Men's Hockey | 3/26/2019 6:06:00 PM
PITTSBURGH -- When Robert Morris University senior winger
Alex Tonge completed his career with the fourth-highest point total in program history, he figured to have a career beyond the college level should he choose to pursue it.
That potential became reality Tuesday afternoon, when Tonge signed an amateur tryout contract (ATO) with the ECHL's Florida Everblades. Tonge, who compiled 138 points in four years at RMU, becomes the ninth Colonial to sign with the Everblades, based out of the Fort Myers suburb of Estero, Fla.
"Thanks to everyone who helped me along the way," Tonge said. "I'm excited for the opportunity."
A 23-year-old native of Kingston, Ontario, Tonge leaves the Colonials tied with RMU Hall of Famer Nathan Longpre '11 in career points, along with the fifth-most goals (56) and the sixth-most assists (82) in the 15-year history of this Division I program. He also netted the third-most power-play goals in the RMU record books, with 23. Until the Colonials were knocked out of the Atlantic Hockey tournament in the semifinal round last Friday, Tonge ranked as the No. 8 active scorer in all of NCAA D-I.
Just last week, Tonge received his second all-league honor, as he was named to the All-AHA Second Team in the wake of a 39-point season. The crafty left-handed shooter was at or above a point-per-game pace over the final three seasons of his college career. Prior to Robert Morris, Tonge was a prolific scorer for the Kingston Voyageurs of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
In addition to being the
69th former Colonial to try his hand in the pro ranks, Tonge follows quite the lineage of RMU alums who've played for the Everblades. That list is as follows: Chris Kushneriuk '11, Cody Crichton '12, Adam Brace '13, Jeff Jones '15, Greg Gibson '16, Chase Golightly '16, David Friedmann '16 and Evan Moore '16.
With help from Tonge's five playoff points, Robert Morris just made its sixth consecutive trip to Atlantic Hockey's final four, tying the league record. RMU has claimed two regular-season titles (2015, 2016) and a postseason crown (2014) over that span of success. For more information on the team, visit RMUColonials.com.
