As the old saying goes, there's a first time for everything.
Union (8-6-4) and Robert Morris (11-5-3) will prove as much today when the two programs face off for the first time ever in the Ledyard Classic at Dartmouth's Thompson Arena.
Here are a few things to know ahead of the 4 p.m. matchup:
The 12-day Christmas break didn't deter Union's momentum. The Dutchmen went into their holiday break on a five-game unbeaten streak (4-0-1), and they picked up right where left off on Saturday, edging 20th-ranked Merrimack 3-2 on the first day of the Ledyard Classic.
Matt Wilkins, Nick Cruice and Brett Supinski each scored for Union, with Wilkins and Supinski's goals being of the power play variety. Freshman goaltender Jake Kupsky made 24 saves and recorded the win in his first action since Nov. 6.
The victory extended Union's unbeaten streak to a season-long six games (5-0-1). The win was Union's second against Merrimack this season; the Dutchmen topped the Warriors 4-0 on Nov. 28 at Lawler Rink.
MOMENTUM HALTED
Robert Morris, which is tied with Holy Cross for the top spot in Atlantic Hockey, also entered the Ledyard Classic on a high note. The Colonials captured the Three Rivers Classic last weekend with wins over 14th-ranked Penn State and 8th-ranked UMass-Lowell.
But that success didn't carry over to Saturday's tilt with Dartmouth, which came into play with just one win over its last six contests. The Big Green scored twice in the second and three more times in the third to breeze to a 5-1 win.
If there's any consolation for the Colonials, they haven't lost back-to-back games all season.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: Union's PK vs Robert Morris' PP
Even after allowing a season-high two power play goals on Saturday, the Dutchmen's penalty kill still ranks 12th in the country at 87.3%. The unit could have its work cut out for it today as the Colonials comfortably sport the top power play in the country at 34.7%.
UNENVIABLE TASK
Facing the Robert Morris offense figures to be an unenviable task for whoever starts in goal for Union. Despite an off day on Saturday, Robert Morris is still fourth in the country in offense at 4.32 goals per game. The Colonials have scored at least five goals in 10 of their 19 games this season.
COLONIALS TO WATCH
Zac Lynch - The senior forward leads the team and ranks third nationally in scoring with 15 goals and 15 assists in 19 games.
Greg Gibson - Another senior forward, Gibson has 13 goals and 12 assists in 19 games. He ranks second on the Colonials and is tied for seventh in the country in scoring.
Brendan Denham - Denham, a senior forward, is third on the Colonials in scoring with 12 goals and 10 assists in 19 contests.
KEEP IT GOING
With his goal on Saturday, Supinski extended his point streak to four games. He has two goals and two assists during the stretch.
Dutchmen forward Spencer Foo pushed his scoring streak to six contests with an assist on Saturday. In that span, he has four goals and seven assists.
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