RMU hockey programs off the chopping block, for now

PITTSBURGH — The men’s and women’s ice hockey programs at Robert Morris University have been saved, for now, and will continue operations.

Two months after university officials announced the elimination of the men’s and women’s hockey programs, in a joint release from the university and the Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation the school announced Wednesday that it had reversed course and is hoping to resurrect the programs.

University officials said they would work with the recently formed Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation to raise funds as a way to keep both programs afloat.

Robert Morris announced it would partner with the foundation “in an effort to raise sufficient funds to support the reinstatement of RMU’s NCAA Division I men’s and women’s ice hockey programs in time for the 2021-22 season.”

Representatives from the school and foundation met Monday, according to the release.

>>RELATED STORY: Robert Morris University eliminating men’s, women’s ice hockey programs

The announcement about the closing of the programs led to widespread backlash and a lawsuit.

“We’ve been very impressed and overwhelmed by the passion and commitment the players, the alumni players, and other supporters of RMU hockey have demonstrated. They came to us with some commitments in hand,” RMU spokesman Jonathan Potts said.

But the decision must be made by the end of the month if the teams will be brought back in time for the 2021-2022 hockey season.

Potts said the hockey programs need to raise around $7 million over the next five years to be sustainable. However, in the short term, he said the goal is to make sure there’s enough momentum and enthusiasm to keep programs moving forward.

“We really want to make sure the long-term prospects are good. We don’t just want to bring this team back for one season and be back all over at square one. July 31st is practically as late as we can go to bring back the teams for this season,” Potts said.

That leaves a little more than two weeks for money to be raised and a decision to be made.

Woman accused of breaking into home, stealing neighbor’s puppy (NCD)

©2021 Cox Media Group