NEWARK, NJ– The NJIT Highlanders looked to rebound after a tough couple of losses last weekend against Montclair State. They did just that as they defeated the Monmouth Hawks 2-0
in the 1 st game of seven straight meetings against the familiar Colonial States foe.

Brian Byrnes was spectacular in goal as he got his 1 st career shutout in goal. NJIT is now 1-2 on the season and are now 1-1 in games at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House.

Monmouth had control of the action in the 1 st period with a 20-7 advantage in terms of shots, but Brian Byrnes was the story of the period. He made a lot of great saves in deep and kept the score at 0-0 after the 1 st intermission. The Highlanders made sure that Byrnes' efforts did not go to waste in the 2 nd period as they were able to take control of the game. Dennis Sikorjak got his 1 st goal of the season on a rebound opportunity to give NJIT a 1-0 lead. James Copeland and Dalton Smith got the helpers on the Sikorjak goal just 1:34 into the period.

Special teams were a sore spot in last weekend's games, but James Copeland made sure that the Highlanders got one of the power play in tonight's game. His goal halfway through the period proved to be insurance as they took a 2-goal lead into the 2 nd intermission.

The Hawks had a couple power play opportunities in the 3 rd period, but Byrnes and the NJIT penalty killers were up to the task. The Highlanders were 4 for 4 on the penalty kill, a
tremendous improvement from the games last week. Byrnes finished off the shutout with 12 saves in the 3 rd period. NJIT was especially at their best when Monmouth had the net empty, the Highlanders defense and puck possession were strong as the Hawks were unable to get any real scoring opportunities on net in the final two minutes of the game.

NJIT will continue the 7-game set with the Hawks next week on Saturday at 8 PM at the Jersey Shore Arena. The Highlanders will return to RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House to face
Monmouth on Saturday, April 10 th with a 5 PM start time.

Goals- Sikorjak, Copeland
Assists – Copeland, Smith (2)
Saves - Byrnes 45 saves
PP- NJIT – 1/3 Monmouth – 0/4
PK – NJIT – 4/4 Monmouth – 2/3
SOG - Monmouth 45 NJIT – 30