CHRIS
KAUFMAN
Robert Morris
Sr. | D | Gig Harbor, Wash.
Kaufman scored six goals and 14 points in 25 games
for RMU before a wrist injury sidelined him in early
February.
Key Statistics: Before
suffering a severe wrist injury Feb. 3, Kaufman had
already doubled his goal total from his first two seasons
combined and was eating up a lot of minutes for the
Colonials. Of his six goals, three came on the power
play and two were game-winners. One of those came against
Princeton to launch RMU on a five-game winning streak.
What He Does: At 6’2”,
the right defenseman uses his size to push forwards
to the outside and is effective clearing space in front.
Even after missing six conference games, he finished
eighth among CHA defensemen in scoring. He provided
a take-charge attitude and a calming influence on the
ice during key moments. This will be his third season
wearing a letter.
The Bigger Picture: Robert
Morris was 11-13 before his injury, and finished the
season 3-6. The Colonials allowed two or fewer goals
per game in 8 of 11 games immediately prior to the injury;
that number jumped to 4.5 gpg after Kaufman was hurt.
He'll likely pair with fellow senior Rob Cowan again
this season.
Robert Morris coach Derek Schooley
on Kaufman: "I think Chris is the premiere
returning defenseman in CHA. He was on pace for an all-league
season until he was hurt. He had surgery on his wrist
and hand and is back skating now with no problems. Chris
helps us on the blueline and with leadership; he’s
a very positive and upbeat young man.”
