In the fall of 2016, Brandon Blandina joined the Colonials staff as a volunteer assistant coach.
Blandina, a forward and 2012 graduate of Robert Morris, played in 133 games for the Colonials, scoring 11 goals and 27 assists, while being a major contributor on both faceoffs and the team's top-ranked penalty kill. Following his RMU career, Blandina played professional hockey in the ECHL for two seasons, playing 117 games, scoring 15 goals and recording 45 points.
Since retiring from professional hockey, Blandina has run his own business in the Pittsburgh area called "Elite Strides," using a synthetic ice treadmill to teach skating. Blandina also works with the Pens Elite organization as a coach.Â
"Brandon was a very good defensive forward for our hockey team," said head coachÂ
Derek Schooley. "He was part of the penalty killing unit that was number one in the nation and he was very good at faceoffs."
"I'm happy to be able to come in and help the team," said Blandina. "I'm glad to be able to give back to the organization."
"To be able to add an alumnus like Brandon to our staff will be very beneficial to not only our coaches but our players," added Schooley. "He's been in their shoes and knows exactly what it means to play Colonials hockey and we're excited to have him on board."
