MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – RMU men's hockey seniors Greg Japchen and Ryan Taylor have each signed professional contracts in the ECHL this week, continuing the program's strong pipeline to the professional ranks.
 
Japchen, a native of Doylestown, Pa., signed a Standard Player Contract (SPC) with the Kalamazoo Wings, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks.
 
The defenseman appeared in 32 games for RMU this season. Over the course of his collegiate career, he skated in 95 games, recording five goals and 18 assists for 23 points.
 
Additionally, in 2024, Japchen attended the San Jose Sharks Development Camp and was honored with the Male Juice of the Year Award at the Colonial Choice Awards, recognizing his dedication in the gym.
 
Taylor, a native of St. Louis, Mo., inked his first professional contract with the Utah Grizzlies, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche.
 
The forward played in 25 games this season, tallying six goals and nine assists for 15 points while posting a +5 rating. Over 114 career games, Taylor totaled 27 goals and 32 assists for 59 points.
 
During the 2025-26 Atlantic Hockey America playoffs, Taylor contributed four points (two goals, two assists) in six games.
 
Both players join Western Conference teams that will be competing for a berth in the 2026 Kelly Cup Playoffs, set to begin April 22.
 
"Greg and Ryan have both put in the work over their careers to earn this opportunity," said head coach Derek Schooley. "They represent everything we want in our program—commitment, development and professionalism. We're proud to see them take the next step and excited to watch their careers continue at the pro level."
 
Since the program's inception in 2004, RMU men's hockey—under the leadership of Schooley—has produced more than 85 student-athletes who have gone on to play professionally.
 
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