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Subscribe to USCHO Game of the Week:Michigan State coach Nightingale signs multi-year contract extension as ‘there’s a buzz that even greater things are on the horizon’
Michigan State has announced that head hockey coach Adam Nightingale has signed a multi-year contract extension.
Entering his fourth season at the helm in 2025-26, Nightingale has guided Michigan State hockey to back-to-back Big Ten regular-season and conference tournament titles and a 69-35-9 overall record. His .650 career winning percentage ranks second in program history behind Ron Mason’s .687. MSU’s conference titles in 2023-24 and 2024-25 marked the third time in program history that the Spartans won conference championships in consecutive seasons (1984-85/1985-86 and 1988-89/1989-90 in the CCHA). The Spartans became the first school to win back-to-back Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles in the same seasons.
“I’m appreciative of the support the board of trustees and president Kevin Guskiewicz have demonstrated with today’s announcement of a new contract for Adam Nightingale, helping to ensure he leads the Spartan hockey program for many years to come,” said J Batt, Michigan State VP and director of athletics, in a statement. “Under Coach Nightingale’s guidance, Michigan State has returned to its position as one of the elite programs in college hockey, creating incredible excitement both within the hockey community and throughout all of our loyal supporters. Coming off back-to-back Big Ten championships, there’s a buzz that even greater things are on the horizon.
“Personally, I can’t wait to experience the excitement of the sold-out crowds at Munn Ice Arena this winter, in what could be a truly special season.”
Last season Michigan State finished 26-7-4, making their second consecutive and 29th overall NCAA tournament appearance, which ranks seventh all-time among NCAA Division I schools. Michigan State received a No. 1 seed for the second consecutive season and was the No. 2-seeded team in the tournament overall.
“My family and I are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent Michigan State University,” said Nightingale. “To coach at an institution like this and be part of the East Lansing community is a privilege and an awesome responsibility. The support our program receives, from president Kevin Guskiewicz, the board of trustees, director of athletics J Batt and the entire Spartan family, will never be taken for granted, and we make sure our players and staff understand that on a daily basis. We look forward to continuing to make our university, alumni and community proud.”
In three seasons, Nightingale has produced 11 all-Big Ten selections, four All-Americans, a Big Ten player of the year, a Big Ten defensive player of the year, a Big Ten goaltender of the year and a Hobey Baker Award winner. This past season, Isaac Howard became the third Spartan all-time to win the Hobey and the fourth to win USA Hockey’s Jim Johannson College Player of the Year award.
In three seasons under Nightingale, Michigan State has put together one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college hockey history. For the first time since the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, MSU has posted consecutive total home attendance numbers exceeding 100,000. Michigan State’s combined home attendance of 111,434 in 2024-25 was the highest by the program since 2007-08 and ranked seventh nationally. MSU’s average home attendance of 6,555 last season, which included 17 sellouts, ranked sixth nationally and was the highest average attendance since 2001-02 (which included attendance figures from the Cold War game at Spartan Stadium). Under Nightingale, the Spartans have sold out 42 of their last 43 contests at Munn, including 31 straight.
In addition to stellar home attendance, Michigan State played in two of the top four highest attended games of the entire collegiate hockey season when it took on Wisconsin at Wrigley Field (24,788) and Michigan at Little Caesars Arena (19,515) where the Spartans won a second consecutive Duel in the D trophy.
Success has also come for the Spartans off the ice where this past season student-athletes posted a cumulative 3.425 team GPA, the highest in program history.
The 2024 Big Ten coach of the year, Nightingale recently served as an assistant coach for Team USA at the 2025 IIHF World Championship where the United States brought home gold for the first time in 92 years.
Prior to his return to East Lansing, Nightingale was head coach of the United States National Team Development Program (NTDP) for two seasons (2020-22) and was an assistant coach for the Detroit Red Wings (2019-20). Nightingale got his start in the NHL as a video coach for the Buffalo Sabres (2016-17) and Red Wings (2017-19). Before joining the professional ranks, Nightingale served as head coach of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s 14U team for two seasons (2014-16), leading the team to a national championship in 2016.
Nightingale’s collegiate playing career concluded with his two seasons at Michigan State (2003-05) where in 67 games, he totaled 37 points (18 goals, 19 assists) and served as alternate captain. The Spartans took home a Great Lakes Invitational title and qualified for the NCAA tournament in 2004. Nightingale first returned to MSU as director of hockey operations (2010-14) where he oversaw all team video and travel.
Leivermann ‘great fit’ for Clarkson, joins Houle’s staff as assistant coach
Clarkson has announced the addition of Corey Leivermann to the men’s hockey coaching staff as an assistant coach.
Leivermann is bringing with him a wealth of experience across the NCAA, USHL and NAHL ranks. He will be involved in all aspects of the program, including player development, video analysis, recruiting coordination, and day-to-day operations.
Leivermann joins the Golden Knights after spending last season with Cornell as director of hockey operations, helping the Big Red to a playoff run that included an ECAC Hockey championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament.
“Corey is a great fit for our outstanding coaching staff — he is a young energetic coach with an exceptional ability to recruit NCAA talent,” said Clarkson head coach JF Houle in a statement. “Corey excels in skill development and his knowledge of the game and his ability to communicate and use video analytics to help the new generation of players is a great asset to our storied program. As the landscape of college hockey is changing at a rapid pace, Corey’s past year experience of recruiting at the CHL and USHL level ensures a seamless transition.”
In 2023–24, Leivermann helped guide the USHL’s Fargo Force to a league-best 50-win campaign and a Clark Cup championship, while also coaching in the 2024 Chipotle All-American Game.
Leivermann’s coaching pedigree includes prior stints as GM and head coach of the USHL’s Madison Capitols, head coach of the NAHL’s Janesville Jets and scouting and coaching roles across multiple junior leagues.
As a player, Leivermann starred at Minnesota State before finishing his NCAA career as team captain at Gustavus Adolphus, where he earned AHCA second team All-American honors. He also competed professionally with the SPHL’s Mississippi RiverKings.
Leivermann holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Gustavus Adolphus.
Former AIC player Tabb chosen new coach for Yellow Jackets as team starts 2025-26 season as NCAA Division II school
American International has hired Patrick Tabb as the ninth head coach in program history.
Tabb takes over for Eric Lang, who took the head coaching job at Rensselaer after AIC announced it was moving down to Division II starting with the 2025-26 season.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Pat Tabb as the new head men’s ice hockey coach at American International College,” AIC interim director of athletics Scott Foulis said in a statement. “Throughout the search process, Pat stood out with his clear and exciting vision for the future of our hockey program, and his unbridled enthusiasm for AIC. His previous coaching experience, including with AIC, along with his deep ties to the hockey community in western Massachusetts and beyond will undoubtedly have a positive impact. We’re excited to see the next chapter of AIC Hockey under his direction.”
“I would like to thank president Nicolle Cestero and the entire athletics staff for this opportunity. AIC is an institution that provides opportunities and over the course of the history of our hockey program countless players and coaches have taken advantage of that opportunity. The standard here is set high and our alumni want to see that standard remain. The 413 has a strong presence in the hockey community and the Yellow Jackets will continue to be a pillar in our community,” Tabb said.
“I have had the privilege over the last 21 years to coach alongside some amazing people, coach outstanding student athletes and I’d like to thank them all as well. That would not have been possible without strong family support thank you to my wife Jennifer, son Camden, and daughter Hailey for not just always supporting me but embracing the great game of hockey.”
Tabb is no stranger to the program, having served as an assistant coach for 10 seasons across two stints, first from 2004-07 under Gary Wright and then rejoining the team in 2018 under Lang.
Tabb played for Wright at AIC from 1999 to 2003, skating in 115 games for the Yellow Jackets as a four-year letter-winner, scoring three goals and adding 12 assists for 15 points.
He also has extensive connections outside of AIC in the world of junior hockey. He took control of the then-Eastern Junior Hockey League’s Springfield Pics in 2007 as head coach and general manager, and the Pics were founding members of the United States Premier Hockey League in 2013. Tabb coached the Pics to a USPHL Elite Division title in 2013-14 to advance to the 2014 Tier III Junior Nationals, where the team reached the semifinals.
The Pics have since blossomed under Tabb’s ownership, expanding in 2014-15 to the USPHL’s Premier Division, and recently announced that they will field a team in the USPHL’s top level, the National Collegiate Development Conference, for 2025-26.
In addition, Tabb’s work with the Olympia Hockey Academy has helped numerous athletes achieve highly. His most notable protégés are western Massachusetts natives Frank Vatrano, Ryan Leonard, and John Leonard. Vatrano has had a 10-year NHL career that has seen him play nearly 650 games for four teams and featured a 2024 NHL All-Star Game selection for the Anaheim Ducks, while the Leonard brothers have both reached the NHL, with John Leonard playing for San Jose and Ryan Leonard playing for Washington during the 2024-25 season.
Bowling Green names Nicholson, Pritchard new assistant coaches for Falcons men’s hockey team
Bowling Green has announced the hiring of Matt Nicholson and Jacob Pritchard as assistant coaches for the Falcons hockey team.
Nicholson, a seasoned bench boss with nearly two decades of coaching experience, comes to Bowling Green after multiple stints in Atlantic Hockey with Robert Morris, Niagara, and Mercyhurst. Most recently, he served as the associate head coach at Robert Morris from 2022 to 2025.
“I’m excited to announce the addition of Matt Nicholson as an assistant coach for the BGSU hockey program,” said BGSU head coach Dennis Williams in a statement. “Matt is a veteran coach in college hockey with a wealth of experience, not only in developing players on the ice but also in identifying and recruiting outstanding student-athletes. We look forward to Matt joining our Falcon program and know he will be a tremendous addition—not only for our players but also for our staff, our community and our university. I’ve known Matt for many years, dating back to his time coaching the Amarillo Bulls in the North American Hockey League, and one thing that has always stood out is his tireless work ethic and unwavering loyalty to the programs he serves. We’re truly excited and grateful to have Matt join our program.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join Dennis and his staff at BGSU,” added Nicholson. “Bowling Green is a name synonymous with college hockey, having produced numerous players who have gone on to achieve great things at the highest levels of pro hockey. I look forward to helping Coach Williams continue to develop great people, great students, and great athletes in this next chapter at BGSU.”
A 2004 graduate of Colgate, Nicholson brings a deep understanding of both the collegiate and junior levels, having also served as head coach of the Amarillo Bulls from 2015 to 2017, where he oversaw significant on-ice improvement and community engagement. Williams also previously was the head coach of the same Amarillo Bulls team from 2010 to 2014.
Pritchard joins the Falcons staff following two seasons with the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, where he was responsible for special teams, skill development, and player evaluation. He also served as a volunteer assistant at UMass in 2022-23 and owns his own skill development company, working with youth players on skating, shooting, and stickhandling.
“We’re excited to announce that Jacob Pritchard has joined the BGSU hockey staff,” said Williams. “Jacob comes to us from the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, where he primarily coached forwards over the past two seasons, focusing on skill development and the power play. His coaching and playing background will be a tremendous asset to our program, especially in developing our players’ skills and preparing them for the next level in professional hockey. We’re thrilled to welcome Jacob to the BGSU hockey program, the university and the community.”
A former professional forward, Pritchard played three seasons in the AHL and ECHL following a standout collegiate career at St. Lawrence and UMass, where he helped lead the Minutemen to the NCAA championship game in 2019.
“I’m incredibly excited to begin coaching at BGSU,” said Pritchard. “I’m honored to join Coach Williams and his staff. I look forward to helping continue to build on the impressive legacy this program has.”
Renderings unveiled for new home of Western Michigan hockey, the Athletics Performance Center and Kalamazoo Events Center
Renderings of the future home of the Western Michigan men’s and women’s basketball programs and the WMU hockey program, the Athletics Performance Center and Kalamazoo Events Center, were unveiled June 5 at the State of Economic Development conference at the Radisson Hotel in Kalamazoo, Mich.
“An opportunity like this, to offer our student-athletes a facility that maximizes their training, practice, and competition experiences, is crucial,” Broncos hockey coach Pat Ferschweiler said in a statement. “It not only enhances our overall student-athlete experience but also positions us to recruit elite talent, propelling us towards our goal of winning championships.
“The prospect of having a competitive arena that puts us ahead of our competition is truly exciting and aligns perfectly with the needs of our fans, students, and, most importantly our student-athletes.”
The complex is expected to open in 2028.
Great Lakes Invitational returning to Van Andel Arena in 2025 with Michigan Tech, Michigan State, Ferris State, Miami competing for MacInnes Cup
The 59th annual Great Lakes Invitational will take place on Dec. 28-29, 2025 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Michigan Tech, Michigan State, Ferris State, and Miami will compete for the MacInnes Cup.
Michigan Tech and Miami will meet in the first semifinal on Sunday (Dec. 28) at 3:30 p.m. followed by Michigan State versus Ferris State in the nightcap at 7 p.m. The winners will advance to the GLI championship game on Monday (Dec. 29) at 7 p.m. with the third-place game taking place prior to the title contest at 3:30 p.m.
Ticket packages for the 59th GLI will go on sale in September at VanAndelArena.com. It will be the fourth straight year the historic tournament will be staged in Grand Rapids at Van Andel Arena.
Michigan Tech has won the GLI 12 times in 58 tournaments and last won the MacInnes Cup in 2023. Michigan State is the defending champion and has 13 GLI titles in 50 tournaments. Ferris State is making its fifth appearance at the GLI, and Miami will make its debut in 2025.
The GLI was first played in 1965 after the idea for the tournament was conceived and implemented by Michigan Tech coach John MacInnes, Olympia Stadium GM Lincoln Cavalieri, and Detroit Red Wings scout Jack Paterson. The tournament has been played at Olympia Stadium (1965-78), Joe Louis Arena (1979–2012, 2014–16), Comerica Park (2013), Little Caesars Arena (2018-19), and Van Andel Arena (2022–present). COVID-19 canceled the 2020 GLI, and teams played a non-tournament showcase-style event in 2021.
Future teams to compete in the GLI against the Huskies and Spartans are Western Michigan and Lindenwood in 2026, and Penn State and Ferris State in 2027.
From Nittany Lion to Lion: Longtime Penn State assistant Fisher tabbed new head coach for Lindenwood men’s hockey team
Lindenwood announced Monday the hiring of Keith Fisher as the next head coach of the men’s hockey team.
Fisher, who takes over for Bill Muckalt, arrives in St. Charles, Mo., after spending 13 seasons on the staff at Penn State, including the last seven as the associate head coach of the Nittany Lions. Overall, Fisher has over 25 years of coaching experience between collegiate and junior hockey.
“Thank you to Dr. Porter and Mr. Coomer for the opportunity to lead the Lindenwood hockey program,” said Fisher in a statement. “It is an exciting time to be a Lion, and I look forward to building the program into a national contender. I can’t wait to get started.”
“From the outset of our search, it was essential to find a leader who could elevate our program to the next level,” added Lindenwood VP of intercollegiate athletics Jason Coomer. “Coach Fisher has been immersed in winning cultures throughout his career and has consistently helped young men grow and compete at the highest levels of the game.
“While Coach Fisher’s recent run to the Frozen Four speaks volumes, it’s his overall body of work that truly sets him apart. He is widely respected across the college hockey landscape, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him behind the bench, guiding and developing our young men.”
Fisher was named the 2020 Terry Flannagan Award winner, honoring the nation’s top assistant and their career body of work. In total, Fisher has coached three Big Ten player of the year winners with two coming on the defensive side, 12 all-conference performers, a pair of All-Americans, and three NHL players while at Penn State.
Fisher spent 2005 to 2011 on the staff at Princeton. With the Tigers, he helped lead the team to a pair of NCAA tournament berths (2008, 2009) and the 2008 ECAC and Ivy League championships. The 2009 Tigers also set the school record for wins in a season with 22, a record that still stands to this day.
The Minnesota native headed up the Princeton recruiting efforts which saw three All-Americans, two Hobey Baker Award finalists, two ECAC player of the year recipients (the only two in the history of the program), one ECAC rookie of the year, one ECAC defenseman of the year and one ECAC goaltender of the year.
Fisher’s teams also combined for 48 Academic All-ECAC players, five NHL players, four first-team All-ECAC players and three first-team All-Ivy players.
“Today Lindenwood hired an excellent coach and an even better person,” said Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky. “Coach Fisher has been a great friend and a huge part of the success of the hockey programs at Penn State and Princeton. Penn State hockey, and me personally, will really miss ‘Fish,’ but we all look forward to seeing him build the Lindenwood hockey program with great integrity — just like him.”
Fisher spent five years with the USHL’s Omaha Lancers’ coaching staff, helping the team to the Clark Cup championship in 2001. His team was also crowned the Anderson Cup regular-season champions in both 2002 and 2005.
In Omaha, he served as the team’s recruiting coordinator and academic advisor, in addition to other responsibilities of on-ice coaching, video breakdown and game analysis.
NHL first-round draft picks Keith Ballard and Nick Petrecki, 11 NHL players, including Matt Carle and Paul Stastny, and USHL goaltender of the year and USA Hockey junior player of the year Jeff Lerg came through Omaha during Fisher’s time there. He also helped develop 54 NCAA Division I scholarship players and 12 NHL draft picks and served as associate coach for Team USHL at the USHL Prospects/All-Star game during his final season.
Fisher began his career at St. Cloud State, serving as an undergraduate assistant coach for two seasons. During his two seasons with the Huskies, Fisher helped develop five players for the NHL. The 2000 season saw St. Cloud State advance to just its second NCAA tournament in program history.
“Coach Fisher’s character and integrity were recurring themes in every conversation we had during this process,” said Coomer. “It’s clear he’ll be deeply missed at Penn State, but we’re thrilled to welcome him as he builds a program that the St. Charles and St. Louis hockey communities can take great pride in.”
A graduate of St. Cloud State, Fisher has a bachelor’s degree in communications.
Prior to coaching, Fisher played two seasons at Hibbing Community College and participated in the NJCAA national tournament.
Former Amherst men’s hockey assistant Smith selected new head coach for Western New England, will be ‘focused on elevating the competitiveness and profile of the program’
Western New England has named Matt Smith as the next head coach of the Golden Bears men’s hockey team.
Smith joins WNE as the seventh head coach in program history and takes over for Mike Young, who stepped down earlier this offseason.
“I am thrilled to announce Matt Smith as the new head coach of the Western New England Golden Bears men’s hockey team,” said WNE director of athletics Jenn Kolins in a statement. “Matt’s vast hockey experience, knowledge, and passion for the sport will serve as a transformational experience for our student-athletes. His exceptional history of player development both on and off the ice at all levels, with an emphasis on character, integrity, and competitiveness, aligns with our core values. We look forward to welcoming Matt and his family to the WNE community and are excited to watch the heights to which he will bring the WNE hockey program.”
No stranger to the Division III world, Smith most recently served as an assistant coach for Amherst under legendary coach Jack Arena. While at Amherst, Smith was responsible for the defense side of the puck and engaged in all aspects of programming, including recruiting efforts, running video analysis, practice and game planning, and player development.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited for the chapter ahead. It’s a privilege to lead NCAA student-athletes in the hockey hotbed of Massachusetts,” said Smith. “All energy and effort are focused on elevating the competitiveness and profile of the program. I look forward to working with colleagues from across the campus community to enhance the WNE student-athlete experience.”
Prior to his work with Amherst, Smith was the video coordinator for the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres where he was tasked with assisting all coaches with breaking down footage to support game planning and practice preparation. Smith was also heavily involved with the Sabres development camps, prospect camps, and training camp.
Before joining the Sabres organization, Smith was the program director and head varsity coach at Saint Ignatius College Prep High School in Chicago for six seasons. Smith took the school from an underperforming hockey institution into a regional powerhouse that contended for both league and state titles. Smith led the team to four Kennedy Cup tournament appearances, including the first Kennedy Cup championship in 2022. Smith was named Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois High School Coach of the Year in 2019 and was also recognized by the Chicago Catholic Hockey League four times in his career as the coach of the year.
Outside of coaching, Smith made multiple connections, including one with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, to become the high school anchor tenant of the Blackhawks’ new practice facility. He also created the first-ever hockey endowment for the Saint Ignatius College Prep hockey program.
Smith’s additional experiences with the state of Illinois include director of hockey for the Chicago Jets Hockey Club and director of athletics for Acero Schools. He is also a regular participant in USA Hockey Player Development Camps and Symposiums.
Smith played collegiately at Lawrence, where he captained the Vikings during his senior season. Smith graduated from Lawrence with a degree in government in 1995. He furthered his education by receiving his master of arts degree in political science from the University of Essex a year later as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar.
Cactus Cup tournament returning to Coachella Valley in 2026 with defending champ UMass Lowell joining Minnesota State, St. Cloud State, Yale
The second annual Cactus Cup will return Jan. 2-3, 2026 at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif.
Next year’s event will feature UMass Lowell, Minnesota State, Yale and St. Cloud State.
Friday’s first matchup begins at 3:30 p.m. PDT with game two starting at 7 p.m. The action continues Saturday with the consolation game beginning at 3:30 p.m. followed by the championship game at 7 p.m.
“Sonoma County Winegrowers is proud to return as the presenting sponsor of the Cactus Cup for a second year,” said Karissa Kruse, president and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers, in a statement. “We’re continually inspired by the passion, talent, and sportsmanship these collegiate athletes bring to the ice. It’s a true pleasure to share the wines and stories of Sonoma County — not only with the Coachella Valley community, but with the families and fans who travel from across the country for this unforgettable weekend of hockey, wine, food, and celebration.”
UMass Lowell won the first Cactus Cup this past January with a 3-2 win over Omaha in the title game.
Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.
St. Thomas named host of 2026 WCHA Final Faceoff at brand-new Lee & Penny Anderson Arena
The WCHA has announced that the 2026 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff will be hosted by St. Thomas and held at the brand-new. state-of-the-art Lee & Penny Anderson Arena on March 5-7, 2026.
“We are excited for the best of the WCHA to be showcased at the brand-new state-of-the-art Lee & Penny Anderson Arena in 2026 on the University of St. Thomas campus,” said WCHA commissioner Michelle McAteer in a statement. “The staff from St. Thomas is committed to providing a first-class experience for our student-athletes and fans. The facility will soon be one of the most impressive in college hockey, and this event will help put it on the map.”
The 2026 WCHA postseason begins on Feb. 27 with four best-of-three first-round series. The four winners will advance to the WCHA Final Faceoff with the winner getting the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA championship.
The annual event will be hosted by St. Thomas for the first time in league history. The first WCHA playoff championship was held March 2-4, 2000 at the Bloomington (Minn.) Ice Gardens. Since that inaugural event, the tournament has been held in Rochester, Minn. (2001), Blaine, Minn. (2002), Grand Forks, N.D. (2003, 2015), Minneapolis, Minn. (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024), Duluth, Minn. (2008, 2012, 2025) and Bemidji, Minn. (2014).
The reigning WCHA Final Faceoff champion, Wisconsin, leads all league teams with 11 postseason titles (2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2024, 2025), followed by Minnesota with eight (2002, 2004, 2005, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2023), Minnesota Duluth with five (2000, 2001, 2003, 2008, 2010) and Ohio State with two (2020, 2022).
Miami names assistant coach, recruiting coordinator Nies to new hockey general manager role with RedHawks
Miami has announced that David Nies has been named the team’s general manager.
Nies has served as the RedHawks’ assistant coach and recruiting coordinator since joining the Miami coaching staff in May 2024.
In his new role with the Red and White, Nies will be responsible for all areas of player procurement, including scouting, recruiting and player development.
“We are proud to name David Nies the first general manager for Miami University hockey,” Miami head coach Anthony Noreen said in a statement. “David knows the type of student-athletes we want to build this program around. His evaluation skills, work ethic, and ability to build strong relationships make him ideal for this role.”
“I’m honored to accept the role of general manager with Miami University hockey,” added Nies. “I deeply appreciate the trust placed in me, and I am committed to helping build a culture of excellence through our student-athletes and this amazing university.”
Nies has been part of college coaching staffs at Merrimack (2016-17), Curry (2015-16), Ohio (2014-15) and Southern Maine (2013-14).
As a player at Southern Maine, Nies was an ECAC all-academic honoree from 2010 to 2013 and served as the Huskies’ team captain from 2011 to 2013. He owns a bachelor’s degree in criminology from USM and a master’s in sports pedagogy from Ohio.
Michigan Tech hires former Lindenwood assistant, New Hampshire, Minnesota State forward Maass new assistant coach for Huskies
Michigan Tech has named Benton Maass an assistant coach with the Huskies.
Maass comes to Houghton after one season as an assistant coach at Lindenwood. He played collegiately at New Hampshire and Minnesota State and appeared in 122 professional games in the AHL and ECHL.
“I developed a great relationship with Benton over the past year and know that he will be a great fit and valuable asset to Michigan Tech,” MTU head coach Bill Muckalt said in a statement. “Benton is a tireless worker and has developed a skill for identifying top talent. He has demonstrated that he can relate and communicate effectively with today’s student-athlete and will work with our defense and penalty kill.”
“First off, I’d like to thank athletic director Suzanne Sanregret and head coach Bill Muckalt for the opportunity to join the hockey staff here at Michigan Tech,” Maass added. “The hockey program has a long and storied history, and I’m excited to get to work with our student-athletes as we prepare for a successful upcoming season, both on and off the ice.”
As an assistant coach at Lindenwood, Maass helped develop the Lions in their third year of NCAA Division I hockey. The 2024-25 season included the most wins in program history, with key victories over Notre Dame, Omaha and Wisconsin. Five players from the roster went on to sign professional contracts.
Maass played 64 games as a defenseman for the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays during the 2023-24 season and tallied 27 points with eight goals and 19 assists, serving as an alternate captain. He skated in 55 games for the Stingrays in his first season with 11 points and 44 penalty minutes. He also played three career games for the AHL’s Hershey Bears and was on the 2023 Calder Cup championship team.
The native of Elk River, Minn., was initially selected by the Washington Capitals in the sixth round of the 2017 NHL Draft.
Maass played five seasons of college hockey, tallying 51 career points on 13 goals and 38 assists in 162 games. He began his collegiate career at New Hampshire from 2017 to 2021 before transferring to Minnesota State for the 2021-22 season. At UNH, he was a three-time Hockey East all-academic team member and was an alternate captain for the 2020-21 season. The Mavericks won the MacNaughton Cup and Mason Cup as CCHA regular season and tournament champions and advanced to the Frozen Four NCAA championship game.
Former Husky Tyler Shelast will begin his fifth season as an assistant coach in 2025-26 after being the strength and conditioning coach during the previous eight seasons. Muckalt is in the process of hiring another assistant coach.
Cornell names longtime D-III coach, Alaska associate head coach Brown new assistant coach for Big Red men’s hockey team
Chris Brown, who has spent 20 years as a Division III head coach and most recently served as the associate head coach at Alaska, has joined the Cornell men’s hockey coaching staff as an assistant coach.
“Finding the right people that fit your program and staff needs are vital to player and team development,” Cornell head coach Casey Jones said in a statement. “From the first conversation with Chris about this opportunity, I knew this was who we needed to add to our staff. He is a hockey guy that has had success wherever he has coached and will offer great energy and knowledge to our team.”
“I’m excited to pour my heart into working for this outstanding hockey program along with its loyal fan base. Cornell University and Big Red athletics are the perfect combination of world-class opportunities, so it’s humbling to become part of these communities,” added Brown. “I’m honored to work with Coach Jones as he takes over the reins from Coach Schafer, who is one of the titans in our sport. I’m inspired by the high level of motivation and talent that their student athletes have and I look forward to working with them to reach their full potential.”
Brown joins the Big Red coaching staff after four seasons as the associate head coach at Alaska. During Brown’s tenure with the Nanooks, Alaska posted a record of 65-56-13 (.534), including a 22-10-2 mark in the 2022-23 season, finishing just one spot short of qualifying for the NCAA tournament. The team’s success was largely attributed to its defense, where Brown served as the primary development coach for defensemen, with the Nanooks ranking fourth in team defense, allowing an average of 2.20 goals per game.
Over Brown’s four years at Alaska, the Nanooks recorded eight victories over ranked opponents, highlighted by wins against No. 6 (2021-22) and No. 3 (2024-25) Minnesota, as well as triumphs over top-ranked Denver in 2022-23 and No. 9 Michigan Tech in 2023-24.
Before his time in Fairbanks, Brown spent 16 years at Augsburg, where he served as an assistant coach for the 2005-06 season before being promoted to head coach the following year.
Across his 15-year tenure as the Auggies’ head coach, Brown compiled a record of 192-153-30 (.552), including a 117-84-24 (.573) mark in conference play, and earned three MIAC coach of the year awards (2007, 2016, 2019). He led Augsburg to four consecutive MIAC championships and NCAA Division III tournament appearances from 2016 to 2019, guiding the Auggies to three consecutive trips to the NCAA quarterfinals from 2016 to 2018.
In addition to excelling on the ice — developing 12 All-Americans, two MIAC players of the year, and 40 All-MIAC selections — Augsburg also impressed in the classroom under Brown’s leadership, having 129 academic all-MIAC selections from 2010 to 2021, along with 71 AHCA/Krampade All-American scholars during Brown’s final four years as head coach. Augsburg led the MIAC in academic all-conference honorees for 12 consecutive seasons.
Brown arrived at Augsburg after serving as the head coach at Marian (2000-04) and Hamline (2004-05). At Marian, he had an overall record of 65-36-7 (.634) and 51-8-3 (.847) ledger in MCHA play. He led the Sabres to MCHA tournament championships in his first two seasons and was named MCHA coach of the year twice (2001 and 2003). Additionally, he served as the head men’s golf coach at Marian, where he received coach of the year honors in 2003.
Before taking the helm as head coach at Marian in 2000, Brown spent time as an assistant coach and sports information director at Augsburg for the 1996-97 season and also served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Alaska Anchorage from 1997 to 2000.
A four-year player on the men’s hockey team at Wisconsin-River Falls from 1990 to 1994, Brown captained the Falcons’ national championship team in 1993-94. In his time with the Falcons, Brown accumulated 100 points (43-57—100) in 115 games and earned NCHA all-academic honors in 1993 as a junior and 1994 as a senior. He also received Wisconsin-River Falls’ John Oostendorp Memorial Award twice, in 1991 and 1993, for having the team’s highest cumulative grade-point average.
Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in print journalism with a minor in economics from Wisconsin-River Falls in 1994 and obtained a master’s degree in organizational leadership and quality from Marian in 2003.
Originally from Minneapolis, Minn., Brown and his wife, Stacey, have a daughter, Corrine, and a son, Conner, who just completed his freshman season with Ferris State’s men’s hockey team.
Soltys tabbed Lake Superior State men’s hockey general manager, brings ‘dedication to fostering a winning culture’
Lake Superior State has announced the appointment of Eric Soltys as the general manager of the men’s hockey team.
Soltys brings a wealth of experience to the Laker program, spanning over 25 years in collegiate and professional hockey.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Eric Soltys to the Laker family,” said LSSU director of athletics Tory Lindley in a news release. “His extensive background in player development, scouting, and program management, combined with his proven track record of success, makes him an invaluable addition to our athletic department and our hockey program. This hire underscores our commitment to providing our student-athletes with the best possible resources and support.”
Soltys joins the Lakers after most recently serving as an assistant coach at Maine since 2022. During his tenure, he played a key role in the Black Bears’ success, contributing to a Hockey East conference championship in 2025 and two NCAA tournament appearances.
“Eric’s passion for the game, his eye for talent, and his dedication to fostering a winning culture are exactly what we look for in our leadership team,” LSSU head coach Damon Whitten said. “His insights from both the NCAA and NHL levels will be crucial in our recruitment efforts and in developing our student-athletes to their fullest potential. We’re eager to see the immediate impact he’ll have.”
Soltys’ career also includes eight years in the NHL as a scout. From 2014 to 2021, he served as an amateur scout for the Calgary Flames, where he was responsible for evaluating draft-eligible prospects and NCAA free agents in the New England region. He then spent a year with the Detroit Red Wings organization as a professional scout in the Metropolitan Division, further honing his ability to identify and assess top-tier hockey talent.
His experience extends to junior hockey, where he served as the director of hockey and organizational general manager for the NAHL’s Maine Nordiques for three years. During this time, he collaborated with current LSSU assistant coach Ryan Shelley. Soltys was a founding member of the Power Prep Hockey League in 2022 and was recognized as the 2020-21 NAHL East Division director of hockey operations and general manager of the year.
Before his time in Maine, Soltys co-founded and served as the head coach at South Kent School/Selects Academy from 2009 to 2014. Under his guidance, the academy achieved remarkable success, producing 18 NHL draft picks and over 80 NCAA Division I scholarship athletes.
College hockey select team set to play in 2025 Spengler Cup, ‘will have an unforgettable experience at the oldest club tournament in the world’
There hasn’t been a direct college presence in the world’s oldest ice hockey tournament since the early 1980s.
That’s about to change.
A select team of NCAA men’s hockey players will compete in the 2025 Spengler Cup, according to sources.
The group will include players, coaches and staff members from Division I programs, both conference-affiliated and independents.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be sending a college hockey team to participate in the Spengler Cup,” said Hockey Commissioners Association president and Hockey East commissioner Steve Metcalf in a statement. “The players that get selected will have an unforgettable experience at the oldest club tournament in the world.”
“We are honored by the invitation to participate in the Spengler Cup, one of the most prestigious hockey events in the world,” added Sean Hogan, College Hockey Inc. executive director. “The opportunity to field a team of NCAA student-athletes is a testament to the elite level of play within college hockey and represents an incredible experience for everyone involved—players and staff alike.”
The tournament, which will hold its 97th edition in Davos, Switzerland, from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, dates to 1923. Minnesota played in it in 1981 and North Dakota followed a year later but there hasn’t been an American-based team in the field since the AHL’s Rochester Americans in 2013.
A college select team’s participation now is possible only because of a 2024 NCAA bylaw change that carved out an exemption to rules prohibiting college players from competing for other teams during the academic year.
Now, men’s hockey athletes also can compete on a team representing College Hockey Inc. in the Spengler Cup.
“Allowing student-athletes to represent College Hockey Inc. will allow more student-athletes to engage in a historic, high-level competition in conjunction with a unique cultural experience without missing class time, as the competition occurs during winter break,” officials wrote in the rationale for the rule amendment, which was adopted by the NCAA Division I Council on June 26, 2024.
“While absences from regular-season intercollegiate competition are possible, such absences are expected to be minimal. Although the Spengler Cup offers prize money for participating teams, existing amateurism legislation would remain applicable.”
The college hockey select team’s logo and uniforms are still being developed, as is the framework for who’ll be on the coaching staff and invited to play. Last year’s tournament allowed team delegations to include 27 players and 12 officials.
The team will get an appearance fee from tournament organizers to cover expenses, according to sources.
HC Davos hosts the tournament and is one of the other five teams in the 2025 field. Team Canada fields a group typically made up of players from North American minor leagues and European pro leagues; former college players often take part.
Defending champion HC Fribourg-Gottéron of Switzerland is returning to the 2025 tournament along with HC Sparta Praha of Czechia and IFK Helsinki from Finland.
The tournament, which takes place Dec. 26-31 each year, includes 11 games over six days, and the recent format has guaranteed each team at least three games.
The 2024 format had two three-team pools, with round-robin play in each over the first three days. The top finisher in each pool advanced to the Dec. 30 semifinals to face the winners of Dec. 29 games between the second-place team from one pool and the third-place team in the other. The New Year’s Eve championship game wraps up the event.
Tenth edition of Red Hot Hockey featuring Boston University, Cornell men’s hockey teams set for Madison Square Garden Nov. 29, 2025
The Kelley-Harkness Cup will be up for grabs for the 10th time this fall as Red Hot Hockey returns to Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Puck drop for this year’s game is set for 8 p.m. EST. Tickets for Red Hot Hockey will be available starting June 4 at noon and can be purchased at bigredtix.com.
Fans can also purchase tickets for the Boston University or Cornell fan sections. Student tickets will be available at a discounted price at the Agganis Arena box office (Boston University) and the Cornell athletic ticket office in Bartels Hall.
“Experiencing playing at MSG for the first time since 2009 was better than I remembered,” said Casey Jones, who will be entering his first season as the head coach of Cornell, in a statement. “What this game has come to mean to our program and our alumni is incredible. The Lynah faithful are the best fans in college hockey and you can see how athletics can connect our alumni to our university. This year with BU, it should be another great battle in ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena.'”
“We’re excited to return to Madison Square Garden in November,” added Jay Pandolfo, Boston University’s fourth-year head coach. “It’s an incredible opportunity to not only play for a trophy on such a big stage but to face off against one of the top programs in the country. This rivalry brings out the best in both teams, as evidenced by all the one-goal games we’ve played over the past three seasons. The atmosphere is always electric and we expect another fantastic crowd at MSG.”
More than half of the previous Red Hot Hockey games have taken place before sold-out crowds at Madison Square Garden. The inaugural event, attended by 18,200 students, alumni, parents, and fans, was a resounding success. Held on Nov. 24, 2007, it featured members of the 1980 gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic hockey team, including Mike Eruzione, Jack O’Callahan, and David Silk from Boston University, along with Joe Nieuwendyk, a member of the Cornell Athletics and Hockey Hall of Fames.
After Boston University went undefeated in the first five Red Hot Hockey meetings (3-0-2), Cornell has won the last four meetings, including a 2-1 victory in 2023, where the Big Red scored two goals in the third period. The Terriers won in 2007, 2011, and 2013, while the rivals skated to ties in 2009 and 2015.
The Kelley-Harkness Cup, which honors legendary coaches Jack Kelley (BU) and Ned Harkness (Cornell), was introduced 10 years ago.
The rivalry between Boston University and Cornell began on Jan. 10, 1925, when the Terriers secured a 7-2 victory on Beebe Lake in Ithaca, N.Y., and includes matchups in the NCAA title games in 1967 and 1972. Since the Terriers departed from ECAC Hockey to join Hockey East in the 1984-85 season, the two schools have met sporadically before the first Red Hot Hockey event.
Madison Square Garden, home to the NHL’s New York Rangers and NBA’s New York Knicks, has served as the venue for this showcase since its inception.
Boston University and Cornell are the only two schools in Division I men’s hockey to win at least one NCAA tournament game in each of the last three years, with the Terriers making it to the Frozen Four each time. The Terriers defeated the Big Red in an NCAA regional final twice over the past three seasons, including a 3-2 overtime victory in Toledo, Ohio, this past March on their way to the national title game. Each of the last 12 meetings between the Big Red and the Terriers has been decided by two goals or fewer, including four consecutive one-goal games.
Both schools are perennial powerhouses in college hockey, combining for 355 victories and a .650 winning percentage over the past decade. Boston University has won the national championship five times (1971, 1972, 1978, 1995, and 2009), while Cornell has claimed the title twice (1967 and 1970). Together, these two schools have produced over 100 NHL players, including prominent names such as New York Rangers president Chris Drury, new Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, Jack Eichel, and Macklin Celebrini (BU), along with Ken Dryden, Joe Nieuwendyk, and current NHL players Morgan Barron and Sam Malinski (Cornell).
Robert Morris adds former Boston College defenseman Clougherty to women’s hockey coaching staff
The RMU women’s hockey team has announced the hiring of Keri Clougherty as an assistant coach ahead of the 2025-26 season.
A former Boston College defenseman and a leader both on and off the ice, Clougherty brings a wealth of experience, passion, and character “that align seamlessly with the values and vision of RMU women’s hockey,” according to a news release.
“Keri is going to be an incredible addition to our program,” said RMU head coach Logan Bittle in a statement. “She’s someone who has lived everything we preach here — being a great teammate, working with purpose, serving others, and constantly chasing improvement. Along with working with our ‘D’ core, she’ll add a fresh perspective to our skill development, film breakdown, and something she’s extremely passionate about—leadership development. We’re going to hit the ground running this summer.
“Keri fits our culture perfectly. We’re not just excited to add a coach with a strong resume — we’re excited to add the kind of person who helps raise the standard every single day.”
Clougherty joins RMU after completing her collegiate career at Boston College, where she played four seasons as a defenseman. Beyond her contributions on the ice, she distinguished herself as a campus leader. She served as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), was named an ACC Top Six for Service honoree, and became a top-five finalist for the 2025 NCAA Hockey Humanitarian Award, recognizing her for significant contributions to both her team and community.
She was also awarded the prestigious Welles Crowther “#19” Patch, presented annually to the BC student-athlete who best exemplifies the motto “men and women for others.”
Her community impact includes work with Newton Athletes Unlimited, Morgan’s Message, and multiple youth hockey coaching initiatives through Paul Vincent Hockey, Pioneer Valley Hockey Camp, and her own summer training program, Clougherty Hockey. These efforts underscore her dedication to mentorship, development, and using the sport to uplift others.
Clougherty will play a key role in working with the Colonials’ defensive core while leading initiatives in skill development, video review, and the program’s growing emphasis on leadership training.
“I’m so excited to join the RMU staff and team,” said Clougherty. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to work alongside Logan, Liam, the entire staff and players. To join a group with such great team culture and standards is exciting and I’m honored to now be a part of it.
“I’m eager to get on the ice and begin the journey ahead.”
NCAA Division I hockey players continue to thrive in classroom as both women, men top national average in APR
NCAA Division I hockey student-athletes once again performed above the national average academically, according to the annual Academic Progress Rate (APR) data released this month by the NCAA.
The women’s hockey four-year average score from 2020-21 through 2023-24 was 993, while men’s hockey scored 986, placing both among the top six among all women’s and men’s sports, respectively. Additionally, men’s hockey’s most recent single-year APR score of 985 for 2023-24 ranked sixth among men’s sports with 50 or more teams.
The APR, created in 2003 to measure Division I schools and teams on their student-athletes’ success in the classroom, awards points to teams based on students’ grades, their progress toward their degree and for staying in school.
One-quarter of the women’s hockey programs (10 of 39) included in the study – Boston College, Boston University, Brown, Colgate, Providence, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, Minnesota, Minnesota Duluth and Vermont – logged perfect multi-year average APR scores of 1,000. A whopping 90 percent of all women’s hockey teams (35 of 39) included in the study had multi-year scores above the national Division I average of 984.
Ten men’s teams – Augustana, Bowling Green, Canisius, Penn State, Providence, Robert Morris, RIT, St. Lawrence, UMass Lowell and New Hampshire – had perfect multi-year average APR scores of 1,000. Nearly 60 percent of all men’s programs (37 of 64) included in the study had multi-year APR scores above the national average.
The calculation of APR also rewards teams when former student-athletes return to school to complete their degree. In recent years, National Hockey League players like Nic Dowd (St. Cloud State), Jordan Harris (Northeastern), Jack Johnson (Michigan), Ryan McDonagh (Wisconsin) and Drew O’Connor (Dartmouth) have completed their undergraduate degrees after having left school early to play professionally.
The APR is related – but not identical – to the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR), serving in a way as a predictor of GSR success. Women’s hockey had a 97% graduation rate in the most recent study, while men’s hockey’s boasted a 93% graduation rate, placing both among the top five of women’s and men’s sports, respectively.
Former Post goalie, men’s hockey assistant coach Brown tabbed interim head coach for Eagles women’s hockey team
With the departure of head coach Pat Bingham following the program’s first-ever NEWHA semifinals appearance in February, a familiar face is taking over the reins of the Post women’s hockey program as alumni and current men’s hockey assistant coach and women’s hockey goaltender coach Brandon Brown has been announced as the program’s interim head coach for the 2025-26 season.
Brown spent five years with Post as a player from 2017 to 2022, etching his name in the record books as the program’s all-time leader in games played with 89 and games started with 84. Additionally, he holds the records for most career saves with 3,067, wins with 17, and was a NE10 second team all-conference recipient during the 2019-20 season, as well as named to the NE10 all-championship team during the 2021-22 campaign.
The 2021-22 season was also the first and only time the Eagles made it to the NE10 championship game, where they fell 4-3 to Assumption. In that season, Brown recorded 10 wins in net, which is tied for the most in a single season alongside Benjamin Cunneen, who had 10 wins during the 2024-25 season for Post.
Following his athletic career, Brown was signed to a professional contract with the FPHL’s Carolina Thunderbirds, where he dressed for 10 games at the end of the 2021-22 season. After graduating with his bachelor of science in sports management and master of business administration, Brown was named the men’s hockey assistant coach in head coach Tim Richter’s first season as head coach. During the same length of time, Brown worked as the women’s hockey goaltender coach under both Gretchen Silverman and Pat Bingham, before he was appointed interim head coach late last month.
‘Perfect fit’ Strand leaves Wisconsin-Eau Claire after 10 seasons, named new assistant coach for Vermont women’s hockey team
Vermont has announced that Erik Strand has joined the women’s hockey staff as an assistant coach.
Strand joins the Catamounts after 10 seasons as head coach at Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
“We are very excited to welcome Erik Strand and his family to Vermont,” said UVM head coach Jim Plumer in a statement. “Throughout the time I have gotten to know Erik, I have been extremely impressed by his hockey knowledge, his passion for the game of hockey, and the art of coaching.”
Strand brings 20 years of NCAA coaching experience and a proven track record of competitive excellence and athlete development to Vermont. Since taking the reins of UWEC in 2015, Strand led the Blugolds to sustained success, including a WIAC regular-season title in 2020, back-to-back O’Brien Cup championships in 2018 and 2019, and four NCAA tournament appearances. Under his leadership, UWEC became a perennial presence in the national rankings and established a strong reputation in Division III hockey.
He departs UWEC with a career record of 183-68-17.
“He’s a true student of the game and his coaching acumen has shown at Eau Claire, where he has built a consistent national contender over his 10 years there,” said Plumer. “He’s going to be a perfect fit for our staff and our players.”
A four-time WIAC coach of the year, Strand’s tenure at UWEC was highlighted by player success, with six All-Americans, three WIAC players of the year, and numerous academic honors among his coaching accolades. Several of his former players have gone on to compete professionally or pursue careers in coaching.
Before taking over the women’s program, Strand served as an assistant coach with the UWEC men’s team, helping the Blugolds to conference titles and the 2013 NCAA Division III national championship. He played a pivotal role in developing a nationally recognized defensive unit that set multiple NCAA statistical records.
Strand played junior hockey with the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers, winning both the Anderson Cup and a national championship.
He later appeared in over 100 games for UWEC as a defenseman.
Off the ice, he has also worked in the financial services industry and is deeply committed to fostering leadership and growth in student-athletes.
