WINONA, Minn. - As the chapter of their collegiate athletic careers comes to a close, a new one begins for two exceptional athletes of the Saint Mary's men's hockey team. 
 
Laudon Poellinger and AJ Ruskowski have officially signed to their pro contracts and are taking the next step in their athletic careers as professional athletes!
 
Ruskowski has joined the Pensacola Ice Flyers in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) after being the starting goaltender for the Cardinals all season long.
 
"It's an exciting opportunity to take the next step in my hockey career," said Ruskowski. "I am most excited to continue playing the game I love at a higher level" 
 
Ruskowski, the goaltender from Traverse City, Michigan, ranks fourth in program history for total career saves. Throughout his four years, he played in 63 games, recording a total of 1,749 saves and achieving an overall save percentage of .902. 
 
He ranked third in the conference for save percentage and set a career high with 48 saves against St. Scholastica his junior year.
 
"As I continue my journey in Pensacola, I am grateful for the lessons learned at Saint Mary's and am very excited to represent the program at the next level."
 
Poellinger signed with the Peoria Rivermen, also in the SPHL and currently the top team in the league, where he will continue his athletic career
 
"I am excited to be able to continue my hockey career and continue to play this great game," said Poellinger.
 
The forward from La Crescent, Minnesota, appeared in 91 games, recording 15 career goals and 31 assists. He set a career high with three assists in a game against Northland during his junior season.
 
"Saint Mary's had a great impact on my life and hockey career," said Poellinger. "It introduced me to many great teammates and friends. As well as many great professors across campus."
 
"This step is something that I know both Laudon and I are excited to represent our great university and allow for many players in the future to pursue the same goal," said Ruskowski.
 
They will be excellent representatives of Saint Mary's as they advance in their professional careers. This marks the first time in four seasons that a Saint Mary's men's hockey player has transitioned to the pros.