ERIE, Pa. – Third-period execution and timely special teams play lifted RMU to a 3-1 victory over Mercyhurst Friday night at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. The win moves the Colonials to 3-9-1 overall and 3-2-0 in Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) play.
 
FIRST PERIOD
Both teams traded early chances, but the opening half of the frame remained scoreless as the Colonials and Lakers worked to establish momentum.
 
With just over five minutes left, a minor penalty to each team led to a stretch of 4-on-4 hockey—and RMU capitalized. Defenseman Gabriel Lunn circled the offensive zone and ripped home his first goal of the season, with Patrick Johnson and Michael Craig collecting assists.
 
RMU carried an 8-6 advantage in shots after 20 minutes.
 
SECOND PERIOD
The teams exchanged power-play opportunities in the first half of the second period, but neither side could break through.
 
Shortly after their man advantage expired, Mercyhurst found the equalizer as Dominik Bartecko tied the game at 1–1. RMU again held a slight edge in shots, 8-6, entering the third.
 
THIRD PERIOD
RMU delivered its strongest period when it mattered most. Just over five minutes into the frame, Luke van Why lofted the puck ahead to start a 3-on-1 rush. Tanner Klimpke carried down the left wing and slid a perfect pass across to Cameron Garvey, who buried the go-ahead goal for a 2–1 lead.
 
With four minutes remaining, Mercyhurst took a costly penalty, giving the Colonials their fourth power play of the night. RMU needed just one chance—Craig stepped into a long-range shot and ripped home the insurance marker, sealing a pivotal road victory.
 
Mercyhurst pulled its goaltender late, generating five attempts, but the Colonials' defense stood tall blocking four shots and turning aside the fifth to close out the win.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• RMU outshot Mercyhurst 25-21, led by Ryan Taylor and Luke van Why with four shots each.
• Dominic Elliott, Greg Japchen, Braden Rourke, Trent Wilson, and Patrick Johnson all posted a team-best +1 rating.
• Johnson won a team-high seven faceoffs, while Wilson and Michael Felsing both finished at 50% in the circle.
• The Colonials blocked 14 shots, with Taylor, Klimpke, and John Babcock each recording two blocks. Babcock's two blocks came in the final 80 seconds.
• RMU finished 1-for-4 on the power play and a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty kill.
• Freshman goaltender Charlie Schenkel earned his third win of the season, stopping 20 of 21 shots.

 
MULTIPOINT EFFORT
Captain Michael Craig recorded his seventh career multipoint game, notching a goal and an assist. The St. Catharines, Ontario native continues to excel against Mercyhurst—he now has eight points (1G, 7A) in just five career games against the Lakers.
 
UP NEXT
RMU returns home looking to complete its second conference sweep of the season on Saturday, November 29 at 7:00 PM at Clearview Arena. The matchup features the program's annual Teddy Bear Toss game, and Head Coach Derek Schooley will be aiming for his 300^th career victory. The game will air live on SportsNet Pittsburgh+ and FloHockey.
 
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