ACHA Men's Division III Hockey 2025-2026 Season Recap

The Robert Morris University ACHA Division III men's hockey team navigated a season defined by strength, individual milestones, and emotional victories. From the opening puck drop in September to a dramatic shootout win on Senior Night, the Colonials showcased a commitment to growth and team chemistry.

The season kicked off in late September with a challenging home series against Lawrence Tech. While the Colonials fell 8-1 in the opener, #3 Ameer Cooper provided a spark by burying a rebound for the team's first goal of the season. The rematch saw a stellar performance from goaltender #1 Luke Zukowski, who turned aside over 40 shots, while #10 Alex Cassivi notched a highlight-reel "top-corner snipe" in a close 3-1 loss.

The early-season test continued against the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ). Despite a 5-1 loss, the series featured #7 Jackson Vukman scoring a clinical power-play goal and #29 Matthew Pickell made his first official start on home ice at the Olympic Arena.

As the schedule progressed into November, the Colonials found their rhythm. A standout moment occurred during a weekend split with Central Michigan, their first meeting since 2019. In the Friday night opener, #21 Nathan Spriegel netted his first career goal just 67 seconds into the game, leading RMU to a 3-1 victory. #13 Wade Daniels and #24 Ryan Riffner also found the back of the net, with Riffner's goal marking his eighth of the season.

The offensive strength truly opened later that month in a dominant 6-1 win over Case Western Reserve. Alex Cassivi delivered a spectacular four-goal performance, including a power-play marker to complete his hat trick. #25 Daniel Killen and Nathan Spriegel added to the score, moving the team's record to 6-9 at that point in the season.

The emotional peak of the season arrived on January 22, 2026, as the program honored a dedicated group of seniors. The graduating class included:

The game against Kent State lived up to the occasion. After a back-and-forth regulation that saw goals from Alex Cassivi (2), Ryan Riffner, and a late equalizer by #20 Kyle Kloss, the game headed to a shootout. In the fifth round, senior Ryan Riffner stepped up to score the game-winning shootout goal, sealing a 5-4 victory and ending the night on a perfect note.

Beyond the box scores, this season was about the legacy of the seniors. These players leave behind a culture of dedication. As they move on to careers, the RMU ACHA DIII program looks forward to building on the resilience shown throughout the 2025-26 season.

Season Statistics RMU ACHA DIII

Overall: 7-17-0