Bonnyville Pontiacs defenceman JR Ashmead has announced his commitment to Robert Morris University as of Tuesday, Dec. 5th, 2023.
“My family and I would like to thank coach Schooley and the entire staff at Robert Morris University for bringing me into their family,” said Ashmead.
“I look forward to competing on the ice, meeting new friends off the ice, and gaining a great education at RMU next season. None of this could have happened without the support of Bonnyville and the Pontiacs over the past four seasons.”
The Calgary native suited up for 57 games with the Pontiacs last year while also scoring 8 goals and 26 assists for 34 points. The 20-year-old has produced six goals and 10 assists for 16 points in 31 games played this season.
“JR has been a Pontiac since he was 17 and in a junior landscape with unlimited options and influences, it shows JR’s loyalty to grow and lead with our program,” said associate general manager Chad Nelson.
“He has now found a great home with RMU as they emphasized how they see him as a large part of their future and a wanted member of their D core for years to come.”
Over Ashmead’s career with the Pontiacs, JR has played in 147 regular season AJHL games combining 15 goals with 50 assists for 65 points.
The 6’1, 182lbs defenceman has also suited up for 22 career AJHL playoff games with the Pontiacs and helped the team to their second appearance in the AJHL Inter Pipeline Cup Semi-Finals in the 2022-2023 season.
“From the conversations with Ryan Durocher and the staff at RMU, you can tell how much they value JR as a player and a person,” said Nelson.
“We are excited for JR and the Ashmead family to continue his hockey career with the Pontiacs for the remainder of this season and RMU going forward.”
The Division I Robert Morris University Colonials are based in Pittsburgh, PA and play in the AHA.
The Pontiacs next game is Friday, December 8th against the Blackfalds Bulldogs brought to you by Lakeland CO-OP. This will be Ashmead’s first game at home as a freshly committed College hockey player.
Tickets are available for purchase online at a discounted price compared to purchases at the front gate Here.