RMU takes both games with IUP to improve to 24-3

(Pittsburgh, PA) -- The RMU Colonials took both games of a home-and-home series with the Indiana University of Pennsylvania this weekend to improve to 24-3 on the season. Friday night saw the Colonials jump out on top early at the S&T Bank Arena in Indiana to post a convincing 8-2 win.  Bryan Chiavetta scored just over a minute into the game, which got RMU off and running.  Freshman sensation Ryan Kumpfmiller had a goal and three assists to lead all scorers, Chiavetta finished with two goals and an assist, and John Kalichuk finished with a goal and two assists.  In all, seven different players scored for RMU.  Robbie Fallick had a strong game in net, stopping 21 of 23 IUP shots.  “This was one of our best performances all year,” Head Coach Jason Evans said.  “For the third game in a row we got production from all four lines.  A lot of people say we’re a one-line show (Jacob Javitt, Luke Bennett, and Brian Chiavetta), but it’s our depth that’s been wearing teams down.  We were a little sloppy at times in our own zone, but we've been missing a couple of regulars on defense the past two weekends.  Robbie made some big saves early on when it was still close."
 
The win was Fallick's 19th of the season, setting a new RMU record for wins in a season.  The previous mark of 18 was set by Jon Hoffmann in the 2006-2007, still RMU's lone All-American.  "Hoffmann was the best goaltender in college hockey for the four years he was here," RMU goaltending coach Sean Moloney said.  "He was a 4-year starter and an All-American, so you obviously don't replace that.  We didn't expect Robbie to be another Jon Hoffmann, but he’s stepped in and has really been there for us when we've needed him."  The win Friday improved Fallick's season record to 19-2.  "It's a team honor, not an individual accomplishment," Fallick said.  "We've got a great group of guys who deserve to be recognized for the season we've had. Hoffy was the best goalie in the country and I learned a lot playing behind him last year, so it's a huge honor to be mentioned with him.  Coach Moloney has really been there to help me out, whether it was mental or technical problems, so it's great for him, too."

Saturday saw IUP pay a return visit to the RMU ISC, and the result was the same.  Jasen Bange scored a short-handed goal just over two minutes in to set the tone as the Colonials, in a slightly tighter contest, emerged with a 7-3 victory.  Luke Bennett had a hat trick and added two assists to break out of his goal-scoring slump, while captain Jake Javitt had four assists.  Five different players lit the lamp for the Colonials.  "We ran four lines at them and wore them down, and it was really nice to see Luke break out in a big way.  Hopefully this will carry over into next weekend," Evans said.  Matt Wynn stopped 19 of 23 IUP shots, picking up his 3rd win of the season. "We didn't have our best game today, but Wynn played very well.  We just keep finding ways to win, which is very encouraging coming down the stretch," said Evans.
 
Next up for the Colonials is a huge road trip to #7 University of Rhode Island for a pair of games.  Last year RMU took 3 of 4 points from URI at the RMU Island Sports Center, so the Rams will no doubt be anxious to dole out a little payback.  "This is probably the biggest weekend of our season," Moloney said.  "They're the best team we've played all year, and they're coming off a win over #3 Penn State.  The atmosphere's going to be amazing, so we'll have to be ready for that, too.  It'll be a great weekend of college hockey."  Game times at Rhode Island are scheduled for 7:00 P.M. both Friday and Saturday nights.