Robert Morris Colonials men's ice hockey

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 a member of the Atlantic Hockey Conference. Until the 2009–10 season, the Colonials were a member of College Hockey America.[3]

Robert Morris Colonials men's ice hockey
Current season
UniversityRobert Morris University
ConferenceAHA
Head coachDerek Schooley
17th season, 260–266–68 (.495)
Captain(s)Nick Prkusic
ArenaClearview Arena
Capacity: 1,200
LocationNeville 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

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.[4] On August 8, 2003, the school officially purchased the 32-acre complex – complete with a 1,100-seat hockey arena – for $10 million.[5] The complex is located in Neville Island, only a few miles from RMU's campus in Moon Township.[4] 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.[6] 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.[7] Two days later, the school hired former Western Michigan defenceman Derek Schooley as its first head coach.[6]

In January 2004, before the school had ever played a game, they were accepted into the College Hockey America conference.[6] 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 they would drop hockey from its athletic program effective at the end of the 2003–04 season.[8] This left the CHA one team short of the six required to keep their automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.[9] 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.[6]

Schooley quickly moved to secure the Colonials' first recruiting class and hired two assistant coaches.[10] 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.[11] 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.[12] Two games later, however, RMU shocked CCHA member Western Michigan in a 5–2 victory that Schooley called "the biggest win for our program."[13] The Colonials improved to 12–20–3 in their second season while advancing to the CHA semifinals for the first time.[6]

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.[6] 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.[14]

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.[6] 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.[15]

By this time, it was clear that the CHA 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).[16] 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.[16] 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.[17] 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.[18] 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.[19]

Season-by-season results[20]
Main article: List of Robert Morris Colonials men's ice hockey seasons

Records vs. Current Atlantic Hockey Teams

As of the completion of 2018–19 season[20]

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

As of the completion of 2019–20 season

Tenure Coach Years Record Pct.
2004–PresentDerek Schooley16260–266–68.495
Totals 1 coach 16 seasons 260–266–68 .495

Players

Current roster

As of August 31, 2020.[21]

No. S/P/C Player Class Pos Height Weight DoB Hometown Previous team NHL rights
2 Brendon Michaelian Junior D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 172 lb (78 kg) 1997-12-07 Wixom, Michigan Amarillo (NAHL) —
3 Nolan Schaeffer Junior D 6' 3" (1.91 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1997-07-15 Marshall, Minnesota Fairbanks (NAHL) —
4 Tyler Love Freshman D 5' 11" (1.8 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 2000-03-16 Moon Township, Pennsylvania Corpus Christi (NAHL) —
5 David Lafrance Freshman D 6' 1" (1.85 m) 165 lb (75 kg) 2001-05-17 Ottawa, Ontario Rockland (CCHL) —
6 Darcy Walsh Sophomore F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 165 lb (75 kg) 1999-02-06 Gloucester, Ontario Ottawa (CCHL) —
7 Nick Jenny Senior D 5' 10" (1.78 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1996-06-23 Strongsville, Ohio Aberdeen (NAHL) —
8 Aidan Spellacy Junior D 5' 11" (1.8 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1998-06-13 Lakewood, Ohio Lone Star (NAHL) —
9 Jordan Timmons Junior F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1998-10-25 Bridgeville, Pennsylvania Connecticut (HEA) —
10 Nick Lalonde Junior F 5' 9" (1.75 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1998-01-30 Brooklin, Ontario Ottawa (CCHL) —
11 Brian Kramer Freshman D 5' 11" (1.8 m) 177 lb (80 kg) 2000-07-20 Wexford, Pennsylvania Fargo (USHL) —
12 Garrett Clegg Sophomore F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2000-01-13 St. Albert, Alberta Sherwood Park (AJHL) —
14 Grant Hebert Junior F 6' 3" (1.91 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1997-05-22 St. Andrews West, Ontario Fargo (USHL) —
15 Roman Kraemer Sophomore F 5' 10" (1.78 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1998-01-09 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Johnstown (NAHL) —
16 Nick Prkusic (C) Senior F 6' 3" (1.91 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 1996-11-10 St. Albert, Alberta Brooks (AJHL) —
17 Aiden Beck Junior F 6' 2" (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1998-08-28 Coraopolis, Pennsylvania Springfield (NAHL) —
18 Gavin Gulash Freshman F 6' 2" (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1999-01-11 Red Bank, New Jersey New Jersey (NAHL) —
19 Randy Hernandez Freshman F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 188 lb (85 kg) 1999-01-12 Miami, Florida Brooks (AJHL) —
20 Cameron Hebert Sophomore F 6' 1" (1.85 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1999-03-17 St. Andrews West, Ontario Johnstown (NAHL) —
21 Justin Addamo Junior F 6' 6" (1.98 m) 227 lb (103 kg) 1998-05-27 Clermont-Ferrand, France Lone Star (NAHL) —
22 Matthew Guerra Freshman F 5' 10" (1.78 m) 181 lb (82 kg) 1999-05-21 Sanford, Florida Lone Star (NAHL) —
23 Geoff Lawson Junior D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1997-05-15 Metcalfe, Ontario Wellington (OJHL) —
24 Kyler Head Freshman F 6' 4" (1.93 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1999-07-13 Malone, New York New Jersey (NAHL) —
25 Bradley Stonnell Sophomore D 5' 11" (1.8 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1998-07-22 Surrey, British Columbia Drumheller (AJHL) —
26 Santeri Hartikainen Sophomore F 6' 2" (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1999-01-05 Helsinki, Finland Corpus Christi (NAHL) —
27 Matt Hutton Freshman F 6' 1" (1.85 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1999-04-01 Carmel, Indiana Shreveport (NAHL) —
30 Reid Cooper Junior G 6' 2" (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1998-07-01 Corman Park, Saskatchewan Salmon Arm (BCHL) —
31 Noah West Freshman G 6' 2" (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2000-11-25 Pittsboro, Indiana Jamestown (NAHL) —
35 Dyllan Lubbesmeyer Senior G 6' 0" (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1996-12-06 Burnsville, Minnesota Shreveport (NAHL) —
44 Quinn Warmuth Sophomore D 6' 4" (1.93 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 1999-09-22 Olmsted Falls, Ohio Johnstown (NAHL) —

Statistical Leaders[22]

Career points leaders
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

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
Francis Marotte2016–20191075938504482528.9172.55
Terry Shafer2012–20168648084330112148.9202.67
Eric Levine2009–20137239533022111775.9252.69
Justin Kapelmaster2016–2020784267293771936.9212.71
Brooks Ostergard2008–201210355163941122513.9172.73

Statistics current through the start of the 2019-20 season.

Awards and honors

Individual Awards

All-Conference Teams

First Team All-CHA

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

All-Conference Teams

First 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

Second Team All-Atlantic Hockey

  • 2012–13: Adam Brace, F
  • 2015–16: Tyson Wilson, D
  • 2018–19: Alex Tonge, 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: Francis Marotte, G

Atlantic Hockey All-Rookie Team

  • 2011–12: Tyson Wilson, D
  • 2014–15: Brady Ferguson, F
  • 2016–17: Francis Marotte, G

Robert Morris Colonials Hall of Fame

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 parenthesis).[23]

Colonials in the NHL[24]

Robert Morris has yet to have an alumnus reach the NHL.

See also

References
  1. "RMU Athletics Logo". September 9, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  2. "Robert Morris Athletics - Colonials Arena". rmucolonials.com. Retrieved 2016-10-17.
  3. "Robert Morris Colonials Men's Ice Hockey". U.S. College Hockey Online. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
  4. Times, Business (July 2, 2003). "RMU taps former Pirates v.p. to buy and run sports center". Pittsburgh Business Times. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  5. Gigler, Dan (January 11, 2001). "Robert Morris Opens Ice Arena". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  6. "Robert Morris Colonials History and Records" (PDF). Robert Morris University. November 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  7. Staff (August 22, 2004). "RMU to name hockey coach". Beaver Country Times. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  8. Wodon, Adam (January 6, 2004). "Findlay to drop hockey". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  9. Wodon, Adam (April 22, 2004). "Lindenwood Explores Move into D-I". CollegeHockeyNews.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  10. Conference, Northeast (August 19, 2004). "Robert Morris Names Marc Fakler, Shane Clifford Assistant Men's Ice Hockey Coaches". NortheastConference.org. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  11. "2004-05 Team Statistics". USCHO.com. November 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  12. "Penn State 3, Robert Morris 2". USCHO.com. November 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  13. McCinn, Dan (October 15, 2005). "Robert Morris Skates Past Western Michigan". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  14. Mackinder, Matt (March 11, 2007). "Chargers snag first NCAA automatic bid with OT victory". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  15. "Bemidji State 3, Robert Morris 2". USCHO.com. November 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  16. Brown, Scott (April 23, 2006). "A New World Order". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  17. Staff, INCH (September 26, 2007). "Wayne State to Drop Hockey Program". insidecollegehockey.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  18. Staff, CHN (January 29, 2009). "Niagara, Robert Morris Officially Announce Move". collegehockeynews.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  19. Werner, Sam (December 28, 2012). "Robert Morris hockey attracts strong field for Three Rivers Classic." Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
  20. "Robert Morris Colonials Men's Hockey All-Time Results". Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  21. "2019–20 Men's Ice Hockey Roster". RMUColonials.com. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  22. "Robert Morris Colonials men's ice hockey Individual Career Leaders". Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  23. "Robert Morris Colonials Hall of Fame". Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  24. "Alumni report for Robert Morris University". Hockey DB. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
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