Hockey East gives Bertagna two-year contract extension to stay as commissioner

Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna speaks during a press conference at Fenway Park about Frozen Fenway 2012 (photo: Amy Donnelly/Boston Red Sox).

Hockey East has awarded a two-year contract extension to commissioner Joe Bertagna.

The longest serving commissioner in league history, Bertagna’s new contract will cover the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons and he will reach 20 years with the conference and 35 years overall as a conference administrator.

“The member institutions of Hockey East Association are pleased to continue Joe Bertagna’s contract for an additional two years,” said Will Biberstein, chair of the Executive Committee of Hockey East, in a news release. “During this contract, Joe will celebrate his 20th year as commissioner of Hockey East. Joe’s career and dedication to college hockey, not only within our conference but throughout the nation, have helped develop an evolving game and had a positive impact on countless student-athletes and institutions. We look forward to working with Joe in the coming years as we build upon the already strong reputation of Hockey East.”

“I am pleased that our directors are giving me this chance to continue the work we do at Hockey East,” added Bertagna. “As I have said before, I believe these extensions are a reflection on the job the entire office staff does and on the overall health of the conference. I am very appreciative that I can continue working in the college hockey community.”