Sewell, NJ- The Colonials Roller Hockey team traveled to New Jersey for a long 4 game weekend against a number of conference opponents. It started with the early Saturday morning game against West Chester in which a go ahead goal with seconds to play lifted RMU to a 7-6 win. Then, RMU once again faced off with conference rival RIT, but this time RIT won in a 6-5 OT game. RMU then suffered their only regulation loss of the weekend, a 5-4 loss to Stony Brook. Finally, RMU bounced back and ended the weekend on a high note with a 5-1 win over Rowan.

Game 1: RMU defeats West Chester 7-6

This game was back and forth all morning (the start time was 8am). Zach Bolotsky opened the scoring for the game with his tally midway through the first period. Jack Clendaniel then netted a powerplay marker several minutes later to give the Colonials a 2-0 lead. However, a few late penalties gave West Chester prime powerplay opportunities. The Golden Rams scored two powerplay goals in the final two minutes of the period to make it 2-2.

West Chester used the momentum from the power play goals to score twice in the first five minutes of the 2nd period, one of which on the powerplay. Despite RMU trailing 4-2, they fought back to tie the game before the end of the period. Cameron Zahn cut the deficit in half with a powerplay goal in the middle of the third, and Clendaniel scored on the powerplay with seconds to go in the period to tie it 4-4 at the break.

In the final period of play, Sean Lawrence and Jesse Zahn scored with less than 5 minutes left to make it 6-4 RMU. And yet, the Golden Rams weren't done. They fought back even with two goals, the latter of which coming with 1:45 to go. With the game at 6-6, OT appeared to be on the horizon. But for a game that already had so many twists, RMU defenseman Vince Passante added one more. With 16 seconds left in the game, he beat the West Chester goaltender to give RMU the 7-6 lead and victory. 

Game 2: RMU loses to RIT 6-5 (OT)

RMU started this game hot, but were not able to maintain it down the stretch. Connor McCabe scored for the Colonials to give them a 1-0 lead four minutes in. Despite a quick answer from RIT to make it 1-1, RMU then got off three more goals before the end of the first. Bolotsky, Nathan Robl, and Cameron Zahn all scored in the back half of the first period, and RMU led 4-1 at the first intermission. 

RIT stormed right back in the second period to make it a game again. Their 3 goals in the first 5:08 of the period meant the Colonials lead had evaporated and now found themselves in a 4-4 tie. Fortunately for the Colonials, Jack Clendaniel scored to give them a 5-4 lead going into the final period of play.

The Tigers scored early in the third to make it 5-5 and that's how it pushed toward However, Robert Morris was unable to replicate the magic of a late game winner like they had earlier in the morning. RIT scored in OT, and that was the end of the game.

Game 3: RMU falls to Stony Brook 5-4

The Colonials were not able to start this game like they had the previous two. For the first time that weekend, it was RMU's opponent that opened the scoring. Stony Brook scored 1:11 into the first period, but it would stand as the only goal of the period. 

Stony Brook scored seconds into the 2nd period to make it 2-0, but it was then when the Colonials regrouped and got on the board. Clendaniel would rifle a powerplay goal home to make it a 2-1 game. Their opponents would get another one before the conclusion of the period and RMU trailed 3-1 after 2. 

The Colonials came out for the third on fire, and less than 5 minutes into the period it was a tie game at 3. Clendaniel scored another powerplay goal at 2:17 in the first, and Clendaniel complete the hat trick at 4:59 into the period. With the game tied 3-3, RMU was back in business. But two goals from Stony Brook put the Colonials in a serious hole. Cameron Zahn would score with 57 seconds left in the game, but they couldn't find the equalizer and they lost 5-4.

Game 4: RMU defeats Rowan 5-1

Despite it being the 4th game of the weekend, there was still time for a first. The scoring for this one was opened by RMU defender Alex Karol, his first goal as a Colonial. His goal would hold as the lone one for the rest of the first period. 

A shorthanded strike by Zach Bolotsky at the start of the second made it 2-0 RMU. Rowan scored a minute later to make it 2-1, but it would be the lone goal goaltender TJ Caton would allow. Michael Tapolci and Jack Clendaniel also found the back of the net for RMU to make it 4-1 at the end of the period. Sean Lawrence scored for the only goal of the third period as RMU took the game 5-1 and finished 2-1-1 on the weekend.

The Colonials now sit with an 11-4-1 record this season in 16 games are playing rather well, especially offensively. The club is averaging over 6.3 goals a game this season, and are only allowing around 4.4 goals per game. They've looked sharp this season and will be looking to continue that moving forward.

Alexander Gagnon '21
Club Sport Information