson Reineke picked up the second assist.
 
Niagara again held a slight edge in shots, 12-11, but RMU's penalty kill went 2-for-2 to maintain momentum.
 
THIRD PERIOD
The Purple Eagles fought back late, scoring twice in a span of three minutes to cut the deficit to 3-2.
 
RMU had an answer almost immediately. Just nine seconds after the ensuing faceoff, Patrick Johnson carried the puck up ice and fed Braden Rourke in the slot, where the sophomore snapped in his first goal of the season to restore a two-goal cushion.
 
Niagara drew within one again after pulling its goalie with three minutes left, as Jacob Maillet capitalized with the extra attacker.
 
The Purple Eagles pulled their netminder once more in the closing minute and appeared to tie the game, but the goal was waved off for goaltender interference. RMU closed the door from there to secure the 4-3 win and weekend sweep.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Niagara outshot RMU 42-26. Four Colonials — Dominic Elliott, Dario Beljo, Krotiris and Klimpke — recorded three shots each.
• Defensemen J.R. Ashmead and Gabriel Lunn finished a team-best +2.
• Faceoffs were key, as Trent Wilson dominated the dot at 14-for-18.
• Lunn, Elliott and Greg Japchen each blocked two shots to help limit Niagara's pressure.
• RMU went 1-for-4 on the power play and a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.

 
SCHENKEL SHINES IN THE SERIES
After earning his first career win in Friday's home opener, freshman goaltender Charlie Schenkel delivered again with a career-high 39 saves and a .929 save percentage. Through his first six games, Schenkel now owns 168 total saves.
 
MULTIPOINT EFFORT
For the second time this season, freshman forward Bruce McDonald posted a two-assist performance. The Ottawa, Ontario native now leads RMU in assists (7) and points (7), and his seven helpers are tied for the conference lead.
 
SUCCESS AGAINST A RIVAL
The Purple Eagles remain a familiar foe for RMU's veterans. With an assist tonight, Garvey now owns four goals and one assist in his career versus Niagara, while Craig has produced two goals and five assists.
 
CONFERENCE OPENING SWEEP
This marks the first time the Colonials have swept their opening conference opponent since the 2019-20 season, when RMU opened AHA play by taking both games from Bentley (3-0, 4-1).
 
UP NEXT
RMU returns to non-conference action next weekend, hosting LIU at Clearview Arena. Game one is set for Friday, Nov. 7 at 7:00 PM, with the series finale scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7:00 PM. Both games will stream live on FloHockey.
 
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