2/18/2010 10:24:00 PM

Not So Fresh: Rookies Make Big Impact for RMU

By Mike Prisuta
www.rmucolonials.com
Feb. 18, 2010

Pittsburgh, Pa. - It was a play that Zach Hervato made look easy, and one he probably couldn't have made earlier in the season.

Hervato's Robert Morris Colonials were trailing then-No. 5 Bemidji State, 2-1, in the opening stages of the third period last Saturday night at the Island Sports Center when a 2-on-1 developed.

What transpired next is often described by hockey types as a “goal-scorer's goal,” a move by Hervato across the crease while switching from his forehand to his backhand before depositing the puck behind Bemidji State goaltender Mathieu Dugas for a 2-2 tie.

Bemidji State went on to win, 5-2, and achieve a split in the two-game series.

Hervato, a freshman from Stittsville, Ontario, wound up on the receiving end of a pass from junior Chris Kushneriuk.

But once again Robert Morris' steadily-improving freshman class had been heard from.

“I just busted to the net,” Hervato said of the play that produced his fifth goal of the season and fourth in seven games. “The goalie slid over so I had one option, to make a move to the other side.

“At the start of the year I got shots from everywhere; I just didn't have the confidence. Too bad I couldn't have been doing this from the start.”

Head coach Derek Schooley wasn't expecting as much initially from Hervato or his other freshmen.

But the contributions they've been producing of late have been right on schedule.

“They have to get adjusted to the speed and the pace,” Schooley said. “There's a lot more practice and structure, and you throw going to school into the mix. There's a lot more on your plate.

“I think it takes half a year to get comfortable.”

Fellow freshman Stefan Salituro (Willodale, Ontario) started the play that turned into the Hervato-Kushneriuk 2-on-1 with a chip pass from his knees.

“A really good pass,” Schooley said.

Hervato and Salituro were two of four freshmen in the lineup in last Friday night's 5-2 win over Bemidji. They were joined by defensemen Tyler Hinds (Orleans, Ontario) and Brendan Jamison (Pittsburgh).

Forward-turned-defenseman Andrew Blazek (Pittsburgh) suited up on Saturday.

Salituro also has five goals and trails Hervato in points by two (12-10).

Jamison (two assists) and Hinds are emerging as increasingly reliable stay-at-home defensemen.

Blazek has translated skating ability and puck-moving skills into a pair of goals and four assists since being converted from forward to defense in mid-December following a spate of injuries on the blueline.

And freshman goaltender Eric Levine (Wheeling, Ill.) has established himself as a reliable backup to Brooks Ostergard.

“They've become consistent,” Schooley said. “They've figured out how to play Division I hockey. Before there were flashes and then mistakes; now it's consistent play.

“Unless you're a top-end guy you just have to figure it out. Our guys have figured it out.”

The freshmen revelations have helped Robert Morris forge a 6-3-2 mark over its last 11 games heading into this weekend's series at CHA-rival Alabama-Huntsville (5:35 p.m. Saturday, 3:05 p.m. Sunday).

“We're playing really well,” Hervato said. “We know beating (No.1) Miami twice and Bemidji twice (the Colonials are 2-4 this season against the Beavers) means we can beat any team in the nation right now.

“It's great momentum and it's a great way to head into the (CHA) Tournament.”

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