NEVILLE TWP. — The Robert Morris men’s hockey team warmed up on Friday with 21 players sporting the last name “WORKMAN” across the backs of their white sweaters.
The gesture was done to honor former Robert Morris assistant coach Mark Workman, who is currently undergoing treatments for liver cancer.
Workman, who was an assistant coach at Robert Morris from 2009 to 2016, left to work as a scout with the Vegas Golden Knights following the 2015-16 season.
But he’s remained a close figure in the lives of many of the Robert Morris players that he recruited and coached.
“When our team heard the news about Coach Workman, it was pretty shocking and tough for the guys to take in,” said senior alternate captain Timmy Moore, who was the second Moore brother to play for Workman. Moore’s older brother Evan also played for the Colonials.
“Personally, ‘Worky’ is very close with my family and has always been willing to go above and beyond to help Evan and I,” Moore said. “‘Worky’ coached our 2018 senior class for two seasons and he is the reason a lot of us are here at Robert Morris, doing a lot of the recruiting for the younger guys.”
Workman coaching during the 2015-16 season. — BRIAN MITCHELL
The team learned of his diagnosis shortly after the semester break and decided they wanted to do something to honor his fight.
“Like any good coach, Mark left a positive impact on the people he coached, recruited and worked with,” said head coach Derek Schooley. “Robert Morris players, alumni and staff wanted to show our support for Mark and the guys felt this would be a tribute of support for him.”
“I really appreciate all the support from the RMU community,” Workman said in a press release. “It really helps in this fight.”
Workman is a Minnesota native and was scouting that area for the Golden Knights. He was previously an assistant at Brown and both an assistant and head coach at his alma mater, Division III St. Scholastica.
The Robert Morris locker room. — ALEX MANN / RMU ATHLETICS
PHOTOS FROM JENN HOFFMAN:
