The Robert Morris Colonials men's ice hockey team is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college ice hockey program that represents Robert Morris University. The team plays its home games at the Clearview Arena,[2] located at the RMU Island Sports Center in Neville Township, Pennsylvania, United States. The Colonials are members of Atlantic Hockey America, formed shortly after the 2023–24 season by the merger of RMU's former men's league of the Atlantic Hockey Association and the women-only College Hockey America (CHA), in which RMU had been a member.[3] The Colonials men had been members of CHA until its men's division disbanded at the end of the 2009–10 season.[4]
| Robert Morris Colonials men's ice hockey | |
|---|---|
 Current season | |
 | |
| University | Robert Morris University |
| Conference | AHA |
| Head coach | Derek Schooley 19th season, 286–300–71 (.489) |
| Assistant coaches |
|
| Arena | Clearview Arena Neville Township, Pennsylvania |
| Colors | Blue, white, and red[1] |
| NCAA Tournament appearances | |
| 2014 | |
| Conference Tournament championships | |
| 2014 | |
| Conference regular season championships | |
| 2014–15, 2015–16 | |
| Current uniform | |
 | |
History
editRobert Morris had a successful club hockey team for several years before rumors started circulating in the early 2000s that the school would create an NCAA Division I program. In December 2002, reports first surfaced that the school was interested in purchasing the RMU Island Sports Center, which would house a men's and women's ice hockey team.[5] On August 8, 2003, the school officially purchased the 32-acre complex – complete with a 1,100-seat hockey arena – for $10 million.[6] The complex is located in Neville Island, only a few miles from RMU's campus in Moon Township.[5] Just 12 days later, on August 20, 2003, Robert Morris athletic director Susan Hofacre officially announced that the Colonials would field an NCAA men's ice hockey team for the 2004–05 season.[7] At the same time, the school added men's and women's lacrosse and women's field hockey as part of an expansion of the athletic department.[8] Two days later, the school hired former Western Michigan defenceman Derek Schooley as its first head coach.[7]
In January 2004, before the school had ever played a game, they were accepted into the College Hockey America conference.[7] Typically, most new NCAA schools play as an Independent in their first years, but a unique series of events led to RMU being immediately accepted into the conference. The fledgling six-team conference was first given an automatic bid to the 2003 NCAA tournament. However, in January 2004, CHA member Findlay announced it would drop hockey from its athletic program effective at the end of the 2003–04 season.[9] This left the CHA one team short of the six required to keep their automatic bid into the NCAA tournament.[10] As RMU was the only NCAA team not already attached to a conference, the CHA invited RMU to join immediately for the 2004–05 season. The school accepted on January 29, 2004.[7]
Schooley quickly moved to secure the Colonials' first recruiting class and hired two assistant coaches.[11] Nevertheless, the Colonials were predictably overmatched in their first year as an NCAA team. The young squad consisted of 22 freshmen and no seniors as Schooley built for the school's future.[12] In its first season, the Colonials finished last in the conference with an 8–21–4 record.
At the start of the 2005–06 season, the Colonials were reminded how much work the program needed to do when they were stunned by the Penn State University club team in a 3–2 exhibition loss prior to the season.[13] Two games later, however, RMU shocked CCHA member Western Michigan in a 5–2 victory that Schooley called "the biggest win for our program."[14] The Colonials improved to 12–20–3 in their second season while advancing to the CHA semifinals for the first time.[7]
In 2006–07, the Colonials improved yet again, finishing 14–19–2. On January 7, 2007, the Colonials beat nationally ranked Notre Dame for their first ever victory over a ranked team.[7] The squad advanced to the CHA tournament final, where they came up just short of qualifying for their first ever NCAA tournament against Alabama–Huntsville. The Colonials jumped out to a 4–0 first period lead and looked set for their first conference championship before the Chargers mounted a frantic comeback that ended with a 5–4 overtime victory.[15]
It was more of the same for the Colonials over the next two years. In 2007–08, the squad finished a school-record 15–15–4 (including a win over #8 ranked Boston University) but again came up short in the CHA tournament.[7] In 2008–09, the school finished only 10–19–7 before reaching the CHA tournament final against Bemidji State. Once again, the Colonials were left heartbroken, as they lost in overtime for the second time in three years.[16]
By this time, it was clear that the CHA men's division would soon disband. In 2006, Air Force left the league, leaving the conference with only five teams (one short of the six required to retain the NCAA autobid).[17] Given two years to keep their autobid before losing it, the CHA began the search for a sixth member – likely a club team, as all current Division I teams were already in a conference.[17] After no school expressed interest in joining, Wayne State announced just prior to the 2007–08 season that they would disband their team following the season.[18] Following Wayne State's departure, saving the CHA was all but impossible, and Robert Morris applied for membership into Atlantic Hockey (AHA). In January 2009, the AHA announced that both RMU and Niagara's applications were unanimously approved, paving the way for the schools to join the conference for the 2010–11 season.[19] Robert Morris and Penn State were the hosts of the inaugural Three Rivers Classic NCAA hockey tournament at the Consol Energy Center in December, 2012.[20]
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On May 26, 2021, Robert Morris University announced it would be cutting the men's and women's ice hockey programs.[21] On December 17, 2021, it was announced the program would be reinstated for the 2023–24 season.[22]
Season-by-season results
editSource:[23]
Records vs. current Atlantic Hockey America teams
editAs of the completion of 2018–19 season[23]
| School | Team | Away Arena | Overall record | Win % | Last Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force Academy | Falcons | Cadet Ice Arena | 15–20–3 | .434 | 1-3 L |
| American International College | Yellow Jackets | MassMutual Center | 20–7–3 | .717 | 2-3 L (OT) |
| Army West Point | Black Knights | Tate Rink | 12–7–5 | .604 | 2-5 L |
| Bentley University | Falcons | Bentley Arena | 15–16–4 | .486 | 3-2 W (OT) |
| Canisius College | Golden Griffins | LECOM Harborcenter | 18–10–3 | .629 | 4-6 L |
| College of the Holy Cross | Crusaders | Hart Center | 17–7–2 | .692 | 3-2 W |
| Mercyhurst University | Lakers | Mercyhurst Ice Center | 14–12–8 | .529 | 4-3 W |
| Niagara University | Purple Eagles | Dwyer Arena | 24–31–10 | .446 | 2-4 L |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Tigers | Gene Polisseni Center | 13–15–5 | .470 | 2-2 T |
| Sacred Heart University | Pioneers | Webster Bank Arena | 23–3–1 | .870 | 1-3 L |
Head coaches
editAs of the completion of 2023–24 season
| Tenure | Coach | Years | Record | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–Present | Derek Schooley | 18 | 286–300–71 | .489 |
| Totals | 1 coach | 18 seasons | 286–300–71 | .489 |
Players
editCurrent roster
editAs of September 14, 2024.[24]
| No. | S/P/C | Player | Class | Pos | Height | Weight | DoB | Hometown | Previous team | NHL rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 
|
Croix Kochendorfer | Freshman | G | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 223 lb (101 kg) | 2003-10-13 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) | — |
| 2 | 
|
Michael Craig | Sophomore | D | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 174 lb (79 kg) | 2002-08-26 | St. Catharines, Ontario | Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) | — |
| 3 | 
|
Dominic Elliott | Freshman | D | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 176 lb (80 kg) | 2004-01-26 | Allendale, Michigan | Oklahoma Warriors (NAHL) | — |
| 4 | 
|
Greg Japchen | Junior | D | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | 2001-12-17 | Doylestown, Pennsylvania | Stonehill (ECAC) | — |
| 5 |
|
Luke van Why | Sophomore | D | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 163 lb (74 kg) | 2003-01-21 | Hatfield, Pennsylvania | Maryland Black Bears (NAHL) | — |
| 7 |
|
Tom Gangl | Sophomore | D | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 201 lb (91 kg) | 2002-01-08 | Wingham, Ontario | Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL) | — |
| 8 | 
|
Gabriel Lunn | Sophomore | D | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2003-08-25 | Lockport, New York | Johnstown Tomahawks (NAHL) | — |
| 9 |
|
Mitch Deelstra | Graduate | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 1999-07-15 | Wallace, Ontario | Northern Michigan (CCHA) | — |
| 10 | 
|
J. R. Ashmead | Freshman | D | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 181 lb (82 kg) | 2003-03-23 | Calgary, Alberta | Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL) | — |
| 11 |
|
Eric DeDobbelaer | Junior (RS) | F | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | 2000-06-15 | Brantford, Ontario | Massachusetts (HEA) | — |
| 12 |
|
Jackson Reineke | Sophomore | F | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 174 lb (79 kg) | 2002-10-03 | Faribault, Minnesota | Anchorage Wolverines (USHL) | — |
| 15 |
|
Connor Gourley | Freshman | F | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2004-07-28 | Calgary, Alberta | Okotoks Oilers (BCHL) | — |
| 16 |
|
George Krotiris | Sophomore | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | 2002-08-08 | Markham, Ontario | Cobourg Cougars (OJHL) | — |
| 17 | 
|
Patrick Johnson | Freshman | F | 5' 8" (1.73 m) | 187 lb (85 kg) | 2003-06-30 | Chesterfield, Missouri | Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL) | — |
| 18 | 
|
Gavin Gulash | Senior (RS) | F | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 1999-01-11 | Red Bank, New Jersey | New Jersey Jr. Titans (NAHL) | — |
| 19 |
|
Tanner Klimpke | Sophomore | F | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 174 lb (79 kg) | 2002-12-13 | Calgary, Alberta | Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL) | — |
| 20 |
|
McKay Hayes | Sophomore | F | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | 2002-01-27 | Ancaster, Ontario | Markham Royals (OJHL) | — |
| 21 |
|
Cameron Garvey | Sophomore | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 181 lb (82 kg) | 2002-12-13 | Oakville, Ontario | Collingwood Blues (OJHL) | — |
| 22 |
|
Cody Monds | Senior | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2001-02-09 | Brockville, Ontario | Clarkson (ECAC) | — |
| 23 |
|
Adam O'Marra | Freshman | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 183 lb (83 kg) | 2003-01-06 | Mississauga, Ontario | Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL) | — |
| 24 |
|
Walter Zacher | Sophomore | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 181 lb (82 kg) | 2002-04-02 | Buffalo, New York | Austin Bruins (NAHL) | — |
| 25 |
|
Trevor LeDonne | Senior | D | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 192 lb (87 kg) | 2000-02-27 | Stoney Creek, Ontario | St. Thomas (CCHA) | — |
| 26 | 
|
Braden Rourke | Freshman | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 172 lb (78 kg) | 2004-07-20 | Des Moines, Iowa | Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) | — |
| 27 | 
|
Trent Wilson | Freshman | F | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 187 lb (85 kg) | 2004-06-24 | Tsawwassen, British Columbia | West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL) | — |
| 29 |
|
Michael Felsing | Freshman | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 181 lb (82 kg) | 2003-02-11 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Merritt Centennials (BCHL) | — |
| 30 | 
|
Dawson Smith | Freshman (RS) | G | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | 2003-02-17 | Whitehorse, Yukon | Western Michigan (NCHC) | — |
| 31 | 
|
Dylan Meilun | Junior | G | 6' 5" (1.96 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 2001-11-21 | Winnipeg, Manitoba | Stonehill (NCAA) | — |
| 33 |
|
Lee Chiang | Sophomore | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 2002-12-07 | Toronto, Ontario | Markham Royals (OJHL) | — |
| 44 |
|
Thomas Haynes | Sophomore | F | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2002-02-06 | Mississauga, Ontario | Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL) | — |
Statistical leaders
editSource:[25]
Career points leaders
edit| Player | Years | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brady Ferguson | 2014–2018 | 152 | 66 | 110 | 167 | |
| Zac Lynch | 2012–2016 | 152 | 67 | 89 | 156 | |
| Cody Wydo | 2011–2015 | 151 | 85 | 65 | 150 | |
| Alex Tonge | 2015–2019 | 146 | 56 | 82 | 138 | |
| Nathan Longpre | 2007–2011 | 121 | 47 | 91 | 138 | |
| Chris Margott | 2005–2009 | 132 | 64 | 72 | 136 | |
| Greg Gibson | 2012–2016 | 150 | 66 | 51 | 117 | |
| Denny Urban | 2007–2011 | 136 | 28 | 84 | 112 | |
| Daniel Leavens | 2013–2017 | 136 | 40 | 68 | 108 | |
| Scott Jacklin | 2012–2016 | 143 | 48 | 59 | 107 |
Career goaltending leaders
editGP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average
Minimum 30 games
| Player | Years | GP | Min | W | L | T | GA | SO | SV% | GAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Marotte | 2016–2019 | 107 | 5938 | 50 | 44 | 8 | 252 | 8 | .917 | 2.55 |
| Terry Shafer | 2012–2016 | 86 | 4808 | 43 | 30 | 11 | 214 | 8 | .920 | 2.67 |
| Eric Levine | 2009–2013 | 72 | 3953 | 30 | 22 | 11 | 177 | 5 | .925 | 2.69 |
| Justin Kapelmaster | 2016–2020 | 78 | 4267 | 29 | 37 | 7 | 193 | 6 | .921 | 2.71 |
| Brooks Ostergard | 2008–2012 | 103 | 5516 | 39 | 41 | 12 | 251 | 3 | .917 | 2.73 |
Statistics current through the start of the 2019–20 season.
Awards and honors
editIndividual awards
editAll-Conference teams
edit- 2007–08: Ryan Cruthers, F
- 2008–09: Denny Urban, D; Chris Margott, F; Nathan Longpre, F
- 2009–10: Denny Urban, D; Nathan Longpre, F
Second Team All-CHA
- 2006–07: Aaron Clarke, F
- 2007–08: Chris Margott, F
- 2009–10: Dave Cowan, D; Chris Kushneriuk, F
All-CHA Rookie Team
- 2004–05: Chris Kaufman, D; Jace Buzek, F
- 2005–06: Chris Margott, F
- 2007–08: Denny Urban, D; Nathan Longpre, F
- 2008–09: Brooks Ostergard, G; James Lyle, D
- 2009–10: Stefan Salituro, F
Individual awards
edit
|
|
|
|
|
Individual Sportsmanship Award
|
|
|
Most Valuable Player in tournament
|
All-Conference teams
editFirst Team All-Atlantic Hockey
- 2010–11: Denny Urban, D; Nathan Longpre, F
- 2013–14: Cody Wydo, F
- 2014–15: Cody Wydo, F
- 2015–16: Greg Gibson, F; Zac Lynch, F
- 2016–17: Brady Ferguson, F
- 2017–18: Brady Ferguson, F
- 2020–21: Nick Jenny, D; Nick Prkusic, F
Second Team All-Atlantic Hockey
- 2012–13: Adam Brace, F
- 2015–16: Tyson Wilson, D
- 2018–19: Alex Tonge, F
- 2019–20: Justin Kapelmaster, G
- 2020–21: Noah West, G; Brendan Michaelian, D; Randy Hernández, F
Third Team All-Atlantic Hockey
- 2010–11: Brooks Ostergard, G
- 2011–12: Cody Crichton, F
- 2013–14: Terry Shafer, G
- 2014–15: Dalton Izyk, G; Chase Golightly, D; Zac Lynch, F
- 2015–16: Terry Shafer, G; Chase Golightly, D; Brandon Denham, F
- 2016–17: Eric Israel, D; Daniel Leavens, F
- 2017–18: Alex Tonge, F
- 2018–19: Frank Marotte, G
Atlantic Hockey All-Rookie Team
- 2011–12: Tyson Wilson, D
- 2014–15: Brady Ferguson, F
- 2016–17: Frank Marotte, G
- 2020–21: Noah West, G; Brian Kramer, D; Randy Hernández, F
Robert Morris Colonials Hall of Fame
editThe following is a list of people associated with the men's ice hockey program who were elected into the Robert Morris Colonials Hall of Fame (induction date in parentheses).[26]
- Nathan Longpre (2017)
- Chris Margott (2015)
- Denny Urban (2018)
Source:[27] Robert Morris has yet to have an alumnus reach the NHL.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "RMU Brand Style Guide" (PDF). March 15, 2023. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
- ^ "Robert Morris Athletics - Colonials Arena". rmucolonials.com. Retrieved 2016-10-17.
- ^ "Atlantic Hockey and College Hockey America Join to Form Atlantic Hockey America" (Press release). Atlantic Hockey America. April 30, 2024. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ "Robert Morris Colonials Men's Ice Hockey". U.S. College Hockey Online. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
- ^ a b Times, Business (July 2, 2003). "RMU taps former Pirates v.p. to buy and run sports center". Pittsburgh Business Times. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
{{cite news}}:|first=has generic name (help) - ^ Gigler, Dan (January 11, 2001). "Robert Morris Opens Ice Arena". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Robert Morris Colonials History and Records" (PDF). Robert Morris University. November 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ Staff (August 22, 2004). "RMU to name hockey coach". Beaver County Times. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ Wodon, Adam (January 6, 2004). "Findlay to drop hockey". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ Wodon, Adam (April 22, 2004). "Lindenwood Explores Move into D-I". CollegeHockeyNews.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ Conference, Northeast (August 19, 2004). "Robert Morris Names Marc Fakler, Shane Clifford Assistant Men's Ice Hockey Coaches". NortheastConference.org. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ "2004-05 Team Statistics". USCHO.com. November 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ "Penn State 3, Robert Morris 2". USCHO.com. November 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ McCinn, Dan (October 15, 2005). "Robert Morris Skates Past Western Michigan". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ Mackinder, Matt (March 11, 2007). "Chargers snag first NCAA automatic bid with OT victory". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ "Bemidji State 3, Robert Morris 2". USCHO.com. November 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ a b Brown, Scott (April 23, 2006). "A New World Order". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ Staff, INCH (September 26, 2007). "Wayne State to Drop Hockey Program". insidecollegehockey.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ Staff, CHN (January 29, 2009). "Niagara, Robert Morris Officially Announce Move". collegehockeynews.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
- ^ Werner, Sam (December 28, 2012). "Robert Morris hockey attracts strong field for Three Rivers Classic." Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
- ^ "RMU Charts Strategic Course Headed into its Centennial Year | Robert Morris University". www.rmu.edu. Robert Morris University. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
- ^ Staff, USCHO (2021-12-17). "Robert Morris announces reinstatement of men's, women's college hockey teams for 2023-24 season". College Hockey | USCHO.com. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
- ^ a b "Robert Morris Colonials Men's Hockey All-Time Results". Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
- ^ "2024-25 RMU Men's Hockey Roster". Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
- ^ "Robert Morris Colonials men's ice hockey Individual Career Leaders". Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- ^ "Robert Morris Colonials Hall of Fame". Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- ^ "Alumni report for Robert Morris University". Hockey DB. Retrieved October 16, 2019.