Robert Morris alum Blandina joins alma mater as volunteer assistant

 (RMU Athletics)
New Robert Morris volunteer assistant coach Brandon Blandina (left) joins head coach Derek Schooley at a recent Colonials practice (photo: RMU Athletics).

Robert Morris alum Brandon Blandina has joined the Colonials coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach.

Blandina played in 133 games for the Colonials from 2008 to 2012, scoring 11 goals and 27 assists.

Following his RMU career, Blandina played professional hockey in the ECHL for two seasons, playing 117 games, scoring 15 goals and recording 45 points.

Since retiring from professional hockey, Blandina has run his own business in the Pittsburgh area – Elite Strides – using a synthetic ice treadmill to teach skating. Blandina also works with the Pens Elite organization as a coach.

“Brandon was a very good defensive forward for our hockey team,” said RMU coach Derek Schooley in a news release. “He was part of the penalty killing unit that was No. 1 in the nation and he was very good at faceoffs.

“To be able to add an alumnus like Brandon to our staff will be very beneficial to not only our coaches, but our players. He’s been in their shoes and knows exactly what it means to play Colonials hockey and we’re excited to have him on board.”

“I’m happy to be able to come in and help the team,” added Blandina. “I’m glad to be able to give back to the organization.”