Moon Township, Pa. – Six seniors on the Robert Morris University men’s ice hockey team have signed professional contracts. Sean Berkstresser (Apollo, Pa. / Pittsburgh Forge), Tom Biondich (International Falls, Minn. / Wichita Falls Rustlers), Joel Gasper (Crookston, Minn. / Billings Bulls), Chris Kaufman (Gig Harbor, Wash. / Helena Bighorns), Rob Cowan (Calgary, Alberta / Olds Grizzlys) and Ryan Cruthers (Farmingdale, N.Y. / Army) have all signed contracts to extend their hockey careers.

"I am very excited and proud of all the players who have moved on to play hockey at the next level,” said head coach Derek Schooley. “The passion, determination and skill that they have improved on and developed at RMU have enabled them to continue following their dream of playing professional hockey."

Cruthers signed with the New York Islanders American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate Bridgeport, but will start his career with Utah of the ECHL.

Berkstresser (Wheeling), Biondich (Gwinnette), Gasper (Johnstown) and Kaufman (Bakersfield) have all signed with a team in the ECHL, while Cowan has signed with Port Huron of the International Hockey League (IHL).