Box Score

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Two late third period goals by Ryan Rashid and C.J. Chartrain helped the Niagara men’s hockey team (4-5-6; 3-2-5 AHA) battle back from a two-goal deficit to tie Robert Morris (7-6-2; 5-2-2 AHA), 2-2 in conference action on Friday evening at RMU Island Ice Center.  

With 1:04 remaining the final period, Rashid scored the equalizer to tie the game at two apiece, sending the Purple Eagles into overtime for the eighth time this season.  The sophomore shot a bouncing puck past Colonials' goaltender Brooks Ostergard off an assist from Kevin Ryan.    

Chartrain hammered home his second of the season to cut the Colonial's lead in half with 7:08 to play in the final twenty minutes.  The goal was assisted by Jeff Hannanand Marc Zanette. 

"It was another great effort," said head coach David Burkholder. "I feel good for the guys that they were rewarded for how hard they played in the third to complete the comeback.  The guys were puck hungry and got pucks to the net.  They were able to get another good point on the road."

Niagara got a great effort from Chris Noonan in net as he made 31 saves, including four in overtime.  

"Noonan was solid in net for us," add Burkholder.  "He didn't make any mistakes.  He's seeing the puck really well right now."

Niagara controlled play in the first twenty minutes of play, but they saw no shots hit the back of the net.  Their aggressive forechecking forced several turnovers and created chances, but Ostergard stopped all nine Purple Eagle shots. 

Robert Morris pulled ahead by two in the second period after capitalizing on shorthanded opportunities.  First to get on the board for Robert Morris was senior Nick Chiavetta who tallied his fifth of the season 14:42 into the period. The 2-0 lead came just under four minutes later off the stick of Trevor Lewis shorthanded. 

The Purple Eagles extended its unbeaten streak to five games (2-0-3) in the team's second consecutive 2-2 tie.    

Niagara returns to action on Saturday against AHA foe Mercyhurst at 7:05 p.m.