ALTOONA, Pa. -- In a stunning move, Robert Morris has announced the elimination of its NCAA Division 1 men's and women's ice hockey programs effective immediately. The move comes as part of a strategic plan aligned with the centennial anniversary of the school in 2021.
The programs have been widely successful. The men's team went 15-9 and won its division in Atlantic Hockey in 2020-2021. The women were College Hockey America champions and advanced to its second NCAA Tournament in program history in the 2020-2021.
"We are saddened for the student-athletes who will be unable to continue in their sport at Robert Morris University and are committed to assisting them during this difficult time," Robert Morris president Chris Howard said in a statement. "However, this is the best course of action to leverage our strategic assets and position us for future growth."
The coaches were informed early this afternoon and the players were told via a Zoom meeting with Howard and athletic director Chris King around 2 p.m. according to sources within the athletic department.
About 55 student-athletes and seven staff members will be impacted by the elimination and will be able to continue their careers elsewhere. The student-athletes will have their scholarships honored should they remain at the university or will be able to transfer anywhere without penalty.
The decision to cut the two sports doesn't seem to be impacted by COVID-19 and in fact it seems as though its largely part of the strategic initiatives set forth by the university. It also came as part of an analysis that featured operating costs, investments to maintain and improve the current facility, the RMU Island Sports Center, as well as scholarships.
Founded in 2004, the men's program has been led by head coach Derek Schooley since the beginning winning Atlantic Hockey regular-season championships in 2015 and 2016 as well as an Atlantic Hockey tournament championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014.
The women's program, also founded in 2004 made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2017 and won the CHA Tournament and CHA regular season championship three times. The program also boasted former team USA goaltender Brianne McLaughlin who was a member of the US women's Olympic ice hockey team in 2010 and 2014 winning two silver medals.
The Colonials had hosted the Frozen Four twice at PPG Paints Arena including just this spring and annually held college hockey tournaments at the home of the Penguins that brought in top-ranked teams from around the country.
There are currently no plans to eliminate or discontinue any of the remaining 15 NCAA Division 1 sports fielded by Robert Morris.
