Men's D3 Club Ice Hockey | 4/6/2023 2:14:00 PM

The D3 Men's Club Hockey Team faced off against the Saint Vincent University Bearcats in an ACHA division game. After losing their previous four games on the road, RMU was desperate to get back into the win column here at home. 

The first period got underway with some early physical play by both sides. The Bearcats found themselves on a power play early, but RMU did very well to kill it and keep the game scoreless. Saint Vincent earned another power play at about the 10 minute mark, and this time they were able to capitalize after a rebound shot slipped past Nick Arcaya. Now trailing 0-1, RMU would hopefully look to tie this one back up before the first period closed. They did just that, when Cameron Marciola sniped a shot right by the Bearcat goalie. Directly following the draw, Parker Smith scored an amazing shot into the top shelf from the blue line. A truly incredible goal now put the Colonials up 2-1 at the end of the first period. 

The second period started with back-and-forth play between both sides. This was proving to be a very even matchup, with both teams seeing good opportunities on goal. The first bit of real action came on a Bearcat powerplay late in the period. SVU found themselves 3 on 2 on the breakaway, and got one past Nick Arcaya to tie the game at 2-2. The period would eventually close, and an exciting third would await. Both teams were seeing great opportunities, and it would be safe to assume that more goals were coming in the third period. 

The Colonials started the final period on the power play, and despite some good chances, they were unable to convert. The score remained at 2 a piece, and the tension was starting to build. RMU earned yet another power play minutes later, but the Bearcats were able to earn yet another kill. The theme of power plays continued, but this time in SVU's favor. Some shots came in, but Nick Arcaya did well to keep the game tied. The deadlock finally broke when Justin Newton sniped a beautiful bar-down shot from far out to give RMU a 3-2 lead. Crazy enough, Newton ended up getting tossed from the game following his goal in what would be remembered as a very controversial call. The Colonial bench was livid, and so were the fans–a fan even ended up getting ejected. The tensions would have to cool, though, as there was still a game to be played. A few minutes later, RMU found themselves on another power play and were able to convert this time. Max Ermigiotti buried a loose puck right into the SVU goal, and the Colonials extended their lead to 4-2. The Bearcats went empty net late, and Tyler Weekly took advantage of this by adding another goal. Things were pretty chippy between both sides, but the period would close and RMU would take this one 5-2. Despite the late controversy, the Colonials were able to stay focused and get back into winning form.