MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The RIT Men's Hockey team defeated host Robert Morris, 2-1, in Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) action to extend an eight-game winning streak, Friday.
 
Junior defenseman Ben Roger tallied 1:25 into the game while first-year forward Zach Wigle scored what proved to be the game-winning power-play goal with 3:31 left in regulation. Senior defenseman Crossley Stewart was credited with assists on both goals.
 
Sophomore goaltender Jakub Krbecek stopped 18 of 19 shots he faced to win his eighth-straight game.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Just over a minute into the contest, Stewart cycled a puck from low in the left corner to first-year forward Evan Konyen at the left point. Konyen slid a pass to Roger at the right point, who scored on a long shot through a crowded crease.
 
After a scoreless second, the Colonials tied the scored 1:26 into the third after the Tigers mis-fired on a shot attempt at the top of the RMU zone. Tanner Klimpke skated the other way with the turnover and beat Krbecek with a back-handed shot, glove side, to finish the one-on-one attempt.
 
RIT went on the power with 3:45 remaining in regulation after RMU was whistled for slashing. Stewart threaded a pass from the left point to Wigle outside the right post for a short finish behind goaltender Charlie Schenkel.
COACH THOMAS SAID
"It was a great win, don't get me wrong. We found a way late. However, we are trying to grow our game, and that was a bit of a step back in how we want to play. Good that the guys gutted it out, but there is lots to learn.
 
"We have to build trust. As a coach, I'm looking for guys that I can trust, especially when moments get bigger. The guys are building. That is what the first half of the season is about.
 
"I'm just happy the guys found a way. Kuba was great again and there were some huge blocked shots at the end. We had a lot of guys dig in and I thought our third period was way better than our second period."

GAME NOTES

• RIT finished the game with a 33-19 advantage in shots on goal.
• The Tigers were scoreless on five power plays prior to Wigle's game winner.
• RIT killed all three RMU power plays it faced.
• Wigle extended his team-best three-game goal-scoring streak. He was named the AHA Rookie of the Week after tallying in both ends of last weekend's sweep of visiting Mercyhurst, including what proved to be the game-winner in Saturday's 3-2 victory.
• Stewart and Konyen have also notched an assist in three-straight games.
• After falling in its first two games of the season, RIT has won its last eight outings to tie the third-longest winning streak in D1-era history.
• RIT is tied with top-ranked Michigan State for the nation's longest win streak. The Spartans defeated Notre Dame, 4-1, in the night's other action.
• The Tigers are off to an 8-2-0 start for only the second time in D1-era history. The 2022-23 team also won eight of its first 10 games en route to an 11-2-0 record.
• RIT has out-scored its opponents, 34-12, during its current run. 
• Roger became the 16th RIT skater to score a goal this season.

WHAT'S NEXT
RIT plays at Robert Morris on Saturday (Nov. 15) at 7:05 p.m. to complete the AHA doubleheader.