Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Robert Morris University men's hockey team announces that Matt Nicholson has accepted the head coaching job for the Amarillo (Texas) Bulls of the North American Hockey League.

Nicholson, who joined the Colonials coaching staff six years ago as an assistant, will depart for the Texas Panhandle immediately. He was promoted to associate head coach prior to the 2013-14 season by RMU head coach Derek Schooley, and now he will lead a program for the first time.

"I'm very happy for Matt," Schooley said. "He has dreamed of becoming a head coach and now he's realizing his dream. I believe Matt will be successful in this next step in his coaching journey.

"I would like to thank him for a very successful six years and he will always have a place in Colonial hockey history. He has been a very good ambassador for Robert Morris University."

A former Colgate University student-athlete, Nicholson worked with both forwards and defensemen during his time at RMU, in addition to extensive skill development, video and recruiting responsibilities.

Now he will steer the same junior program that developed the talents of current Colonials Greg Gibson, John Rey, Timmy Moore and Brady Ferguson. Amarillo won the NAHL Robertson Cup championship in the 2012-13 season with Rey as the team captain and Ferguson also contributing. 

"Coming from a college program that has four Amarillo alumni on the roster, I am well aware of the quality of the people in Amarillo and the organization as a whole," Nicholson told AmarilloBulls.com. "Our objective is to put a great product on the ice and also up hold the highest standards off the ice and within the community."

As Nicholson begins his new venture, the search for his replacement is already underway at the RMU Island Sports Center.

"While Matt will be missed, I am sure we will be able to continue to find quality assistant coaches and staff members to continue the success of the previous seasons," Schooley said.

Coming off a program-record 24 wins and its first regular-season Atlantic Hockey Conference title in 2014-15, RMU will begin its 12th Division I campaign this October. For the full schedule, including the fourth-annual Three Rivers Classic at CONSOL Energy Center, click here.

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