MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Despite generating a season-high 47 shots on goal, RMU was unable to capitalize on its chances as Sacred Heart scored a third-period insurance goal to secure a 3-1 victory Saturday evening at Clearview Arena. With the loss, the Colonials move to 4-12-2 overall and 4-5-1 in Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) play.
 
FIRST PERIOD
Sacred Heart struck early, as Cole Galata found the back of the net on the Pioneers' third shot of the contest to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
 
RMU responded later in the frame, capitalizing on strong forechecking pressure from the fourth line. Connor Gourley netted his first goal of the season, finishing a setup from Braden Rourke to knot the game at 1-1.
 
The Pioneers quickly regained the lead, however, as Vitaly Levyy pushed Sacred Heart back in front with a goal midway through the period.
 
Sacred Heart continued to apply pressure late in the opening frame. With RMU facing a delayed penalty and the SHU extra attacker, the Pioneers generated six shots before heading to the power play. During the ensuing penalty kill, John Babcock made a major impact for the Colonials, blocking three consecutive shots shorthanded in the final 28 seconds of the period.
 
After 20 minutes of play, Sacred Heart held a 17-9 advantage in shots.
 
SECOND PERIOD
After successfully killing off the remainder of the first-period penalty, RMU began to tilt the ice in its favor during the middle frame.
 
The Colonials earned two power play opportunities and sustained extended offensive-zone pressure, peppering the Sacred Heart net with shots. RMU outshot the Pioneers 19-10 in the period, but despite the offensive surge, SHU maintained its 2-1 lead heading into the second intermission.
 
THIRD PERIOD
Five minutes into the final stanza, George Krotiris appeared to have tied the game, but the goal was waved off following a goaltender interference call.
 
Moments later, Sacred Heart extended its lead, as Liam Lesakowski fired a slap shot through traffic to make it 3-1.
 
RMU pulled its goalie in the closing minutes in search of a late rally, but the Colonials were unable to solve the Pioneer defense, ultimately falling by the two-goal margin.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• RMU finished with a 47-37 advantage in shots on goal, led by junior forward George Krotiris, who recorded a team-high nine shots.
• The Colonials were strong in the faceoff circle, winning 32 of 57 draws (56.1%), with captain Cameron Garvey leading the way by winning 13 faceoffs. Trent Wilson also impressed, going 7-for-11 at the dot.
• Defensively, freshman John Babcock blocked a career-high five shots.
• In net, sophomore Croix Kochendorfer made his first start of the season and turned aside 34 shots, marking his 11th career performance with 30 or more saves.
• Neither team was able to capitalize on the power play, as Sacred Heart finished 0-for-1 and RMU went 0-for-3.

 
UP NEXT
RMU heads back on the road for a two-game series at RIT. The series opens Friday, January 9 at 7:00 PM, followed by the finale on Saturday, January 10 at 5:00 PM. Both games will stream live on FloHockey.
 
Follow The Colonials: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | RMU Athletics Gameday App