On Thursday morning, the Wheeling Nailers announced via their website that they had signed former men’s hockey forward Luke Lynch to an ECHL contract.

Lynch starts his professional career with the Nailers. This does not come as much of a surprise, as his brother Zac also plays with Wheeling, and during a Colonial Sports Network broadcast, CSN reporter Samuel Goldberg spoke to Luke’s father, who said Luke was planning to try out for an ECHL team following graduation from Robert Morris.

Lynch, a Pittsburgh native, spent four years at Robert Morris following a two-year stint in the NAHL with the Johnstown Tomahawks where he recorded 78 points in 113 games from 2014-16. He leaves RMU as one of 12 players to score 100 points in their Robert Morris career, achieving that milestone this season. Lynch finished his RMU career with 41 goals, 64 assists, and 105 points, with 17 of those points coming this season. He is also the eighth former Colonial to play for Wheeling.

In a statement on the Nailers’ website, Luke remarked that his brother “played a big role in getting me to Wheeling.” Zac also is one of the 12 Colonials to score 100 points at RMU, scoring 157 in 152 games as a Colonial. Zac led the Nailers in points this season, scoring 67 points (17 G, 50 A) in 67 games.

Also according to the website, “We are pleased to add Luke to our roster,” said Nailers Head Coach Mark French. “Luke has displayed an ability to produce offensively throughout his college career, and at the same time, earn the respect of both his coaches and teammates by being named team captain in his final season.”

Lynch departs RMU and takes a short 55.1 mile drive to Wesbanco Arena in Wheeling, West Virginia, which will be his new home. He joins his brother Zac on the roster and will hope to continue to thrive in the ECHL this upcoming season.