West Springfield, Mass. - The Robert Morris University men's ice hockey team started a four-game road trip with a contest against American International on Friday evening.  A goal by senior Adam Brace was not enough to overcome two first-period goals as the Colonials fell, 4-1, in the first of two games against AIC this weekend.

The Yellow Jackets would open the scoring just over seven minutes in to the first period.  Shortly after both teams were whistled for matching minor penalties, AIC would take the early 1-0 lead with a goal while the two teams played 4-on-4 hockey.  American International would double their lead at the 11:29 mark of the period as the Yellow Jackets would capitalize after a failed Robert Morris power play.  Nine seconds after the end of the man advantage for the Colonials had expired; AIC would pounce on a loose puck in front of the RMU net for the 2-0 advantage.

Less than a minute in to the second period, Robert Morris would cut the deficit in half.  After pressuring the Yellow Jackets in their own zone, senior forward Adam Brace (Cobden, Ontario / Canisius College) would pick off an errant clearing attempt just inside the blue line.   Brace would skate in all alone on the goaltender and find the back of the net to make the score 2-1 just 55 seconds in to the period.

Looking to tie the game in the second period, RMU would pressure American International in the offensive zone, often for a prolonged period of time in which the Colonials would have multiple scoring chances.  In the second period alone, Robert Morris outshot the Yellow Jackets, 16-8, while managing 34 shots on goal through the first two periods.

American International would regain a two-goal advantage in the third period to make the score 3-1.  The Yellow Jackets would add an empty-net goal in the final minutes to make the final score 4-1.

The Colonials would hold a 47-30 advantage in shots as four different Colonials had five shots on goal.  Goaltender Eric Levine (Wheeling, Ill. / Pembroke Lumber Kings) would make 26 saves as his record fell to 10-5-2 on the season.  Brace’s goal in the second period would be his 41st career goal while pushing his career point total to 93.

The Colonials conclude their two-game series with American International tomorrow afternoon with the game scheduled for a 3:05 p.m. faceoff.