NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The RMU men's hockey team returned to the win column in thrilling fashion, as graduate forward
Mitch Deelstra buried the game-winner in overtime to secure a 4-3 victory over Niagara. The Colonials improve to 10-17-4 overall and 7-13-3 in Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) play.
FIRST PERIOD
- A tightly contested opening frame saw both teams remain scoreless while matching each other with 14 shots apiece.
- RMU successfully killed off Niagara's lone power play opportunity, aided by four saves from Croix Kochendorfer and a key blocked shot from Gavin Gulash.
- The Colonials controlled the faceoff circle early, winning 16 of 27 draws.
SECOND PERIOD
- RMU wasted no time capitalizing on its first power play of the game, as Greg Japchen set up Cameron Garvey on the backdoor for his sixth goal of the season. Michael Felsing recorded his 14th assist on the play.
- At the midway point, the Colonials doubled their lead when Walter Zacher sniped home his 14th goal of the season. George Krotiris helped create the chance with his speed in transition, earning an assist.
- Less than a minute later, Niagara responded as Nathan Oickle found the back of the net to make it 2-1.
- The Purple Eagles held a 13-9 shot advantage in the period.
THIRD PERIOD
- Niagara wasted little time evening the score, as Jay Ahearn netted the tying goal early in the frame.
- Just two minutes later, RMU answered. Krotiris hammered in a rebound to put the Colonials back in front, with Zacher and Trent Wilson assisting on the play.
- With under five minutes left in regulation, the Purple Eagles capitalized on a power play, as Lars Rodne's goal forced overtime.
OVERTIME
- RMU dominated the extra frame, outshooting Niagara 6-0.
- Just 30 seconds in, a penalty against the Purple Eagles gave the Colonials a 4-on-3 advantage.
- Greg Japchen worked the puck to Michael Craig, who found Deelstra in stride. The RMU captain ripped a shot past the goaltender, sealing the 4-3 win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Niagara outshot RMU 44-35 and won 46 of 79 faceoffs.
- Cameron Garvey led the Colonials with four shots on goal.
- Trent Wilson battled well in the faceoff circle, winning 14 of 24 draws (58.3%).
- Senior defenseman Trevor LeDonne blocked a team-high three shots.
- Special teams played a pivotal role, as RMU converted 2-of-4 power-play opportunities, including Deelstra's game-winner. The Colonials held Niagara to just one power-play goal on seven chances.
CAPTAIN CLUTCH
Graduate forward
Mitch Deelstra delivered in overtime, scoring his second game-winning goal of the season—tied for the team lead. With 12 goals on the year, he now ranks second on the team and moves into the top five in the AHA. His power-play goal was his ninth of the season, making him the national leader in that category.
CAREER NIGHT FOR CROIX
Freshman goaltender
Croix Kochendorfer stood tall in net, earning his seventh win of the season while setting a career-high with 41 saves. He's closing in on 500 saves this season, now sitting at 487 with a .904 save percentage.
MULTI-POINT EFFORTS
- George Krotiris (1G, 1A) tallied his fourth career multi-point game and now has 10 points (4G, 6A) on the season.
- Walter Zacher (1G, 1A) recorded his 10th career multi-point game. His 14 goals this season rank third in the AHA.
- Greg Japchen (2A) notched his first multi-point game in an RMU uniform, bringing his season totals to one goal and five assists.
UP NEXT
The Colonials and Purple Eagles wrap up their home-and-home series tomorrow at Clearview Arena. Puck drop is set for 6:00 PM, followed by the 'Skate with the Colonials' event.
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