MOON TOWNSHIP– Despite not playing in the Three Rivers Classic this year, the Robert Morris men’s hockey team will once again have a game at a neutral-site location. The Colonials will face off in an exhibition game against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks at the historic 1st Summit Arena at Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown, PA on January 4, 2020.

Titled the 2020 College Classic, presented by UPMC Health Plan, the event will mark the first game between NCAA Division-I college-level teams in the arena’s 69-year history.

Home of the North American Hockey League’s (NAHL) Johnstown Tomahawks, the 1st Summit Arena at Cambria County War Memorial was home for the fictional Charlestown Chiefs from the 1977 movie “Slapshot”. The arena was also the winner of the first-ever Kraft Hockeyville USA contest, receiving $450,000 in upgrades and hosting an NHL preseason game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins.

The game will also be a homecoming game for three Colonials; senior Luke Lynch and freshmen Roman Kraemer and Cameron Hebert formerly played for the Johnstown Tomahawks. Lynch and Kraemer both played two seasons for the Tomahawks, while Hebert, a right wing from St. Andrews West, Ontario, Canada played one.

Over his career with the Tomahawks, Lynch scored 78 points, including a team-leading 56 in 2015-16. In a statement to RMU Athletics, Lynch said, “Johnstown is my second home and always will be. I cannot express how grateful I am for all the people I’ve met and the memories I hold. It’s going to be surreal getting to play another game there.”

Colonials head coach Derek Schooley also told RMU Athletics, “The entire Colonials organization is excited to bring Division I hockey to one of the most recognizable sports venues in the United States, we look forward to showcasing our team to the great hockey community of Johnstown.”

As for Ontario Tech, the Ridgebacks went 10–21 last year, including 9-19 in conference play. Current Greenville Swamp Rabbits forward Danny Elser led the team with 11 goals and 16 assists in 28 regular-season games.

Tickets for the game are available on Ticketmaster.com and will be on sale in person at the 1st Summit Arena box office for $10.