PITTSBURGH -- Robert Morris University senior Eric Israel was named the Atlantic Hockey Defensive Player of the Week on Thursday, singled out for his dynamic performance in a two-game series at American International last weekend.

Israel lifted his team-best assist total to 11 with a pair of helpers at AIC, and tied for the team lead in plus-minus rating by going a combined plus-4 as RMU returned to the ice following a three-week holiday break.

This is the second weekly honor of the season for the native of Huntington Woods, Michigan, who has 13 total points in 14 games played. He was also recognized for his performance Nov. 23-24 against Mercyhurst. 

Israel's output was especially impressive in RMU's 3-1 Sunday win over AIC. Playing in all situations as usual, he earned the primary assist on Alex Tonge's breakaway game-winner in the third period, putting a headman pass right on the tape. All told, Israel was a plus-3 for the game and also lifted his team-best block total to 29. 

Nationally, Israel ranks 23rd among active assist leaders in NCAA Division I, posting 70 during his time at Robert Morris. He's 41st with 11 career power-play goals.



The Colonials (8-9-1, 7-6-1 AHA) continue their second half of the season with the annual Three Rivers Classic invitational tournament this weekend.

After No. 1 St. Cloud State faces No. 14 Union at 5 p.m. Friday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, RMU will take on Brown at 8. The scene will then shift to PPG Paints Arena for Saturday, with the third-place game set for 5 p.m. and the championship contest scheduled for 8.

RMU has won the Three Rivers Classic three times in six years, defeating a ranked foe each time to lift the Confluence Cup. For tickets and information on this year's event, click here.