RPI men's hockey swept at home in season-opening series
TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's hockey team wrapped up its season-opening weekend in disappointing fashion, falling 5–0 to Miami (Ohio) at Houston Field House Saturday night.
Miami struck first just over a minute into play on an unassisted goal by Matteo Giampa. The Engineers responded with sustained offensive zone pressure and 15 first-period shots, but RedHawks goaltender Matteo Drobac turned aside every attempt to preserve his team's one-goal lead. Trevor Russell, Tyler Wallace and Filip Sitar all had quality looks early for the Engineers.
RPI continued to push the pace in the second frame, with efforts from Kaz Sobieski, Gunnar VanDamme and Dovar Tinling testing the Miami defense. Nate Krawchuk stood tall in net, making nine of his 20 total saves in the middle period, including several on backdoor plays during Miami's lone power-play. The visitors doubled their advantage, though, midway through the second and added three more goals in the final frame to put the game out of reach.
RPI's top line of Wallace, Sitar and Matthew Buckley was active throughout the contest, combining for eight of the team's 26 shots. Rainers Rullers excelled in the faceoff circle, going 11-for-16, while Wallace followed at 8-for-9. Krawchuk finished with 20 saves across all 60 minutes of action.
RPI continues its season-opening homestand next weekend, welcoming Boston College to Houston Field House on Friday night at 7:00.