MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The RMU men's hockey program, under the direction of head coach
Derek Schooley, has announced the addition of three transfers and five freshmen who will join the Colonials for the 2026-27 season.
"Our staff worked hard to identify, recruit and secure this class," said Schooley. "Our assistant coaches Marco Trevino and Vincent Pietrangelo did a great job leading the charge on what we feel is an outstanding group of Colonials."
The incoming class brings a mix of NCAA Division I experience, NHL draft pedigree, and accomplished junior production as RMU continues to strengthen its roster heading into the new campaign.
"This group gives us a really good mix of proven Division I experience from the portal and high-end production from the junior ranks," added Schooley. "We wanted to add depth, skill and size at every position and our staff feels these players fit the identity of our program perfectly. We can't wait to get them on campus and get to work."
TRANSFERS
Ryan MacPherson (Junior | Forward | Windsor, Ontario) arrives in Moon Township after spending time at New Hampshire. A 2023 sixth-round NHL Draft pick (172nd overall) of the Philadelphia Flyers, MacPherson becomes just the second draft pick in program history to join the Colonials. He has also been invited to the 2026 Philadelphia Flyers Development Camp. In 48 games with New Hampshire, he totaled three goals and three assists.
"Ryan joins the program as a highly intelligent, defensive-minded center who excels at connecting players all over the ice. His exceptional hockey sense and commitment to structure ensure he is always positioned to make the right play. Bringing a true 200-foot responsibility to our lineup, his complete game will be a massive asset to the team this season." – Assistant Coach Vincent Pietrangelo
Gunnar VanDamme (Senior | Defenseman | Pittsford, N.Y.) brings a veteran presence on the blue line after appearing in 33 games for RPI last season, recording five assists. He earned a spot on the 2025 Ledyard Classic All-Tournament Team and previously played at Alaska-Anchorage, where he skated in 68 games and produced five goals, 11 assists, and 16 points.
"Gunnar joins the team as a steady and reliable blueliner, bringing elite skating ability that allows him to control the pace of the game effortlessly. His exceptional stick detail makes him a constant disruptive force against opponents in the defensive zone. With the valuable experience of over 100 collegiate games played under his belt, his veteran leadership will be an immediate asset to our defensive corps." – Assistant Coach Vincent Pietrangelo
Charlie Kinsman (Junior | Defenseman | Orchard Park, N.Y.) joins RMU after playing in 42 games at Vermont, where he posted one goal and one assist while adding 23 shots and 20 blocked shots. In addition, he skated on the 2022 U.S. U-18 Men's Select Team at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He also played for the U.S. U-17 Team in 2021 at the Five Nations Tournament, helping lead his team to a first-place finish with four assists in three games. Kinsman is also a two-time AHCA/Krampade All-American Scholar.
"Charlie's combination of D1 experience from Vermont, heavy USHL play with the Tri-City Storm, and international pedigree with Team USA gives us a massive boost on the back end. He's an exceptional teammate who fits perfectly into our culture here in Moon Township." – Assistant Coach Marco Trevino
FRESHMEN
Gavin Ewles (Defenseman | Barrie, Ontario | Sudbury Wolves, OHL) joins RMU after a strong season in major junior hockey, appearing in 67 games with four goals, 10 assists, and 14 points. He was named Sudbury's Top Defenseman in 2026 and also brings previous OHL experience with the Ottawa 67's and Flint Firebirds.
"Gavin is a high-IQ, smooth-skating blue liner coming off an incredible season as an unsung hero for the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL. He eats massive minutes, moves the puck incredibly well, and brings 245 games of major junior experience to our back end. His leadership character and elite defensive consistency make him a perfect fit for Moon Township." – Assistant Coach Marco Trevino
Ben Pickell (Forward | Courtice, Ontario | Sarnia Sting, OHL) arrives after a productive 2025-26 season with 24 goals and 17 assists in 64 games for Sarnia. He previously recorded 13 goals and 11 assists with the Kingston Frontenacs.
"Ben is a high-octane, fearless forward who brings a massive spark to our offensive group. His performance in the OHL, particularly his standout playoff runs and his tireless work ethic with Sarnia, proves he knows how to win heavy hockey games. Ben plays with a relentless edge, drives our team culture, and has an absolute passion for the game. He's going to be a fan favorite here at RMU and an immediate threat in the AHA." – Assistant Coach Marco Trevino
Calvin Crombie (Forward | Hamilton, Ontario | Barrie Colts, OHL) totaled 11 goals and 24 assists in 60 games this past season. He previously spent two seasons with the Brantford Bulldogs, compiling 57 points in 115 games and earned recognition as an Eastern Conference champion and All-Star Game MVP.
"As a highly competitive, blue-collar forward, Calvin brings a relentless work ethic and invaluable OHL experience to our lineup, fresh off a 35-point regular season and a deep 20-game playoff run with the Barrie Colts. Our fans will quickly come to appreciate this fierce competitor who leaves everything on the ice every single shift." – Assistant coach Vincent Pietrangelo
Brennan Faulkner (Forward | London, Ontario | Peterborough Petes, OHL) brings significant offensive production after posting 29 goals and 20 assists in 68 games during the 2025-26 season. He also recorded 23 points in 2024-25 and six assists in 2023-24.
"Brennan is an absolute workhorse who comes to us after a phenomenal career with the Peterborough Petes in the OHL, where he earned consecutive Most Improved Player awards and established himself as a premier 20-plus goal scorer and elite defensive forward. He brings incredible speed, an immense hockey IQ, and a relentless work ethic to Moon Township." – Assistant Coach Marco Trevino
Stanley Hubbard (Forward | Albuquerque, N.M. | New Mexico Ice Wolves, NAHL) joins the Colonials after serving as an alternate captain in the NAHL, where he totaled 11 goals and 12 assists in 57 games last season. Over three seasons from 2022 to 2025, he accumulated 58 points in 132 games.
"Standing as a massive, physically imposing forward, Stanley is set to bring an elite level of physical engagement and an undeniable presence to our lineup. His unmatched ability for space creation and net-front dominance will make him a nightmare for opposing goaltenders and defensemen alike. Off Ice Stanley is a high-character individual whose leadership and grit will instantly elevate our team culture." – Assistant Coach Vincent Pietrangelo
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