The University of Richmond Spiders ice hockey team started their 2016-2017 campaign with a 6-0 win over defending BRHC Atlantic Division champion Northern Virginia CC on Saturday night.

Forward Ryan Martin (‘18) scored a pair of goals and one assist in his Spiders debut, Forward Felix Rooney (‘20) got his first career points in the form of three assists, Forward Nick Brackenridge ('19) had a goal and two assists, and Defenseman RJ Messineo (‘20) netted the first goal of his career. The team posted 41 shots on goal and chased the Nighthawks’ starting goalie out of the net after two periods.

Goaltender Ben Napierala (‘18), who made 9 saves to secure the shutout, was pleased with the defensive effort from everybody, not just the D corps.

“The team really played well together, especially in the defensive end,” Napierala said. “(Teammates were) sacrificing their bodies to block shots…team defense was definitely the key to success.”

Head Coach Jason Block echoed those thoughts.

“Commitment to our end was great,” Block said. “Wingers weren’t cheating out of the zone early and were clogging shooting lanes, centers were supportive, particularly dots and in...we spent a lot of time with sustained pressure in the offensive zone. A lot of work to be done, but a good way to come out of the gate.”

Forward Brendan Gaffney ('18) had two assists, and Forward Michael Blaum ('17) and Defenseman Sam Blakely ('17) also tallied for Richmond.

Goaltender Michael Collins ('17) takes the net during Parents Weekend on Saturday, September 24th, as the Spiders host Radford at the Richmond Ice Zone.