Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) student-athlete Rory Herrman has been selected to represent ECAC Hockey as part of the NCAA Division I College Hockey for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee, a new initiative that is designed to create positive cultural change in the sport through communication, education, allyship, and advocacy.

A sophomore, Herrman is one of three representatives from the league and one of 12 student-athletes from all conferences. Coaches and administrators are also part of the 27-person committee, which began meeting in the summer of 2020.

“I joined College Hockey 4DEI because I believe that hockey is for everyone,” said Herrman, a Poway native and former youth players with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings, Anaheim Jr. Ducks and San Diego Jr. Gulls. “There is no room for racism in our sport. Being a part of a group like this allows me to do my part in the education of the ethics and morals I grew up with. Sports, especially hockey, is a gift that should be used to bring people together. I am excited for what the future holds and I will continue to do my part as a member of this group to spread the beautiful game of hockey.”

The mission of College Hockey for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, which has representatives from 11 different conferences, is “College Hockey for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is dedicated to creating positive cultural change across our sport through communication, education, allyship, and advocacy. Together we are working for a better tomorrow, one shift at a time.”

A Business and Management major, Herrman is a Dean’s Honor List student who carries a 3.51 cumulative grade-point average. He earned ECAC Hockey All-Academic following the 2019-20 season. Athletically, he played in 21 games, scoring once with three assists, helping the Engineers to 17 wins (17-15-2), including 13 in conference play (13-8-1). RPI earned a bye through the first round of the ECAC Hockey playoffs, but the season ended prior to the quarterfinals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rensselaer’s 2020-21 campaign has been canceled due to the pandemic.

Photo/Liz Brady

(Feb. 12, 2021)