The Robert Morris University NCAA men’s hockey team will face off this weekend against the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Tigers and look to extend their unbeaten streak to eight games. 

  During the Colonials seven-game unbeaten streak, they have outscored their opponents 31-17 and they will look to continue their unbeaten streak when they take on RIT this Saturday, December 17, at 7:05 at the RMU Island Sports Center. 

  Head coach, Derek Schooley, knows that his team has what it takes to be considered one of the best in the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA), and he sees this game against RIT as an opportunity to prove just that. 

  “We need to come out and we need to play well if we want to be considered an upper echelon team in this league, and we need to do well against the guys that have been there before,” said Schooley.

  He also made note of the fact that RIT is one of the top teams in the AHA.  “I think RIT is a very good program.  They went to the Frozen Four,” said Schooley.  “They do a lot of things well, they have a great goaltender, and we just need to come out and play our game and play to our identity.”

  Senior goaltender, Brooks Ostergard, knows that RIT will not be an easy opponent, and the Colonials need to come out strong if they want to get two points against the Tigers.

  “They didn’t lose too many players up front so we know they’re going to come in and be expecting two points,” said Ostergard.   “So we’re going to hope that we bring our A-game like we’ve brought it the past three weeks and go into break on a good note.”

  Senior forward, Brandon Blandina, realizes that it is important for the Colonials to get off to a strong start against RIT.

  “Being our first year in the league last year we kind of started a rivalry with RIT so everyone on the team is really excited for the game,” explained Blandina.  “It will send a big message to RIT if we can get a win from them.”

  He also understands that getting two points from RIT, especially heading into their 13-day break between games would be huge for the team. 

  “It’s very important, especially going into a break like this. It can be big momentum push for our team,” explained Blandina.

  This will be the Colonials last game until December 30, when they take on Ohio State at 7:35 at Consol Energy Center.