Former U.S. Olympian Bellamy named to Merrimack women’s coaching staff

Merrimack announced recently that two-time United States Olympics silver medalist Kacey Bellamy has been named as an assistant coach for the women’s team as it readies for the Division I ranks in 2015-16.

“My coaching philosophy has been to recruit great players and great people who work to build a successful program, and our assistant coaches embody this philosophy,” Merrimack head coach Erin Hamlen said in a statement. “I am thrilled to bring someone into our Merrimack women’s ice hockey family who brings a wealth of hockey experience, an unending work-ethic and a desire to push athletes to be their best.

“I coached Kacey in college, with Team USA and with the Boston Blades. She has grown to be a leader at every level and as a two-time Olympian, continues to grow as a player. As a coach, she will bring her elite experience to a young program.”

“I am honored and thrilled to become part of Merrimack College and the first-ever women’s ice hockey team,” Bellamy added. “Erin and [fellow assistant coach] Brent [Hill] have done an incredible job and I can’t wait to join their process in forming a successful program.”

Bellamy represented the U.S. in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics and is a 2009 graduate of New Hampshire, where she ranks third all-time in career points by a defenseman.