The RMU Division 3 Colonials played host to the rival University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Ice Cats on a warm October Friday night at the RMU Island Sports Center. RMU was victorious in 2 out of 3 games played vs the Ice Cats last season, both occurring on home ice. Going into this one, the Colonials have won their last 6 games compared to UPJ who were riding a 2 game losing streak. 

The message was clear early on from the Colonials and that was to get shots on goal. That message from Coach Riffner did not take long to provide dividends for his club, as Zach Love netted his first career goal as part of the team assisted by the red hot Sam Palmer and John Betz. Two Colonial penalties from Mason Hagan and Jack Jones were successfully killed off and led to another Colonial goal from Parker Smith his 7th of the season from a great passing play with Luke Rose and Michael Parzynski. Aaron Norkevicus would get one right back for UPJ netting his 8th of the season. RMU would then get their first powerplay attempt which was unsuccessful but the pressure from the Colonials was too much and Joey Laquatra collected his 2nd of the season assisted by Jackson Vukman and Parker Smith. 

Going into the second period, both teams ramped up the physicality but neither team could find the back of the net. 

Both teams would take an early penalty in the early playings of the 3rd period, both teams' penalty kills kept strong. UPJ would catch a break and Aiden Rice would spring free and put home his 5th of the year from Logan Rice and Nick Rozich. RMU would respond quickly with the great John Betz sneaking home his 6th of the season to expand RMU's lead to 4-2. 4 penalties would occur in a matter of a minute and twenty seconds, 2 for each team as the intensity and physicality ramped to its boiling point. Gunner Fulton and Drew Pfeil each kept their respective teams in the game and neither would let in another for the remainder of the game, as RMU defeated UPJ 4-2. Fulton stopped 45 of 47 shots that came his way as he improved his record to 3-0 on the season. RMU improves to 7-1 and 5-0 in divisional play. 

3 stars of the game

1. Joey Laquatra: 1 goal, game winning goal

2. Gunner Fulton: Win, 45 saves, 2.00 GAA, 958SV%

3. Parker Smith: 1 goal, 1 assist