MADISON, Wis. – The RMU men's hockey team held No. 6 Wisconsin to just one goal Saturday night at the Kohl Center, but the Colonials were unable to find the back of the net in a 1-0 setback in the series finale. With the loss, RMU falls to 0-2 to begin the season.
FIRST PERIOD
The opening 20 minutes featured scoring opportunities on both ends of the ice, as RMU and Wisconsin each earned a power-play opportunity but were unable to capitalize.
The Colonials turned in a strong defensive effort during the Badgers' man advantage, blocking three shots to help keep the game scoreless.
With just over two minutes remaining in the period, Wisconsin's Grady Deering nearly opened the scoring, but his shot rang off the post. The Badgers held a 13-11 advantage in shots after the opening frame.
SECOND PERIOD
Penalty trouble proved costly for the Colonials in the second period, as RMU was whistled for three penalties in the opening five minutes.
Despite the early challenges, the Colonials successfully killed off a 5-on-3 disadvantage. However, Wisconsin eventually broke through as Deering found the back of the net to give the Badgers a 1-0 lead.
Late in the period, Wisconsin threatened to add to its advantage, but another shot rang off the post. The Badgers controlled much of the action in the middle frame, outshooting RMU 15-1.
THIRD PERIOD
Wisconsin continued to generate scoring chances throughout the opening 15 minutes of the third period before shifting its focus to protecting its one-goal advantage in the closing stages.
Schenkel remained sharp between the pipes, keeping the Colonials within striking distance. RMU pulled its goaltender in the final minutes in an attempt to find the equalizer.
The Colonials' best opportunity came in the final second, when junior forward
Michael Felsing put a shot on goal. However, Wisconsin's goaltender turned it aside to preserve the shutout and secure the 1-0 victory.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Wisconsin finished with a 43-18 advantage in shots on goal and won 40 of 67 faceoffs. Sophomore center
Bruce McDonald led the Colonials in the faceoff circle, winning 10 of his 20 draws. RMU's defense blocked 20 shots, led by junior blueliner
Dominic Elliott, who recorded four blocks. On special teams, Wisconsin converted once on five power-play opportunities, while the Colonials went 0-for-2.
Between the pipes, Schenkel delivered an impressive performance, turning aside 42 of Wisconsin's 43 shots. The Toronto, Ontario native recorded the third 40+ save performance of his career and finished the opening series with a .938 save percentage.
The Colonials held a nationally ranked opponent to just one goal for the first time since 2024, when they suffered a 1-0 loss at No. 12 North Dakota. RMU's last victory over a ranked opponent came in 2018, when the Colonials defeated No. 20 Bowling Green, 3-2.
UP NEXT
RMU will have a bye week before returning to action for a home-and-home series against Miami (Ohio). The Colonials open the series Thursday, October 15, in Oxford, Ohio, before returning to Clearview Arena for their home opener Saturday, October 17. Both games are scheduled for 7:00 PM.
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