Sacred Heart Advances to AHA Championship with 5-0 Win Over Robert Morris

The Pioneers will face the Bentley Falcons in the title game on March 21.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Sacred Heart University Pioneers are heading to the Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) Championship game after a dominant 5-0 victory over Robert Morris on Sunday. This marks their first appearance in the title game since 2010, where they will face the top-seeded Bentley Falcons.

Why it matters

The AHA is in its second season following a merger between the Atlantic Hockey Association and College Hockey America, offering a unique landscape within college hockey. The upcoming championship game will be a rematch of sorts, as Bentley is the defending AHA champion.

The details

Sacred Heart's semifinal win was characterized by a strong offensive performance, particularly in the first and third periods. Three goals in the opening frame set the tone, with senior forward Marcus Joughin opening the scoring on a power play. The Pioneers extended their lead in the final period, ultimately securing a decisive 5-0 shutout. Several players stood out for Sacred Heart, including Reid Pabich and Michael Rubin, who each scored twice, while Joughin contributed a goal and two assists. Freshman forward Gavin Bryant also tallied three assists. Goaltender Ajeet Gundarah was instrumental in the victory, recording a season-high 36 saves to earn the shutout.

  • The AHA Championship game will be held on Saturday, March 21.
  • Sacred Heart's last appearance in the AHA Championship game was in 2010.

The players

Marcus Joughin

A senior forward for the Sacred Heart Pioneers who opened the scoring in the semifinal game with a power play goal.

Reid Pabich

A player for the Sacred Heart Pioneers who scored two goals in the semifinal victory.

Michael Rubin

A player for the Sacred Heart Pioneers who scored two goals in the semifinal victory.

Gavin Bryant

A freshman forward for the Sacred Heart Pioneers who tallied three assists in the semifinal game.

Ajeet Gundarah

The goaltender for the Sacred Heart Pioneers who recorded a season-high 36 saves to earn the shutout in the semifinal game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.