After Robert Morris beat Penn State in the Three Rivers Classic semifinal in December, a reporter asked Colonials sophomore forward Daniel Leavens about how the rivalry between the teams has grown, which was awkward, because Leavens was a healthy scratch for the game last year.
A year later, that seems unfathomable as Leavens has become a reliable scoring threat and cemented his presence on the Colonials second-line. He’s especially come on lately, with five goals and nine assists in his last 12 games.
He was rewarded for his efforts by being named the Atlantic Hockey Conference’s player of the month for December and to the Three Rivers Classic all-tournament team.
“It’s obviously a huge honor, but at the same time, you have to credit your linemates for everything,” said Leavens. “All the goals I’ve been scoring, all the assists, either someone is setting me up or someone is burying the pass that I gave them so credit for the most part to Brady and Frieds.”
By Brady and Frieds, he means freshman Brady Ferguson and junior David Friedmann, who along with Leavens have made up the Robert Morris second line. The members of the trio are second, fourth, and sixth in scoring for the Colonials. With defenses focusing on Hobey Baker candidate Cody Wydo on the Colonials first line, secondary scoring has been a key to their success all season.
“It’s funny,” said RMU head coach Derek Schooley. “At the beginning of the year, everyone was calling them a third line, but they’re a line that’s really gelled well together offensively. They’ve each got a unique talent and they each bring something special. Their chemistry is very good.”
“They need to play hard all the time. They need to play good defensively, because when they’re good defensively, they get the offensive chances.”
In a recent game against the Bentley Falcons, with Ferguson out with an illness, Leavens moved to center, a position he hasn’t played since juniors.
“I was a little nervous playing a position that I haven’t played at all this year,” he said.
It shows how much he has grown in the past year that the coaching staff would entrust him with the heightened defensive responsibility.
“Obviously, last year was an adjustment,” he said. “I think I’m better suited for the game this year.”
When he was asked what has changed from a year ago, he explained:
“For me, just the opportunity to play, having more confidence, playing with guys that have really helped me out to take the next step, and some hard work over the summer in the gym and on the ice.”
“The adjustment has taken place.”
The Colonials will attempt to grow their lead in the Atlantic Hockey Conference when they host the American International Yellow Jackets this Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at 84 Lumber Arena on Neville Island.
Photo credit: Robert Morris University
