Semester Opens with Mixed Results

2010-01-14

Colonials lose opportunity to host #5 Penn State but salvage weekend with win over local rival

(Pittsburgh,PA) -- The Colonials were scheduled to open the semester on the largest stage in Pittsburgh during the Pittsburgh College Hockey Showcase.  The event was hosted at the Mellon Arena but an equipment issue lead to the RMU ACHA vs PSU game to be shortened to a split period exhibition.  The game had incredible pace and provided a preview of the games scheduled for late February in State College, PA.

The Saturday contest against Duquesne University began without additional issues but the Colonials began the game like it was another exhibition.  The Dukes took early control of the game by outworking the visiting team throughout much of the 1st period.  Their efforts were rewarded with a commanding 4-2 lead for Duquesne.

The Colonials entered the 2nd and 3rd periods with a new found focus and scored five straight goals to win the contest 7-4.  The offensive charge was lead by senior defenseman Stephen Kobert (Erie, PA/Capital District Selects) who finished the game with three assists.  Junior forward Luke Bennett (Anchorage, AK/Marquette Rangers) continued his personal scoring streak with 1 goal and 1 assist on the night.

The Colonials depart Moon Township this Friday for a huge ECHL weekend where they will face the University at Buffalo and Niagara University.  The Colonials currently hold 1st place in the ECHL and will need a strong weekend to control their own destiny in the hunt for their third straight league championship and the auto-bid to
the ACHA Division I National Tournament.