HAMILTON - Colgate fell 3-1 against RIT at Class of 1965 Arena on Friday night.
COACH HARDER'S COMMENTS
"It's just really disappointing to play that poorly in front of our home crowd. We will regroup, learn from it, and come back better tomorrow."
HOW IT HAPPENED
Simon Labelle attempted an early shot, but it went wide. Colgate successfully capitalized on a power play after Christian Catalano of RIT was penalized for slashing, but their efforts during the man advantage were thwarted. Later, RIT's Tyler Mahan scored at even strength, assisted by Ryan Williams and Tristan Allen, putting the Tigers ahead.
Colgate responded by taking advantage of another Tigers' penalty. Michael Neumeier scored on the power play, equalizing the game with an assist from Reid Dyck. The period concluded with Colgate maintaining pressure, but the score remained tied 1-1 as both teams headed into intermission.
Despite being on the penalty kill twice, Colgate successfully neutralized the Tigers' power play opportunities. The period concluded with no change to the scoreboard, as both teams remained scoreless, maintaining a tight contest heading into the final period.
Midway through the period, Labelle and Neumeier each fired shots that were stopped by Krbecek, keeping Colgate's comeback hopes alive. The momentum shifted as the Tigers' William Moore scored an unassisted goal at the 6:00 mark, extending their lead. Despite a power play opportunity following a penalty on the Tigers' Crossley Stewart, Colgate could not capitalize, with shots from Neumeier and Brett Merner failing to find the net. Sullivan and Neumeier continued to test the Tigers' defense, but blocks and saves thwarted their efforts.
In the final minutes, Colgate opted for an empty net to increase offensive pressure. However, the Tigers' Simon Isabelle sealed the game with an empty-net goal with 11 seconds remaining, assisted by Austin Brimmer and Zach Wigle. The period concluded with the Tigers securing a 3-1 victory.
GAME NOTES
- Reid Dyck made 18 saves in between the pipes for the Raiders and picked up an assist on Neumeier's goal.
- Michael Neumeier scored his first goal of the season.
UP NEXT
The Raiders (2-4-1) close out their home series against RIT Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.
