Robert Morris Hockey Swept in Madison Opener
The Colonials fell to Wisconsin in a pair of hard-fought road games to start the new hockey season.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Hockey
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Robert Morris opened its season in Madison with two losses against Wisconsin, falling 4-2 in the first game and 1-0 in the second. The team, currently ranked sixth in the Atlantic Hockey America conference, is looking to build on last season's performance.
Why it matters
After reaching the conference semifinals last year with 45 points, Robert Morris is focused on proving its status as a top contender in Atlantic Hockey America. The early-season series against a competitive opponent serves as a test for the team's defensive identity.
Charlie Schenkel posted a goals-saved above expectation of plus-2.59 after the opening weekend. John Babcock, who measures 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, led the nation last year with 123 blocked shots.
The players
Derek Schooley
He serves as the head coach for the Robert Morris hockey program.
John Babcock
He is a 6-foot-2, 205-pound defenseman who led the nation in blocked shots last season.
Charlie Schenkel
He is the goaltender for Robert Morris who demonstrated strong performance metrics in the opening series.
The details
Robert Morris maintains a defensive identity defined by its depth at the blueline and a physical, tight-checking style of play. Goaltending remains a core component of this strategy as the team aims to build on its previous success in the Atlantic Hockey America conference.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: Robert Morris opened the season against Wisconsin in Madison.
October 15, 2026: Coach Derek Schooley discussed the team's established identity.
October 22, 2026: The team begins conference play at Bentley.
Season Trajectory
The current season marks a period of ongoing stabilization following the program's 2021 two-year shutdown. This developmental path remains central as the team navigates its schedule to improve its standing within the conference.
The Colonials must improve their offensive output following a weekend where they were limited to two goals total. The upcoming road stretch requires quick adjustments before the team begins Atlantic Hockey America play at Bentley.
The takeaway
Maintaining a defensive identity built on high-volume blocked shots and solid goaltending is essential for the team's consistency. Players and fans should watch how the team translates this physical style into scoring opportunities in the upcoming road games.
What happens next
Robert Morris plays Miami in Oxford, Ohio, on Thursday, followed by a visit to Penn State on Tuesday and the home opener against Miami on Saturday.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's progress, visit the Madison Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.
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