Wentworth head coach Jonathan Deptula has hired R.J. Tolan as the associate head coach.
A former four-year defenseman at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Tolan comes to Wentworth after spending a season as an assistant men’s hockey coach at neighboring Northeastern University. While at Northeastern, he assisted former head coach Bruce Crowder in all areas of coaching, including heading up the team’s video and scouting efforts. Prior to coaching at Northeastern, he served as an assistant coach at Bentley (2003-04) and as an assistant coach of the Boston Bulldogs Junior Hockey Club (2002-03), the team he played for before attending Mass.- Lowell.
A native and current resident of Waltham, Mass., Tolan played in 56 career games for the River Hawks and scored three points (two goals, one assist) in 31 games as a junior. During his senior season, Mass.- Lowell finished 22-13-3, however, a neck injury allowed him to play in only 14 games.
“It is extremely exciting for the program to have a coach of R.J.’s qualifications join our staff,” said Deptula. “R.J. is a skilled recruiter and tactician who I know is going to help elevate our program to the next level. He has a tireless work ethic and has worked under some fantastic coaches. I know those experiences are going to help each and everyone in our program reach their potential.”
“I am excited to be a part of a great program and proud to be a part of great hockey tradition,” said Tolan. “I am hoping I can help the team continue with its recent success.”
Wentworth, which has won ECAC Northeast Championships in 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2004, is coming off a 15-10-2 season which ended with a 3-2 loss to Mass.-Dartmouth in the ECAC Northeast semifinals. The Leopards share Matthews Arena with Northeastern as their home rink.
