The Robert Morris Colonials men’s hockey team will be begin their Atlantic Hockey tournament run by hosting the Niagara Purple Eagles in three-game series that begins this Friday at 84 Lumber Arena. The second-round matchup will feature Robert Morris as the number one seed, playing longtime rival Niagara, who upset Holy Cross in the first round.
“We just had the best practice of the season (Tuesday), and we feel like we can win,” head coach Derek Schooley said. “Last year we made it all the way through the tournament and got a bid for the NCAA tournament. If we (go) home without getting a bid, it would be disappointing. I don’t want that to put added pressure on my players, but they feel no differently. Our ultimate goal is to not just get a bid to the NCAA tournament but to win the whole thing.”
This will be the first year in the program’s history that they will be entering the tournament as the conference’s regular season champion.
“The regular season is a marathon and we ended up being the best team, but, the tournament is a race and we will only be defined on how we do in the playoffs.” Coach Schooley went on to say. “Our fans have shown up all year and we have seen a lot of sellouts as of late. Even though the students have the week off because of spring break, we really hope they come out and support the team.”
The Colonials players got to enjoy spring break along with the rest of the student body this year, because their regular season success earned them a first-round bye last week.
“In my experience, I have seen breaks like this to be more of a distraction than anything,” Schooley cautioned. “With classes and other activities or clubs, players constantly have their mind on something whereas during a break, they may lose focus.”
Focus will be the key for the Colonials to avoid overlooking a still-dangerous Purple Eagles squad.
“The players are ready to start the playoffs and we have to take it one game at a time,” Schooley said. “All season long, we have only focused our attention on the upcoming game, we don’t look back and we don’t look past the game at hand. Niagara plays hard. They are physical and are a very confident team right now. Earlier in the season, Niagara was decimated by injuries, but in the last six games they have gone 4-2-1.”
For four of the Colonials – seniors Cody Wydo, Greg Gibson, Jeff Jones and David Rigatti — this will the final homestand in their collegitate career. The Atlantic Hockey semifinals and final are played at a neutral site in Rochester, New York.
“Our seniors are very important to the overall success of the team,” Schooley said. “We need them to do the same thing they have done all season and carry the team. They are good people and are responsible for creating a winning culture.
“We have established a winning culture here at Robert Morris. I hope that can continue with class after class and that they truly believe they can win each game day in and day out.”
Photo credit: Brian Mitchell
