ST. CHARLES, Mo. - The 2026 Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) began on Thursday when No. 7 Delaware and No. 6 Robert Morris clashed on Lindenwood’s home ice.

The Blue Hens made their first-ever appearance in program history following their inaugural Division I regular season.

Delaware got off to a 2-0 start, netting one early in the first period and also within the first minute of the middle frame. The Blue Hens held the 1-0 lead until the 12:33 mark of the second period when Robert Morris got on the board.

The Colonials trailed 1-2 until senior forward Morgan Giannone scored the final goal of regulation to tie things up 2-2.

In overtime, sophomore forward Jessica MacKinnon potted the game-winning goal to help the Colonials advance with a 3-2 victory to begin the 2026 tournament.

Redshirt junior goaltender Maggie Hatch made 19 saves in the win, and Delaware freshman Charlotte Payne made 47 saves in the contest.

The Colonials move on to the Quarterfinal round of the tournament and will face No. 3 Lindenwood on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 10:45 a.m. CT.

SCORES
NO. 6 ROBERT MORRIS 3 - NO. 6 DELAWARE 2 (OT)
BOX SCORE
Robert Morris Goals: Alaina Giampietro, Morgan Giannone, Jessica MacKinnon
Delaware Goals: Kaitlin Finnegan, Francesca Barresi

ABOUT ATLANTIC HOCKEY AMERICA
Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) is in its second season following the merger between the Atlantic Hockey Association and College Hockey America. The conference fields 10 Division I men's teams and seven women's teams. For more information, visit atlantichockeyamerica.com.

Connect with AHA on X (@Atlantic_Hockey), Instagram (@atlantichockeyamerica) and Facebook (Atlantic Hockey America).

Watch AHA home games on FloHockey this season.