ERIE, Pa. - The Mercyhurst men's hockey team hosted RMU for their final game of the regular season. The Colonials did not have as many shots as last night when they won 5-2, but they still dominated this game at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. Ryan Coughlin scored for the Lakers, but the Colonials won, 4-1. Rick Gotkin was honored pregame and postgame for his 38 years behind the bench for the Lakers. 
 
The first period began with a faceoff won by Robert Morris (13-18-3, 13-11-2 AHA)), who quickly applied pressure with a series of shots. Charles-Edward Gravel was pivotal, making multiple saves to keep the game scoreless early on. Mercyhurst (5-26-3, 5-18-3 AHA) had opportunities, notably when Brendan Lamb and Jacob Leblanc took shots during a power play, but they were unable to capitalize. As the period progressed, The Colonials broke through at 1:59. Despite solid defensive efforts from the Lakers, including blocked shots by Barrett Brooks and Ryan Coughlin, the period ended with them trailing, 1-0.
 
The Lakers faced a challenging second period, as Robert Morris extended its lead with a goal by at 17:15, marking the pivotal moment of the frame. Despite being on the power play twice, the Lakers were unable to capitalize, with several shot attempts saved by RMU's netminder. Gravel made numerous saves to keep Mercyhurst in the contest. The period concluded with them still trailing, 2-0.
 
The Lakers faced yet another challenging final frame. They were initially holding strong against the Colonials' attacks. Despite being short-handed, Mercyhurst's defensive efforts, highlighted by Gravel's multiple saves, kept the game within reach until midway through the period. Robert Morris extended its lead with a short-handed goal at 6:51. Mercyhurst responded quickly, with a goal from Coughlin at 5:01, assisted by Dominik Bartecko and Trent Sambrook. However, Robert Morris sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 0:50. The game concluded with a 4-1 victory for Robert Morris.
 
The Lakers are set to travel to Canisius for the third consecutive year in the AHA playoffs. Puck drop is set for Tuesday, March 3rd with a time to be determined.