Robert Morris, whose men’s program will begin play next fall, is adding women’s hockey for 2005-06, it was announced today. The school is also starting men’s and women’s lacrosse and women’s field hockey next fall.
“Women’s ice hockey is the logical next step in the development of RMU’s athletics program,” RMU athletic director Susan Hofacre said. “The program will complement the new men’s ice hockey team as well as our existing sports. Women’s ice hockey is a growing sport in the NCAA and it’s exciting to be part of that growth.”
Robert Morris and Mercyhurst, located in Erie, will be the only Division I women’s ice hockey programs in the state of Pennsylvania. It will bring the number of Division I women’s programs up to 31.
The Colonials will play their home games at the RMU Island Sports Center on Neville Island, Pa., and will begin a search for a head coach immediately.
Former Air Force assistant Derek Schooley was named the Robert Morris men’s head coach last year. The men’s program will compete in the CHA.
