The IX: Hockey Friday with Erica L. Ayala, June 4, 2021
How to Kill a Hockey Program — Jill Saulnier celebrates — Must-click women's hockey links
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How to Kill a Hockey Program
Under the cover of secrecy, of course!
DK Pittsburgh Sports has reported on the decision to cut Robert Morris women’s and men’s ice hockey programs. One source said, “It was basically done under the cover of night.”
Pittsburgh Steelers GM Kevin Colbert reportedly resigned from the RMU Board of Directors because of how the decision was handled. The report also indicates the Pittsburgh Penguins were surprised by the move as well.
A source reached out to me with similar information. Apparently, RMU players were muted during a video conference where the news was shared. I am in the process of following up with sources to get a better picture of the RMU decision and its impact.
All signs point to, once again, people in power making final decisions in the cover of night. Is it because they didn’t think the decision would be approved? Is it because they feared backlash?
Likely both, coupled with the fact they did so because they thought or even knew they could. Granted, I’m still learning about the situation, but I wonder if Colbert considered staying on the RMU board?
On the one hand, removing oneself from a person or thing that you disagree with (see Tweet of the Week). On the other hand, decisions like this are made time and time again because the people in power believe there aren’t enough defectors to challenge their strong-arm approaches.
Just some food for thought, really! I will continue to follow the story as it relates to the RMU women’s program.
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Week in Women’s Hockey
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Must-Click Links
A Tribute to RMU Women’s Hockey.
Elaine Chuli is back in Toronto.
PWHPA lands post-Dream Gap Tour sponsor.
What does the sale of the Riveters & Whale really mean? CT is out a GM.
Relocated Women’s Worlds headed to Calgary in August.
Erin Gehen re-signs with Buffalo.
Marisa Ingemi with takeaways from the PWHPA Dream Gap Tour.
RMU has no plans to reinstate women’s & men’s hockey.
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Tweet of the Week
Sometimes I feel like WoHo is that friend who always dates people that are just not that into them. THEY AREN’T WORTHY OF YOU, QUEEN!
Five at The IX: Jill Saulnier
Montreal came out victorious in the Canadian portion of the Secret Dream Gap Tour. Jill Saulnier and her teammates had a blast celebrating, as you can see. Watch Saulnier’s media availability after the 4-2 win over Toronto.
