Robert Morris accomplished two things for the first time at the RMU Island Sports Center Friday night. The Colonials registered their first win against Alabama-Huntsville, 1-0, and also won back-to-back games for the first time in program history. Robert Morris defeated Rochester Institute of Technology, 4-2, last Sunday and is now unbeaten in its last three games at 2-0-1.
Senior Kurt Wright’s first-period goal improved the Colonials’ record to 4-4-1 on the season and 1-0-0 in College Hockey America play. In 2004-05, it took Robert Morris 18 games to record its first win and it didn’t earn its first CHA victory until its ninth try.
Sophomore goaltender Christian Boucher and a solid Colonials defense combined to make the single goal stand. Boucher finished the game with 25 saves for his third career shutout and first of the season. The defense, meanwhile, blocked 21 shots in the game, including 15 in the third period.
Robert Morris took a lead they would not relinquish just over four minutes into the game. Sophomore David Boguslawski won a face-off in the Chargers zone, feeding the puck back to the right point to junior Bryan Mills. Mills found Wright in the slot and the senior didn’t miss the opportunity, beating Alabama-Huntsville goalie Scott Munroe.
The goal marked the end of a 126:13 scoreless streak against Alabama-Huntsville for Robert Morris, who had been shutout in their previous two meetings with the Chargers.
Twice in the second period, Alabama-Huntsville (3-4-0, 1-2-0 CHA) appeared to tie the game, but a goal three minutes into the period was waved off because the net had been knocked off the moorings. Later in the period, the whistle had sounded before the puck crossed the line which cancelled out a second possible Charger goal.
Robert Morris then killed off 2:58 of a 5-on-3 and a 5-on-4 Chargers power play to secure its 1-0 lead.
Neither team scored on four power-play opportunities. Robert Morris held a 38-25 advantage in shots on goal as Munroe finished with 37 saves for the Chargers.
These two teams meet again tomorrow, Saturday, November 19, in a 7:35 p.m. game at the RMU Island Sports Center.
