McAdam Out, Soderquist In at Bentley

Jim McAdam has resigned as head coach at Bentley, according to a school news release today, and has already been replaced with assistant coach and former Falcon standout Ryan Soderquist.

Soderquist, 25, becomes the youngest Division I men’s coach. The 2000 Bentley graduate finished his career as the school’s all-time leading scorer, and served as an assistant under McAdam the last two seasons.

“I’m excited at the chance to revitalize the Bentley hockey program,” said Soderquist. “I’ve learned a lot in my six years with coach McAdam, and I’m optimistic about our future in the Division I MAAC Hockey League.”

Said school athletic director Bob DiFelice, “We are pleased to have a person who has been affiliated with the program for six years take over the coaching reins and  lead the team in pursuit of becoming a competitive team in the MAAC.”

As a senior in 1999-2000, Soderquist wrapped up a sparkling career with 19 goals and 29 assists in 28 games. He finished his career with 84 goals and 89 assists for 173 points, 24 higher than Bentley’s former standard-bearer, John Maguire. The 84 goals was also a school record, and the 89 assists is second on Bentley’s all-time list.

The recipient of numerous honors during his career, Soderquist was Bentley’s captain for two seasons and a first-team All-MAAC honoree. As a senior, he led the MAAC in points per game and assists, and was second in total points.

Soderquist is a native of Stoneham, Mass., and a graduate of Arlington Catholic High School.

McAdam was Bentley’s head coach for nine years, compiling a 101-134-16 record, including 8-49-4 the last two seasons. His tenure saw the Falcons make the move from the ECAC Central to the Division I MAAC. Highlights included winning the ECAC Central regular season championship in 1997.