ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The RIT Men's Hockey team rode a three-goal third period to a 4-1 victory over visiting Mercyhurst in Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) action, Friday.

First-year forward Zach Wigle broke a scoreless tie midway through the second period before junior forward Christian Catalano and senior forward Austin Brimmer each logged a goal and an assist during a three-goal third. First-year William Moore also tallied as the Tigers won their sixth-straight game.

Sophomore Jakub Krbecek stopped 20 of 21 shots he faced to backstop the victory.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first period, RIT got on the board, four-on-four, at 9:31 of the second. Catalano slipped a puck to the point where Allen dropped a pass to Wigle in the left faceoff circle for a wrist shot over Laker goaltender Charles-Edward Gravel's glove.

RIT tallied twice in just over a two-minute span to lead 3-0 midway through the third. Catalano grabbed a puck along the right boards and made a nice move on the crease to beat Gravel inside the left post for a power-play goal at 7:22.

Moore threw a puck into the crease from behind the Laker goal that deflected in off a Laker defender at 9:24.

Mercyhurst got one back following a RIT interference penalty with under three minutes left in regulation. Skating six-on-four with an empty net, Matteo Disipio redirected a shot in the mid-slot by John Larkin that scored, far post at 18:11.

Brimmer took a long outlet from sophomore defenseman Mason Croucher and found the empty net with 1:04 on the clock to seal the win.

COACH THOMAS SAID
"I just think our guys keep believing. Every guy believes they can help make a difference. And I think when you have that belief, different guys get to step up and be the guy. I like how we found a way tonight. We've got to make sure we come back tomorrow with the same mentality.
 
"The ability to have different guys step up at different times just shows you how tight the group is. I think the cool thing is that every guy believes they can be the next guy to have the big play. And I think when you have that mentality, it just kind of bleeds throughout the team. So that's why you're seeing a lot of different guys stepping up at different times.
 
"Tomorrow, I think we can be a little better in some areas. We're playing a team that is desperate for their first win. So, we know their urgency and their desperation is going to be an all-time high. We've got to find a way to match that. And our guys should feel that way. I like how we found a way tonight. We've got to make sure we come back tomorrow with the same mentality."

GAME NOTES

• RIT finished with a 23-21 advantage in shots on goal.
• RIT went 1 for 2 on the power play while Mercyhurst finished 1 for 3. 
• The Tigers have averaged 4.83 goals per game over its last six games.
• Brimmer logged an assist for his fourth consecutive game while Wigle tallied a point for his fourth straight game.
• RIT improved to 20-9-4 all-time at home versus Mercyhurst. 
• RIT wore special "Balloon Ritchie" jerseys that are currently being auctioned as a ROAR Day fundraiser for the program. 

WHAT'S NEXT
RIT hosts Mercyhurst on Saturday (Nov. 8) for a 5:05 p.m. rematch.