Senior captain Wes Heintz's slapshot from 20 feet out with just over a minute remaining in the game broke a 3-3 tie, propelling RMU to victory over West Virginia in ACHA Division I play on Friday night. The Mountaineers took a 1-0 lead midway through the first period on a powerplay goal by junior Tyler Conaway but RMU responded with three consecutive goals giving the Colonials what appeaed to be a comfortable 3-1 lead late in the second period. However, as has been the case all season, WVU refused to quit. Senior Jimmy Murray's goal with 1:21 remaining in the second period cut the RMU lead to one and Zack LaDuke tied the game at three midway through the third. From there, the teams exchanged scoring chances. West Virginia put a total of 43 shots on RMU goaltender Ryan Gayso for the game and hit two goal posts, carrying the play through much of the contest. The Colonials were opportunistic, scoring on 4 of 18 shots. WVU freshman goaltender Ian Donnan made a number of exceptional saves off of the highly skilled Colonial shooters staying focused despite numerous incidents whereby RMU players came crashing into him. RMU's fifth goal came in the game's final seconds with Donnan pulled in favor of an extra attacker.

Heintz led the Colonials with two goals. Singles went to Randy Unger, Lucas Chiala, and Travis Reece. The Mountaineer seniors were exceptional throughout the game as they wrap up their outstanding careers. In addition to scoring two of the three goals, all five assists were recorded by WVU seniors. Trey Bracy had two assists for WVU and Brandon Richards, LaDuke, and Murray had singles. Special teams play may have been the difference in the game. The Colonials converted on two of three opportunities with the man advantage. While all three Mountaineer goals came on the power play, the team squandered two 5 on 3 opportunities over the first two periods. West Virginia ended the game going three for eight with the man advantage.

West Virginia will try to bounce back Saturday afternoon as they host CHMA power Mercyhurst University at 4:00 p.m. in Morgantown. With both teams entering the contest with identical 10-3 conference records, the winner of the game will secure second place in the CHMA standings and a first round playoff bye. The game will be the final home contest for 9 Mountaineer seniors. Puck drop at the Morgantown Ice Arena is set for 4:00 p.m. The game can be viewed live via Livestream (Andrew Caridi on the call) or fans can listen in on the radio home of the DI Hockey Mountaineers, U92 FM. 

(Photo by Frimberger)