Pittsburgh, Pa. - The Robert Morris University men's hockey program named senior forwards Brady Ferguson and Timmy Moore as alternate captains this week, joining senior defenseman Alex Bontje who was named captain last spring.

"Our staff believes Brady and Timmy will be excellent additions to our leadership group," said head coach Derek Schooley. "They have large shoes to fill with the graduation of three outstanding leaders but we believe they will continue to foster a great team culture along with our captain Alex Bontje."

"Overall, we believe we have a great group of upperclassmen who will also help these three young men lead the team in the right direction."

Bontje served as alternate captain during his junior season and will captain the Colonials during his senior campaign. Bontje has played in 113 games for Robert Morris, scoring four goals and adding 23 assists for a career total 27 points. The Nobleton, Ontario native has a plus-49 rating and has been a member of the Colonials top penalty kill unit. Bontje blocked 61 shots last season and has 173 total blocks in three seasons.

Bontje is a leader in the classroom as well, pursuing an MBA and a Bachelor's degree in Finance with a minor in Accounting, maintaining a 3.88 GPA. The defenseman has received Atlantic Hockey all-academic team honors in each of the last three seasons.

Ferguson is the NCAA's leading active career scorer with 118 points and had the highest scoring season in 2016-17 of any returning NCAA men's hockey player with an RMU single-season record 58 points. Ferguson was a unanimous all-conference first team selection last season while taking home the 2016-17 Atlantic Hockey scoring trophy. The Carrollton, Texas native was named RMU's Team MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, beginning his senior season as the 5th highest scorer in program history. 

Ferguson is a Business Management major and a two-time Atlantic Hockey all-academic team honoree.

"It's a huge honor," said Ferguson. "I've learned a lot from our previous captains the last three years so I hope to follow in their footsteps."

"I think I can lead by example on and off the ice, but the three of us [captains] aren't the only leaders. Our team is extremely close and I believe anyone can be a leader."

Moore skated in all 38 games, scoring a career-high 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points, ranked fifth on the team in scoring. Moore was a contributor on the Colonials power play, tallying 12 power play points (5G, 7A). The Grosse Pointe, Michigan native recorded 110 shots on goal and blocked 34 shots as well. 

Moore is a Business Management major and has earned Atlantic Hockey all-academic honors for three consecutive seasons.

"It's a tremendous honor to be named a captain," said Moore. "That being said, we have an outstanding leadership group in our entire senior class to help lead this team to an Atlantic Hockey Championship and into the NCAA tournament."

"Personally, I just want to continue to be a hard-working player day in and day out and lead by example."

Robert Morris (22-12-4) wrapped up the 2016-17 campaign with its fourth 20-plus win season, all coming in the last five years. The Colonials finished as Atlantic Hockey conference runners-up in each of the last two seasons. 

"I'm excited to get the season started," said Ferguson. "Our team has a lot to prove."

The Colonials open the 2017-18 season with a home exhibition vs. Ottawa on Sept. 30, followed by a trio of Atlantic Hockey conference road games to start the regular season. Robert Morris returns to the RMU Island Sports Center for the home opener on October 20 hosting Army West Point for a two-game series at Colonials Arena. Tickets for home games are on sale at RMUtickets.com or by calling 412-397-4949. The Colonials complete schedule can be found here.

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