Colonials Fall to Michigan in Season-Opening Contest
Ann Arbor, Mich. – The Robert Morris University (RMU) Men’s Hockey team commenced its 2025-26 season with a challenging road matchup against the highly-ranked University of Michigan, resulting in a 10-2 loss at Yost Ice Arena on Friday night. This initial setback brings the Colonials’ record to 0-2-0 for the young campaign.
First Period Action
The colonials demonstrated early promise, seizing the lead within the first three minutes of play. Ryan Taylor capitalized on a swift counterattack, converting a precise pass from Bruce McDonald into a one-timer that found the back of the net, giving RMU a 1-0 advantage. However, Michigan swiftly responded with two goals in the final minutes of the period, including one on the power play and one shorthanded, to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.
Second Period swings
The Wolverines extended their lead midway through the second period, capitalizing on a faceoff win in the offensive zone. Shortly after, RMU managed to narrow the gap as George Krotiris’s aggressive forecheck created a turnover, leading to a play where Taylor assisted Jackson Reineke, bringing the score to 3-2. Despite this rally, Michigan regained control, scoring three more goals in the final six minutes of the period-one on the power play-to establish a commanding 6-2 lead at the second break.
Michigan Dominates Third Period
The third period saw Michigan continue its offensive momentum, adding four additional goals to solidify a 10-2 victory and secure a series sweep. The Wolverines’ relentless offensive pressure proved too much for the Colonials to contain.
Key statistics and Highlights
michigan outshot RMU 40-32 during the game, with Ryan Taylor leading the Colonials with five shots on goal. Both teams had seven power-play opportunities, with RMU converting once and Michigan scoring three times. Greg Japchen, John Babcock and Reineke each recorded three blocked shots, and Dario Beljo excelled in the faceoff circle, winning 8 of 14 draws.
| Category | RMU | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Total Shots | 32 | 40 |
| Power Play Goals | 1 | 3 |
| Blocked shots (Team) | 9 | Data Not Available |
| Faceoff Win Percentage (beljo) | 57.1% | Data Not Available |
Did You Know? Collegiate hockey faceoffs are a crucial element of game control. winning faceoffs often leads to sustained offensive zone time and scoring opportunities.
looking Ahead
The Colonials will continue their season-opening road trip next week with a two-game non-conference series against Notre Dame. The first game is scheduled for Friday, October 24, at 7:00 PM, followed by the series finale on Saturday, October 25, at 6:00 PM.
The Growing Popularity of College Hockey
College hockey continues to experience a surge in popularity across the United States, with attendance and viewership steadily increasing over the past decade. According to the NCAA, total attendance for men’s ice hockey exceeded 2.5 million in the 2023-24 season. this growth is fueled by the excitement of competitive games and the progress of future NHL stars, like those competing in the NCAA. The NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament remains a highly-anticipated event, attracting both passionate fans and scouts from professional leagues.
Frequently Asked Questions about RMU Hockey
- What is the significance of this loss for the RMU colonials? This early-season loss highlights areas where the team needs to improve, particularly in defensive play and power-play conversion.
- Who are the key players to watch for on the RMU Hockey team? Ryan Taylor, Jackson Reineke, and dario Beljo are considered key players with the potential to significantly impact the team’s success this season.
- What is the importance of facing highly-ranked teams like Michigan? Facing top-tier opponents provides valuable experience and tests the team’s capabilities, helping them grow and improve throughout the season.
- What is RMU Hockey’s overall season outlook? The Colonials aim to build on individual strengths and improve team cohesion throughout the season, striving for a competitive position in their conference.
- Where can fans stay updated on RMU Hockey news and schedules? Fans can follow the RMU Colonials on Facebook,X,Instagram,TikTok,LinkedIn,and the RMU Athletics Gameday App.
What are your predictions for the Colonials’ upcoming series against Notre Dame? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
