Sept. 14, 2005

Erie, Pa. - Two former Mercyhurst College varsity players, defenseman Jody Robinson and forward Rich Hansen, are continuing to climb the professional ranks.

Four-year defenseman Robinson, under contract with the New York Islanders, reported to the Islanders training camp last Sunday for the second straight year. The Islanders are working out in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Robinson, who roomed last year with former Erie Otter Chris Campoli, played the last two seasons for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League, the Islanders' farm team. Robinson played for the Lakers' first NCAA Division I playoff team in 2001, a team that bowed to Michigan 4-3 at the West Regional.

Meanwhile, Hansen, a four-year center/left wing, reported Sunday to the training camp of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hansen played for two NCAA playoff teams while at Mercyhurst and competed against Minnesota in 2003 and against Boston College in 2005.

"This is a great reflection on our program", notes head coach Rick Gotkin, "and just how far it's evolved in the last few years. I am very proud that some of our graduates are continuing play at the very highest levels of professional hockey."