RIT Men’s Hockey: A New Leadership Era for the 2025-26 Season
Captaincy Announcement
In an exciting announcement for the RIT Men’s Hockey team, Head Coach Matt Thomas has named senior forward Tyler Mahan as the captain for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Mahan’s dedication both on and off the ice has made him a standout choice for this leadership role. Alongside him, Coach Thomas has appointed senior forwards Austin Brimmer, Simon Isabelle, Adam Jeffery, and junior defenseman Kevin Scott as assistant captains, marking a new chapter in the team’s pursuit of excellence.
Tyler Mahan: A Natural Leader
Mahan’s journey with the Tigers has been impressive. Over the past three seasons, he has participated in 109 games, accumulating 38 points with 20 goals and 18 assists. His commitment to the team’s dynamics and performance is recognized by his peers, as shown through the team vote that selected him as captain. Notably, Mahan’s academic diligence has also earned him accolades—he is a two-time American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) All-American Scholar and has been honored thrice on the Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) All-Academic Team, reflecting his well-rounded character both in athletics and academics.
Austin Brimmer: A Transfer with Impact
Brimmer brings his own wealth of experience to the team after transferring from Long Island University, where he made 97 career appearances over three seasons. During his time with the Sharks, he collected 55 points, underlining his ability to impact games offensively with 23 goals and 32 assists. His performance in the 2024-25 season—where he recorded 21 points—was pivotal in leading Long Island to their first-ever 20-win campaign. His addition is anticipated to energize the Tigers’ offense as they navigate the upcoming season.
Simon Isabelle: Master of the Faceoff
Returning to the roster, Isabelle made waves in the previous season by finishing 18th nationally in faceoff victories, accounting for an impressive 390 wins and a .570 faceoff winning percentage. His skills are crucial for maintaining possession and dictating the pace of play. Beyond his contributions in the faceoff circle, he is the top returning scorer for the Tigers, bringing with him 44 career points—with 21 goals and 23 assists. This combination of offensive production and faceoff mastery places him as a key figure in the Tigers’ strategic plans moving forward.
Adam Jeffery: The Steady Contributor
Jeffery may not have the flashiest stats, but his consistent performance is invaluable to the Tigers. With 54 appearances over the last three seasons, he has collected seven points, including four goals and three assists. His background as a three-time AHA All-Academic Team member suggests a player who is reliable both on the ice and in the classroom. This steady presence is essential in fostering a competitive yet supportive team environment as the Tigers aim for success.
Kevin Scott: The Defensive Backbone
Completing the leadership group, Scott made significant contributions defensively last season, participating in all 35 games. He has accumulated a total of 64 appearances and has blocked 46 shots in his career, underscoring his commitment to defensive responsibilities and team defense. With seven career points, all assists, Scott’s role extends beyond traditional statistics; his blocking prowess helps to mitigate scoring opportunities for opponents. Recognition as an AHCA Scholar All-American and a two-time AHA All-Academic Team honoree reflects his dedication to both athletic and academic excellence.
The Road Ahead
With this new leadership structure, the RIT Men’s Hockey team is poised to uphold the winning tradition that has characterized the program. Coach Thomas’s confidence in Mahan and the assistant captains illustrates a commitment to nurturing a culture of excellence, both in competition and in academics. Fans of the Tigers can look forward to an exciting season ahead as these leaders strive to guide their team to new heights.