On Dec 30 Robert Morris University played Quinnipiac University in the Championship game of the Three Rivers Classic. The first round of the Three Rivers Classic at PPG Paints Arena was Dec 29. In the first round the Quinnipiac Bobcats faced Boston College and won 3-1. Meanwhile, the Robert Morris Colonials faced Ferris State University and took the victory 1-0.
The Bobcats took the lead at the two minute mark. Sophomore defense Chase Priskie scored his second goal of the season. Although the Colonials out shot the Bobcats 13-9 in the first, they left the period 1-0 for Quinnipiac.
However, after returning for the second the Colonials found their chance at the six minute mark. Sophomore Alex Tonge tipped one in past Chris Truehl of Quinnipiac. Then, Robert Morris took the lead with 46 seconds left in the second period with a shot from Rob Mann. Mann, a senior defense and team captain, scored his second goal of the season. They would end the second period, 2-1 Robert Morris leading.
Going into the final 20 minutes of the game, Robert Morris would expand their lead by three. First, Spencer Dorowicz, junior forward, would net one from Brandon Watt and Luke Lynch at the five minute mark. Next, Timmy Moore, junior forward, would put one in from Rob Mann and Rob Powers at the eight minute mark. Finally, another Timmy Moore goal with an assist from, freshman goaltender, Francis Marotte on an empty net goal at 14 minutes.
The Colonials found themselves 5-1 over the Bobcats with six minutes left in the game. Nonetheless, with 38 seconds left in the game Quinnipiac’s Thomas Aldworth tipped one past Marotte from Luke Shiplo and Tommy Schutt.
Despite the effort from the Bobcats, Robert Morris would take the victory 5-2 to win the Confluence Cup for the second year in a row. Yet, the Bobcats outshot Robert Morris 45-28 overall, but just couldn’t find the opportunity to score.
Following the final buzzer, the awards were presented for the All-Tournament Team which follows:
Dan Leavens (Robert Morris) – F
Francis Marotte (Robert Morris) – G
Rob Mann (Robert Morris) – D
Chase Priskie (Quinnipiac) – D
Michael Kim (Boston College) – D
Justin Kapelmaster, Ferris State – G
Additionally, Francis Marotte, Robert Morris goaltender, was named MVP of the tournament. Robert Morris was also presented the Confluence Cup. The team had a short on-ice celebration including a team photo and the hoisting of the cup. The Colonials finished with a celebration with the RMU Pep Band by gathering for the Alma Mater.
Coming up next, Robert Morris University returns home for conference play against American International College Jan 6-7. Quinnipiac University travels to Harvard to continue their conference play Jan 6. Next, Boston College heads to Providence College on Jan 7 for some Hockey East conference play. Finally, Ferris State University returns to conference play at Alaska Anchorage Jan 6-7.
Pucks and Rec’s Photo Editor and College Hockey Photographer, Jenn Hoffman, was on site at the PPG Paints Arena to capture the action. To see more from Jenn you can follow her on Twitter or Instagram.
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