NEVILLE TWP– The Robert Morris men’s hockey team was back in action on Thursday night looking for their thirteenth win of the year. The Colonials (12-5,10-3-1 AHA) hosted the Long Island University Sharks (4-6) in Clearview Arena for the first time in the teams’ history.

Before the puck drop, there was news that LIU goaltender and Anaheim Ducks draft pick Garrett Metcalf was scratched from the game.

After one, the Colonials got a power-play goal because of a hooking penalty on the Sharks. Nick Lalonde notched his fifth goal of the season on the man-advantage, starting a big night for him. Early on, the Sharks were having trouble keeping up with RMU entering their zone. The Colonials had some good chances early but weren’t able to send one across the goal-mouth.

In the second period, the Sharks were swarming for a goal, they were much more physical and had better zone entries. This strong play led to a goal by Mitchell Meek after the Colonials turned the puck over in their zone. Despite the goal, head coach Derek Schooley was happy about how goaltender Dyllan Lubbesmeyer played.

“I think he did a really good job, especially in the second period when we needed him,” Schooley said. “He was able to make big saves and goalies have to do that [for a team to win].”

Later in the period, RMU was controlling the puck much more than LIU, and just after the power play ended, Grant Hebert knocked one home to make it 2-1 RMU. The Colonials had few more chances the rest of the period to no avail. When the Sharks got in the RMU zone, Dyllan Lubbesmeyer turned aside all shots the Sharks threw at him. The Colonials were up 2-1 heading to the dressing room.

In the third period, it was all Colonials as they were able to put two in the net and make it 4-1. Schooley was proud of how well the team has buried the puck this season.

“We are in the top 10 in the nation in scoring for a reason,” he said. “You’ve got to be patient and we did a really good job of going east to west in the offensive on zone and hitting side slots. Our guys did a good job in getting in front of the net.”

Nick Lalonde had a career-high in points with three with two goals and an assist. Schooley praised the forward after the game.

“[Nick] played really well. I had him in a lot of spots tonight and he was able to make an impact in them all.”

The Colonials hit the ice tomorrow at 3:05 when they host the Sharks again at Clearview Arena.