NEVILLE TWP. — Robert Morris has been leaning on its top line all season. Trailing Sacred Heart — a team the Colonials had never lost to — at home by a goal on Friday, Robert Morris turned once again to the top unit of Brady Ferguson, Daniel Leavens and Alex Tonge.
They didn’t disappoint, coming through with three straight goals to blow open what would end up a 4-2 victory for the Colonials.
The Colonials are now 19-0-1 all-time against the Pioneers and moved to 3-0 on the season against them, outscoring their opponent 12-3.
The top line put up three goals, seven assists, and 16 shots in this game. Tonge led the way tonight with two goals and two assists. The three lead the team in points and are plus-13 on the season.
“We all know where are we going to be on the ice,” Ferguson said. “We aren’t worried about the points, we just keep shooting and looking for opportunities.”
“We all have the same mentality out there,” added Tonge.
BRINGING THE FRESHMEN ALONG
The Colonials have five freshmen on their bottom three lines, and at least one freshman on every line. For the top line to power through while the youngsters find their way is a major positive moving forward.
“I was a freshman last year, and I didn’t see many scoring chances,” Tonge said. “I had a bunch of guys show me the way, and these guys have been learning from the start in the same way. I think they will be fine.”
Ferguson mentioned that he has seen the growth from these young players watching the top line dominance as well.
“They’re all good hockey players. From the first time we skated until now, I can see them getting better every day.”
SHAKE OFF A TOUGH START
Just 21 seconds into the game, the Colonials found themselves down 1-0 after a quick strike from Jordan Minello of the Pioneers. An early goal like that can take a team out of their groove, but the Colonials hung tough, found a way to tie the game by the end of the first period, and had a two-goal lead by the second intermission.
“It was a tough start, but we had a good mentality on the bench,” Ferguson said. “We didn’t worry about it, we just kept shooting.”
“We got better as the game went on,” added headed coach Derek Schooley. “We got a break at the right time in the first period, and were able to right the ship from there.”
STILL LOOKING FOR 60 MINUTES
After a split against Dartmouth last weekend, coach Schooley noted that his team did not play a full 60-minute game, and that was the reason for a 1-1 split. While the Colonials looked strong in their win tonight, going down 1-0 can testify to the fact that they did not put in a full 60 again tonight.
“I thought we played about 50 minutes,” admitted Schooley. “We really weren’t good in the first period, but special teams helped us in the first period and we played more consistent as the game went on.”
“We need to get off to a better start tomorrow,” added Ferguson. “I thought we played well tonight, but we need to play in their zone more and get a few more early opportunities.”
The Colonials will be looking for that full 60-minute performance, and the lethal first line will be looking for those scoring opportunities tomorrow evening when the two teams square off again at 84 Lumber Arena at 5:05.
