RMU Begins ECHL Title Defense with 10-3 Drubbing of RIT

2010-02-19

Tigers no match for Colonials' Firepower; RMU to Face the Winner of Niagara/Mercyhurst Tomorrow Night

(Rochester, NY) -- The Colonials entered the ECHL playoffs as the #2 seed and the back-to-back returning champions.  After watching the #1 seed, SUNY Canton, defeat the #8 seed, University of Rochester, they didn't want to become the first upset of the tournament.  RIT played a spirited game and worked to the final minute but the Colonials powered their way to a 10-3 victory.

The offensive attack was lead by sophomore Zach Stern (St. Augustine Prep / Ventnor City, NJ) who finished the night with four goals and an assist.  The Colonials also had great goaltending from sophomore Brent Baburich (Shaler HS / Glenshaw, PA).

Baburich made the 2008-2009 ECHL All-Rookie 2nd team and is currently on a five game winning streak with wins over National Tournament participant, Stony Brook University (2), University of Pittsburgh, University of Rochester and his first ECHL playoff win on Friday.

RMU head coach Jason Evans, "We're pleased with our first round play and we feel this team has the talent to make another playoff run.  Our main concern is defensive play and limiting offensive turnovers and I think the team is focused on the potential of a third straight league championship."

The Colonials will face #4 Niagara University, who knocked off  #5 Mercyhurst College 6-1 last night.  #1 seed SUNY Canton will face #6 seed Syracuse University who earned their way to the second round with a 5-4 overtime upset of #3 seed University at Buffalo.