RMU takes on the Ryerson Rams today at 4:05pm at the Island Sportscenter in an Exhibition match, a preseason game if you will.

Here is some info on Ryerson, 2008-2009 Schedule

The Rams are currently 1-3 after playing in York Invitational Tournament, where they picked up their first win.  Don’t let that 1-3 record disguise itself as the Rams being a very beatable team, as they have been a formidable opponent in their games so far.  In their last game against the No.8 RedHawks of Miami of Ohio, the Rams put up 3 goals only to fall 4-3 in the final seconds of that game.

From the Rams Website:
The Miami of Ohio RedHawks scored with five seconds remaining to defeat the visiting Ryerson Rams 4-3 in a thrilling exhibition contest on Saturday night in Oxford, Ohio.

The Rams opened the scoring when Stewart D’Eall scored back door on Miami goaltender Cody Reichard at the 16:41 mark of the first period. Miami, ranked No. 8 in the NCAA, tied the game at 7:10 of the first, when Kevin Roeder pounded in a Justin Mercier rebound. The RedHawks took their first lead at the 14:32 mark of the first period as Pat Cannone slammed home a goal off a dish from Gary Steffes.

The second period was hard fought and the Rams tied the game with a goal by Cory Konecny off of an assist from Michael Paolo. Halfway through the second period Louie George replaced Pierre Beaulieu in goal for Ryerson.

Miami came out strong to start the third as Chris Wideman gave the RedHawks the lead with an unassisted goal, 1:13 into the period. Ryerson would not go away and at the 15:25 mark of the third, Rob Toomey pulled the Rams even, 3-3, off a pass from Brent Small.

The third period was very physical with both teams collecting a number of penalties. With 1:04 remaining in the third period Paolo was called for hooking to give the RedHawks a power play. After launching a pressing attack, Alexandre Lacombe scored the game-winning goal with five seconds to to go.

As for Robert Morris, I haven’t had the chance yet to catch a full practice (as they started yesterday), so expectations for this game are pretty mellow.  Obviously we would like to see some bright spots, here is what I will be watching for:
-Goaltenders, especially with the unknown of what kind of defense will be in front of them, most likely a solid one, but you can’t allow yourself to get a slow start in net believing in the cushion in front of you.
-Offensive attack, I don’t think the lines we will see today will be set for the entire season, but who will be the big key players on offense, roles players, and so on.
-Adjustments (if needed), seeing the adjustments that Coach Schooley and his staff make will be the testament for how this season will dictate.