Pittsburgh, Pa. - The top scorer in the history of the Robert Morris University men's hockey program will continue his career at the next level, as senior forward Cody Wydo signed a professional contract this week.

Wydo, the Colonials' all-time leading goal-scorer and point-producer, will be playing close to western Pennsylvania after agreeing to deal with the Wheeling (W.Va.) Nailers of the ECHL.

"We are proud of the contributions Cody has made to the Colonials," head coach Derek Schooley said. "I am sure he will be successful in his next step in hockey."

The first Hobey Baker Award finalist ever from Robert Morris, Wydo becomes the ninth Colonial to skate for Wheeling; he has been preceded by Kurt Wright, Justin DePretis, Aaron Clarke, Chris Margott, Sean Berkstresser, Brock Meadows, Brooks Ostergard and Chris Kushneriuk in the northern panhandle of West Virginia.

Wydo departs campus as the active NCAA Division I leader in career goals, with 85 in 151 games. He scored 20 in his just-completed senior season and added 23 assists, leading the Colonials to their most wins (24) and fewest losses (eight) in 11 seasons of D-I hockey. Wydo put up a program-record 31 goals and 54 points as a junior, aiding RMU's first Atlantic Hockey Conference postseason championship and NCAA tournament berth.

"Winning the program's first league and tournament championships are things I will remember forever," Wydo said. 

As team captain this season, Wydo presided over RMU's inaugural regular-season AHC title, as the Colonials went 19-5-4 against league foes. The native of Southgate, Mich., owns program records for goals, points, shots on goal (486) and plus-minus rating (plus-53); he is tied with junior Zac Lynch for the most shorthanded goals by a Colonial (six). In addition to his Hobey Baker recognition this season, he was named to the All-AHC First Team two straight years and made the All-USCHO Second Team last season.

"(Playing at RMU) was a great experience for me and let me continue my career to the next level," Wydo said. "I have become a better player during my four years here."

Wydo, along with classmates Scott Jacklin, Jeff Jones and David Rigatti, collected 80 victories in their four years at Robert Morris - making them the winningest senior class the program has seen. Since Jan. 1, 2014, the Colonials boast the third-best winning percentage in the nation, going 41-14-8 over that span.

RMU will seek greater growth as a program when it opens its 12th Division I season this fall.

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