The Class of 2011 was one of the most successful classes if not the most successful class in Robert Morris NCAA men’s hockey history.
All four are very proud to be a part of a class that sent four of five graduates to the pros. They also strongly believe that they will be seeing current and future Colonials in the professional leagues in no time and they attribute that to the great coaching of Derek Schooley.
“It shows that Coach Schooley did a good job recruiting players,” said Urban. “Also we would have had all five of us make it to the pros but Scott Kobialko was injured and couldn’t play at the end of the season.”
Nathan Longpre also agrees with Urban. “It says a lot about the program and how it’s taken off. It’s only been around for nine years now,” stated Longpre. “They’re making strides on becoming a great program and being recognized around the league and being more respected, and I think they’re going to be tough contenders over the next couple of years.”
Chris Kushneriuk, Brock Meadows, Urban and Longpre all wanted to share advice for the current and future Colonials.
“I would definitely say that if anyone has the opportunity to play after their senior year, and they can balance their workload with school, that they have to give it a shot,” advises Kushneriuk. “It wasn’t something I expected to enjoy as much as I did. It’s totally different mentality and an experience that is definitely worth it.”
Meadows agreed with Kushneriuk. “Just take whatever chances you can get. Like with me, I didn’t know how long I was going to be able to play for, or if I was going to be able to play, but when I got the chance I just went out and took it,” recalled Meadows. “So I’d say, just don’t hesitate and give it a shot even if it is only for a couple of games or a year, you need to at least try it.”
Longpre believes it’s all about hard work and persistence. “Keep working hard, take your opportunities when you can, and honestly just keep working hard,” said Longpre.
Urban agrees with his three former teammates and also adds that you need to always do they best you can because you never know when an opportunity can come about. “You just have to play your game and play your best because you never know when someone is there watching you,” said Urban. “As well as when you get your shot playing in the pros you just have to play the way you have been playing that got you this chance.”
