Back-to-back defending champion Robert Morris will again host the tournament, as the Colonials look to take home their fourth TRC title in six years. RMU (5-11-1) will welcome three new teams to this year's event: Arizona State, Providence and Lake Superior State.
RMU will face Lake Superior State (4-11-3), the alma mater of Pittsburgh Penguins prospects Zach Trotman and Kevin Czuczman, in the second game on Dec. 29 at 7:30PM.
The Arizona State Sun Devils (4-9-3) have a few notable names, including assistant coach Alex Hicks, a former Penguins player. Hicks and his father, Wayne, both played for Pittsburgh. Austin Lemieux, son of Penguins Hall of Famer and co-owner Mario Lemieux, is redshirting this season for the Sun Devils.
ASU will go head-to-head with the nationally ranked No. 11 Providence College Friars (10-7-1) and Pens prospect Kasper Bjorkqvist to start off the tournament on Dec. 29 at 4:30PM. Drafted by the Penguins in the second round (61st overall) in the 2016 NHL Draft, Bjorkqvist is third on the team with six goals this season.
The winners of those two contests will meet in the championship tilt the following evening on Dec. 30 at 7:30PM, with the consolation game played at 4:30PM.
Tickets can be purchased from the PPG Paints Arena DICK'S Sporting Goods Box Office, TicketMaster CHARGE-BY-PHONE at 1-800-745-3000 (M-F 9:00AM to 9:00PM; Saturday 9:00AM to 7:00PM; Sunday 9:00AM to 6:00PM), or at
www.ppgpaintsarena.com
.
