Worcester, Mass. - The Robert Morris University men's ice hockey team responded from an early deficit to take three of four points from Holy Cross on the weekend as the two teams skated to a 1-1 draw on Saturday afternoon.

Making consecutive starts in net for the Colonials would be senior Eric Levine (Wheeling, Ill. / Pembroke Lumber Kings) who would withstand thirteen first-period shots from the Crusaders as the two teams would remain scoreless after twenty minutes of play.

Holy Cross would open the scoring at the 8:30 mark of the second period to hold the lead for the first time in the two-game series against RMU.  The Colonials would respond less than two minutes later with a power-play goal.  Defenseman Andrew Blazek (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Topeka Roadrunners) would find the net as Robert Morris possessed the puck in the attacking zone.  Senior Zach Hervato (Stittsville, Ontario / Smiths Falls Bears) would find an open Blazek for the Colonials’ goal.  Freshman David Friedmann (Toronto, Ontario / Toronto Jr. Canadiens) would be credited with the second assist on the play.  While RMU would ramp up their offensive pressure, the team was still outshot 14-12 in the period as the score remained tied, 1-1.

A scoreless third period would ensue as both teams had quality chances to gain the advantage before heading in to overtime.  Levine would make fourteen saves in the third frame as Robert Morris would get eleven shots of their own off on the Holy Cross goaltender.

In the five-minute overtime it was RMU who would have the better of the chances as it would outshoot the Crusaders by a 5-3 margin although neither team was able to capitalize for the game winning goal.

Levine would finish the game with 43 saves as Robert Morris took part in its first overtime contest of the season.  Hervato’s assist further increased his point total as the senior now has a team-leading twelve points – six goals, six assists – as he is now a single point away from his career high of thirteen points during his sophomore season.  In his first four games for the Colonials this season, Blazek has registered three points, two goals and one assist.

The Colonials conclude their five-game road trip with a visit to Columbus, Ohio to take on Ohio State on Friday, Dec. 7.  Face off against the Buckeyes is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.