Moon Township, Pa – Niagara hockey fell in their conference opener toRobert Morris 4-2 Friday night. Niagara dropped to 3-3-0 (0-1-0 AHA) while Robert Morris improved their record to 1-3-1 (1-0-0 AHA).

Robert Morris got on the board just 3:15 into the game with a goal from Jackson Reineke finishing off a setup from Bruce McDonald and John Babcock.

Deivs Rolovs made 10 saves in the first to keep Niagara within striking distance heading into the intermission.

The middle frame saw both teams break through. Niagara knotted the game up at one at 4:36 when Marshall Finnie scored his fourth goal of the season, assisted by Tyson Zimmer and Lane Brockhoff.

The Colonials reclaimed the lead at 15:03 when Cameron Garvey scored with assists from Dario Beljo and Ryan Taylor.

The Purple Eagles drew even at 2-2 on a power-play goal by Declan McDonnell at 10:45, his third of the season, with helpers from Nathan Oickle and Spencer Young.

Robert Morris responded quickly, just 1:10 later, Tanner Klimpke scored what proved to be the game-winning goal at 11:55, assisted by Garvey and Gabriel Lunn. Klimpke added an insurance empty-net goal with 52 seconds remaining to seal the 4-2 victory.

Game Notes

Niagara is now 39-33-11 all-time against Robert Morris

The Purple Eagles won the faceoff battle 32-26

Rolovs made 26 saves

McDonnell led the Purple and White with five shots on goal

Up Next

Niagara heads back home Saturday November 1 to wrap up the home and home with Robert Morris at 6 pm at Dwyer Arena.