Derek Schooley named men’s and women’s hockey coach/director of player operations
Derek Schooley looks on against Niagara.
September 7, 2021
With RMU hockey officially not being reinstated for the 2021-22 season, a lot of former members of the program have been forced to abandon ship and leave the program. One familiar name that has stuck around is Derek Schooley, the former head coach of the men’s hockey team of 17 years.
Today it was announced that Schooley would be upping his roles as he has been named as both the men’s and women’s hockey coach for the projected 2022-23 season as well as the director of player operations for both teams as well. The announcement was made Tuesday afternoon by RMU Athletic Director Chris King.
NEWS: Schooley Tabbed As Head Coach/Director of Men's and Women's Hockey Operations
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— RMU Athletics (@RMUAthletics) September 7, 2021
“Naming Derek as the head coach and director of operations for both teams adds stability as we continue to work with the Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation in the goal of reinstating both teams. Derek is synonymous with hockey at Robert Morris and is well-respected in the Pittsburgh hockey community and beyond.” King said.
On the women’s end, Schooley will replace Paul Colontino who left for Bishop Kearney Selects Academy. It is unknown how permanent this decision is, and if a search for a permanent women’s hockey head coach will be done further down the road or not.
RMU alumni and 2x Olympian Brianne McLaughlin-Bittle has also been given a position in upper management for both teams. She will serve as the Special Assistant for Hockey Operations working closely with Schooley, King, and the Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation to try and get these programs reinstated.
On August 12, it was announced that $1.4 million will be the donation goal for the return of RMU hockey with the deadline being December 15, 2021.
You can help donate to this movement by checking out the following links or contacting RMU Associate Athletic Director for Development TJ Brown at (412) 397-5960 or at [email protected].
