MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The RMU men's hockey team is set for a best-of-three series in the Atlantic Hockey America Semifinal Round at No. 2 Sacred Heart. Game one is scheduled for Friday, March 13 at 7:00 PM, followed by game two on Saturday, March 14 at 5:00 PM. Game three, if necessary, will be played on Sunday, March 15 at 5:00 PM.
 
All games will be played at Martire Family Arena in Fairfield, Conn., and each contest will stream live on FloHockey.
 
QUARTERFINAL RECAP
After falling in double overtime in the opening game of the quarterfinal series, the Colonials responded by winning the next two contests, reverse sweeping Air Force with 4-1 and 5-2 victories at Clearview Arena. With the series win, RMU advanced to the semifinals for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
 
Several Colonials stepped up throughout the series. Dario Beljo and Max Wattvil each scored their first goals for RMU, while junior forward Jackson Reineke led the team in points with five assists. Tanner Klimpke recorded two goals and an assist, while defensemen John Babcock (1g-2a) and Dominic Elliott (3a) each posted three points. In net, freshman Charlie Schenkel started all three games, posting a .959 save percentage and a 1.75 goals-against average.
 
2025-26 RECORD
In game three of the quarterfinal series against Air Force, RMU blocked a total of 40 shots. The mark stands as the most blocked shots in a single game by any team during the 2025-26 season.
 
Schenkel also made program history in the victory, recording 60 saves — the most in a single game in RMU history.
 
THE HIGHEST RISER
Across all preseason coaches' polls in the country, RMU was the biggest riser in the NCAA this season. The Colonials were predicted to finish ninth in the AHA but finished third in the conference, a +6 differential.
 
RMU has surged in the second half of the season, compiling an 11-4-1 record over its last 16 games.
 
PLAYOFF PRODUCER
Klimpke continued his strong postseason production against Air Force, averaging a point per game during the series. In seven career playoff games, he has recorded six goals, two assists and eight points.
 
His most recent game also marked his 100th career appearance. During his time with RMU, Klimpke has totaled 39 goals, 39 assists and 78 career points.
 
POINT STREAK
Recently named to the AHA All-Rookie Team, Babcock has been a standout two-way performer for the Colonials. Over his last five games, he has recorded three goals and three assists, riding a five-game point streak. In the playoff series alone, he blocked 20 shots — the most among AHA players. He currently leads the conference in blocked shots with 117.
 
Reineke is also riding a point streak, recording one goal and five assists for six points over his last four games. This season, he has produced 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points, ranking second on the team.
 
ALL-TIME VS. SACRED HEART
Dating back to the program's inception in 2004, RMU holds a 23-11-1 record against Sacred Heart. During the regular season series, Sacred Heart won both matchups. Klimpke scored two of RMU's three goals in the series while Connor Gourley accounted for the other.
 
In six career games against the Pioneers, Klimpke has totaled three goals and two assists.
 
SCOUTING THE PIONEERS
Sacred Heart (21-12-3, 15-8-3 AHA) enters the weekend after sweeping No. 8 Niagara in the quarterfinals by scores of 3-1 and 2-1.
 
Senior forward Felix Trudeau has been one of the top goal scorers in college hockey this season, tallying 24 goals and 43 points. He leads the Pioneers in plus/minus (+11), power-play goals (11) and game-winning goals (5). Senior defenseman Mikey Adamson leads the team in assists with 26, while defenseman John Driscoll has blocked a team-high 66 shots.
 
In goal, Sacred Heart has split time between Teagan Kendrick and Ajeet Gundarah. Kendrick owns two shutouts and 10 wins, while Gundarah has recorded 11 wins with a .927 save percentage.
 
As a team, Sacred Heart is averaging 2.9 goals per game while allowing 2.4. The Pioneers' power play is converting at 21.0 percent, while their penalty kill operates at an 86.0 percent success rate. In the faceoff circle, they hold a 44.7 percent win rate.
 
AROUND THE AHA
While No. 3 RMU travels to No. 2 Sacred Heart, top-seeded Bentley will host No. 4 Holy Cross in the other best-of-three semifinal series.
 
The Atlantic Hockey America Championship Game is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, with the single-game final hosted by the highest remaining seed.
 
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