Box Score

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - The Niagara men’s hockey team (10-8-7; 9-4-5 AHA) extended its undefeated streak to five games as the Purple Eagles edged the Robert Morris Colonials (12-10-3; 10-5-3 AHA) by a  2-1 margin in a tightly contested game on Friday evening at the RMU Island Sports Center.  

With 2:53 left in the third period, freshman forward Chris Lochner picked up a rebound at the top of the slot off a Kevin Albers shot and ripped the puck past Colonials goaltender Eric Levine for the game-winning goal.  The goal was Lochner's sixth of the year, and fourth marker in two games.   

The Purple Eagles are now 5-0-0 in their last five games, while holding an eight-game unbeaten streak (4-0-4) in games against the Colonials at the RMU Island Sports Center dating back to the 2008-09 season.   

"It was a nice win for the guys," head coach David Burkholder said.  "The guys were rewarded with a rebound goal to win it.  It was a very even matchup, although I thought we were pushing the pace as the game wore on.  Our defensive core really battled hard and contributed at the offensive blueline as well."

The Colonials were the first to strike in a fast-paced opening period.  At the 12:52 mark, freshman Cody Cartier slid the puck across the slot to a trailing Nick Chiavetta, who snapped it past Niagara netminder Chris Noonan for his sixth of the season.

The Purple Eagles dominated the middle frame, outshooting their opponent 17-8 and tallying a late goal to tie the game at one apiece heading into the final twenty minutes.  With 35.4 seconds left in the period, sophomore forward Scott Arnold found Matt Williams just inside the blue line.  The sophomore defender ripped a low show towards net with traffic out front where freshman Isaac Kohls tipped it in for his fifth goal of the year. 

Noonan finished the game with 27 saves for his fifth straight win, while Williams contributed two helpers. 

Niagara returns to Dwyer Arena tomorrow to finish its home-and-home series against Robert Morris at 7:05 p.m.

To purchase tickets contacts the Niagara Ticket Office (located inside Dwyer Arena) at 716-286-TIXX or by emailing Tickets@PurpleEagles.com.
 
Saturday's contest can also be seen live in the Buffalo area courtesy of Time Warner Cable Sports Net. Fans wishing to tune in can catch the game on channel 13 (Standard Definition) or channel 713 (HD).