Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Robert Morris University men’s hockey team skated to a 3-3 tie with in-state rivals Mercyhurst on Senior Night at the 84 Lumber Arena. The tie keeps the Colonials in fifth place in the Atlantic Hockey standings with one game remaining and a chance, with some help, to earn a top-four seed for the upcoming playoffs.

After the pregame ceremonies, the Colonials were the first to strike just over five minutes into the first period.  Defenseman Andrew Blazek (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Topeka Roadrunners) blasted a shot that was deflected by Scott Jacklin (Kimberley, British Columbia / Trail Smoke Eaters) for the 1-0 lead.  Captain Brendan Jamison (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Jersey Hitmen) was the first of the seniors to register a point as he picked up his eleventh assist of the season.

Robert Morris added to its lead halfway through the first period when Cody Wydo (Southgate, Mich. / Motor City Metal Jackets) led an odd-man rush with line mate Adam Brace (Cobden, Ontario / Canisius College) who converted on the dish pass to give the Colonials a 2-0 lead. The play came on the rush after assistant captain Tyler Hinds (Orleans, Ontario / Nepean Raiders) sprang Wydo down the far boards. The Lakers cut the lead to one with fewer than five minutes to play in the first as the period ended with the Colonials in the lead 2-1.

Mercyhurst wasted no time tying the game as they scored just 32 seconds into the second period. The Lakers would then net their third consecutive goal seven minutes later to take a 3-2 lead with the only two goals of the second frame.

The Colonials tied up the game in the third period as Colin South (Sewickley, Pa. / Bay State Breakers) capitalized on a rebound off of a shot by Jeff Jones (Revelstoke, British Columbia / Merritt Centennials).  Zach Hervato (Stittsville, Ontario / Smiths Falls Bears) sprang the play with an outlet pass to Jones for the only goal of the third period as the two teams would carry the tied score in to the overtime frame.

The overtime period came and went without either team able to get the edge. The Colonials were awarded a power play with 30 seconds left but were unable to register shot in the game’s final moments. The game ended with the Colonials earning a valuable point in the AHA standings.

With his assist in the first period, Wydo has now recorded a point in five consecutive games as the forward has registered four goals and five assists during the streak.  Goaltender Eric Levine (Wheeling, Ill. / Pembroke Lumber Kings) would make 36 saves in the tie as his record went to 17-10-3 this season.

With a win tomorrow and a loss by Connecticut, the Colonials could capture the fourth seed in the Atlantic Hockey standings and earn a first-round bye in the playoffs.  Robert Morris can finish no worse than sixth place this season which would allow the Colonials to host a first-round series in the upcoming playoffs.

The Colonials finish their regular season tomorrow night when they travel to Erie, Pa. for a rematch with Mercyhurst. Action at the Mercyhurst Ice Center begins at 7:05.