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Robert Morris Colonials men's ice hockey

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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
Robert Morris Colonials athletic logo
UniversityRobert Morris University
ConferenceAHA
Head coachDerek Schooley
19th season, 286–300–71 (.489)
Assistant coaches
  • Matt Nicholson
  • Ryan Durocher
ArenaClearview Arena
Neville Township, Pennsylvania
ColorsBlue, white, and red[1]
     
NCAA Tournament appearances
2014
Conference Tournament championships
2014
Conference regular season championships
2014–15, 2015–16
Current uniform

History

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Robert 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]

 
A game between Robert Morris and Army in 2013

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

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Main article: List of Robert Morris Colonials men's ice hockey seasons

Source:[23]

Records vs. current Atlantic Hockey America teams

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As 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

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As 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

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Current roster

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As 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

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Source:[25]

Career points leaders

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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

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GP = 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

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CHA

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Individual awards

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All-Conference teams

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First Team All-CHA

Second Team All-CHA

All-CHA Rookie Team

Atlantic Hockey Association

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Individual awards

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All-Conference teams

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First Team All-Atlantic Hockey

Second Team All-Atlantic Hockey

Third Team All-Atlantic Hockey

Atlantic Hockey All-Rookie Team

Robert Morris Colonials Hall of Fame

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The 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]

Colonials in the NHL

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Source:[27] Robert Morris has yet to have an alumnus reach the NHL.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "RMU Brand Style Guide" (PDF). March 15, 2023. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  2. ^ "Robert Morris Athletics - Colonials Arena". rmucolonials.com. Retrieved 2016-10-17.
  3. ^ "Atlantic Hockey and College Hockey America Join to Form Atlantic Hockey America" (Press release). Atlantic Hockey America. April 30, 2024. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
  4. ^ "Robert Morris Colonials Men's Ice Hockey". U.S. College Hockey Online. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
  5. ^ 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)
  6. ^ Gigler, Dan (January 11, 2001). "Robert Morris Opens Ice Arena". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "Robert Morris Colonials History and Records" (PDF). Robert Morris University. November 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  8. ^ Staff (August 22, 2004). "RMU to name hockey coach". Beaver County Times. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  9. ^ Wodon, Adam (January 6, 2004). "Findlay to drop hockey". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  10. ^ Wodon, Adam (April 22, 2004). "Lindenwood Explores Move into D-I". CollegeHockeyNews.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  11. ^ Conference, Northeast (August 19, 2004). "Robert Morris Names Marc Fakler, Shane Clifford Assistant Men's Ice Hockey Coaches". NortheastConference.org. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  12. ^ "2004-05 Team Statistics". USCHO.com. November 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  13. ^ "Penn State 3, Robert Morris 2". USCHO.com. November 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  14. ^ McCinn, Dan (October 15, 2005). "Robert Morris Skates Past Western Michigan". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  15. ^ Mackinder, Matt (March 11, 2007). "Chargers snag first NCAA automatic bid with OT victory". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  16. ^ "Bemidji State 3, Robert Morris 2". USCHO.com. November 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  17. ^ a b Brown, Scott (April 23, 2006). "A New World Order". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  18. ^ Staff, INCH (September 26, 2007). "Wayne State to Drop Hockey Program". insidecollegehockey.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  19. ^ Staff, CHN (January 29, 2009). "Niagara, Robert Morris Officially Announce Move". collegehockeynews.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  20. ^ Werner, Sam (December 28, 2012). "Robert Morris hockey attracts strong field for Three Rivers Classic." Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
  21. ^ "RMU Charts Strategic Course Headed into its Centennial Year | Robert Morris University". www.rmu.edu. Robert Morris University. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
  22. ^ 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.
  23. ^ a b "Robert Morris Colonials Men's Hockey All-Time Results". Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  24. ^ "2024-25 RMU Men's Hockey Roster". Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  25. ^ "Robert Morris Colonials men's ice hockey Individual Career Leaders". Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  26. ^ "Robert Morris Colonials Hall of Fame". Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  27. ^ "Alumni report for Robert Morris University". Hockey DB. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
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