A memorable stretch continues for Robert Morris University defenseman Tyson Wilson, who was named Atlantic Hockey Conference Travel Team USA Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday morning.
Wilson, a redshirt junior, played his usual reliable role on the blueline last weekend, as first-place Robert Morris stretched its conference lead to a season-high nine points. While the No. 18 Colonials (20-5-5, 17-3-4AHC) collected a win and a tie against league contender Canisius, Wilson scored a goal, blocked a total of six shots and recorded a plus-1 rating.
This award – the first of Wilson’s NCAA career – is the 16th weekly prize claimed by a Colonial this season. He is the fourth RMU player to win AHC Defensive Player of the Week, along with sophomore Rob Mann, junior Chase Golightly and freshman Alex Bontje.
Wilson, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound native of Brockville, Ontario, became the 10th Colonial on the current roster to skate in 100 collegiate games when he suited up for Saturday’s 1-1tie. Wilson’s power-play goal in Friday’s 2-1overtime victory was his third in three games, stretching his scoring streak to a season-high three contests.
In addition to his obvious skating ability and comfort with the puck on his stick, Wilson has contributed his share to RMU’s shot-blocking prowess, ranking fourth on the team with 44 blocks this season. The left-handed shooter has accumulated 11 points (3g, 8a) and a plus-11 rating to help the Colonials climb within range of their first regular-season conference title with four games to go.
While playing heavy minutes on the RMU blue line, Wilson has taken just six minor penalties in 23 games. His 52 shots on goal are the most on the team among defenseman, and he serves as one of the main pivot points of the Colonials’ power play, which has converted at a 21.5 percent rate this season.
After playing on seven consecutive weekends, the Colonials tote a Division I-best eight-game unbeaten streak (7-0-1) into their final bye week of the regular season. RMU returns to action Feb. 20-21 at AHC foe Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
The Colonials wrap up the regular season at 84 Lumber Arena on Feb. 28 against Niagara. For information on ticket availability and pricing, visit RMUColonials.com or call 412-397-4949.
Courtesy of RMU Athletics
Photo credit: City of Champions
