Mount Pleasant, MI- The D3 Ice Hockey team started their season by traveling to Mount Pleasant for 2 games against Central Michigan University. The first game which took play on a Friday night was RMU's first game of the season. The Colonials got some great offensive chances and made the most of what they could. They picked up a 5-4 win on the road to start the season. The Saturday afternoon game saw much tighter defense from both teams, but ultimately the Colonials fell short. RMU lost Game 2 by a score of 3-2.

Game 1: RMU wins 5-4

The first period saw some back and forth action in which both teams scored twice. The Colonials got goals from Camron Smith and Joseph Petti. RMU got out to the early 2-0 lead as well, before Central Michigan converted on a few chances to bring the game back even to 2-2. The second period went to inverted from how the 1st period went down. Central Michigan this time scored two early goals in the 2nd period, and with over 13 minutes left in the second it was 4-2. However, a couple of freshman stepped up to get the Colonials back even. Blake Loges scored to make it 4-3, and then freshman George Makricostas picked up his second assist of the game setting up Camron Smith to tie the game for the Colonials and made it 4-4 in the final period. Petti's second goal of the game in the third period held up to be the winner as the Colonials took home a 5-4 victory to start the season. Goaltender Robert Petrelli made 28 saves on 32 shots.

Game 2: RMU loses 3-2

The first period was a rough one for the Colonials as they allowed 3 goals within the first 14 minutes of play to fall behind 3-0. Penalties also were an issue for the team as the team ended up with a combined 23 penalties minutes on 9 minors and 1 major. The second period provided some optimism for RMU, with 2 goals coming before the the second period had finished 5 minutes of play. Joseph Petti scored his third of the season a minute and a half in, with Luke Cirlingione and Kian Kooros getting the assists. Cirlingione would get add a goal to go with his assist a few minutes later. Cirlingione's power play goal was assisted by Kian Kooros and Matt Simkovic. Despite the strong second period, the Colonials offensive wouldn't manage any more goals. The Colonials would lose 3-2 and drop to 1-1 on the season. Freshman goaltender Nick Arcaya despite a rough early game, was stellar for the remaining 46 minutes of play. He finished the game making 35 saves on 38 shots, posting a strong .921 SV%.

Overall, this was still an incredibly successful weekend for the D3 team. Coming off a brutal season last year, picking up a win to start the year is a massive morale boost for the squad going forward. Next up for the team is their home opener against California University of Pennsylvania on Friday, October 4th at 9:15pm.

Alexander Gagnon '21
Club Sport Information Director