May 14, 2008

Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst senior forward Ryan Toomey, injured nine games into the 2007-2008 season, has been granted a medical redshirt by both the NCAA and the Atlantic Hockey Association. The Bolton, Ontario, native is the first medical redshirt player in the 21-year history of the program.

Toomey was injured in the first game of a two-game series at defending national champion, Michigan State, last November. He never saw action again.

"It was a very tough four months for me", said Toomey. I wanted so much to help the team, but it just wasn't meant to be. I'm proud of the way the guys played down the stretch and I'm glad to be part of what should be a very good team next season."

Toomey was a co-captain last season and has played 95 games in his career with 27 goals and 29 assists.

Head coach Rick Gotkin knows how important Toomey's presence means, both on-and-off the ice: "We were all very excited to learn that Ryan's application for another year was approved. Ryan gives us a great deal of leadership and scoring punch. He worked very hard to rehabilitate himself over the last few months and I know he'll return in excellent shape in September.

Mercyhurst (15-19-7; AHA 11-10-7) reached the Atlantic Hockey Association championship game in March before bowing 5-4 in double overtime to Air Force. The Lakers begin the 2008-2009 regular season with eight straight road games, starting October 10 and 11 with first-ever meetings at St. Cloud State (WCHA).