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Subscribe to USCHO Game of the Week:Maine adds former Union head coach Bennett to Black Bears men’s hockey staff as new assistant coach
Maine has added Rick Bennett to the men’s hockey staff as an assistant coach ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Bennett, who brings over 20 years of collegiate coaching experience to the Black Bears, spent the 2024-25 season as an assistant coach at Quinnipiac and parts of the previous two seasons as head coach of the ECHL’s Savannah Ghost Pirates.
He served as the head coach at Union from 2011 to 2022, where he won a national championship in 2014 and was named the Spencer Penrose Award winner as the NCAA Division I coach of the year in 2014.
“Rick is one the most genuine people I’ve ever met,” said Maine head coach Ben Barr in a statement. “Maine hockey is fortunate to have him on staff.”
As a head coach at Union, Bennett guided the program to three ECAC Hockey regular-season titles and three tournament titles while earning four NCAA tournament appearances and advancing to two Frozen Fours. Prior to serving as head coach, Bennett spent six seasons (2005-11) as an assistant coach at Union. Additionally, he served five seasons (2000-05) as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Providence.
Bennett skated for the Friars from 1986 to 1990 and served as a co-captain. He was a Hobey Baker finalist as a senior and was named an All-American for the 1988-89 season while totaling 134 points in 128 career games.
A third-round draft pick (54th overall) of the Minnesota North Stars in the 1986 NHL Draft, Bennett went on to play professionally for 10 seasons across the NHL, AHL, IHL and ECHL.
The Springfield, Mass., native earned his bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Providence in 1990.
Former Wilkes hockey star, USHL coach Gurska tabbed new assistant coach for Babson men’s hockey team
Babson has announced the hiring of Michael Gurska as the new full-time men’s hockey assistant coach.
Gurska comes to Babson after spending the last three seasons with the USHL’s Chicago Steel. Originally hired as the team’s director of operations prior to the 2022-23 campaign, he was promoted to assistant coach and director of player development ahead of the 2023-24 season.
During Gurska’s three years with the Steel, the organization made a pair of USHL playoff appearances and advanced to the conference final in 2023.
“We are excited to welcome Michael to Babson,” said Babson head coach Jamie Rice in a statement. “Michael has a tremendous background as a player in his experiences and success at Wilkes, in junior hockey and at the prep school level. His pathway is very similar to the route our current players and our recruits navigate. As a young coach, Michael has proven himself in player development and recruiting. Coming from the Chicago Steel he has been coaching and competing against the best amateur players in the country. His passion for coaching was immediately evident when we began the process of finding our new assistant.
“Michael will be a great asset to our entire Babson hockey program as we begin our newest chapter in the LEC this season.”
Gurska joined the coaching ranks following a decorated career as a defenseman at Wilkes from 2018 to 2022. A member of the first team in program history, he earned all-UCHC honors in both 2020 and 2022, and was an AHCA) All-American East second team selection in 2020.
Gurska produced 12 goals and 63 assists for 75 points in 92 career games and ranks first in program history among defensemen in scoring. A three-time captain, he helped the Colonels reach the UCHC tournament final for the first time in 2020 and again as a senior in 2022 while setting a single-season program record with 20 wins.
Following his senior season, Gurska played nine games for the SPHL’s Birmingham Bulls, producing a goal and four assists for five points.
In addition to his coaching experience, Gurska has worked for Clear Sight Analytics, breaking down NHL games since 2016.
“I’m incredibly honored to join coach Rice and the Babson hockey program,” said Gurska. “Babson’s tradition of excellence on the ice, in the classroom, and through its strong hockey alumni network makes this a truly special opportunity. Having played Division III athletics, I’m excited to use my experiences to contribute to the program’s continued success and to support the development of our student-athletes as both players and people. I look forward to working with the coaching staff and being part of such a proud and passionate hockey community.”
Former Providence, St. Lawrence women’s hockey standout Tyo hired as new assistant coach with Canton
Claire Tyo has been named an assistant coach with the Canton women’s hockey team.
Tyo joins the Roos coaching staff after a five-year playing career, spending four years with Providence and her final graduate season at St. Lawrence.
“I am thrilled to have Claire join our staff and program,” Canton head coach Kalie Hart said in a statement. “She had a very successful playing career at both Providence and St. Lawrence and undoubtedly will be a tremendous resource and influence on our players. She will be pivotal in our continued growth and success as a program.”
Tyo appeared in 124 games for the Friars, tallying 38 points on six goals and 32 assists. She scored three power-play goals and one game winner. Tyo registered 18 points on three goals and 15 assists over 39 games in her final season with the Saints during the 2024-25 season. She tallied a season-best three points with three assists in a 6-5 win at Clarkson on Jan. 24 and scored the overtime game winner in a 3-2 win against Yale on Feb. 28.
“I’m excited to join the SUNY Canton staff and team,” Tyo said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get the season started.”
Tyo graduated from Providence with a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Leadership at St. Lawrence.
“It’s great to have a high-caliber local player join our staff,” Hart said. “I’m excited for our players to learn from Claire, and I’m sure she will teach me a lot along the way, too.”
Lindenwood names former Bemidji State assistant coach Magera to same job with Lions men’s hockey team
Lindenwood has announced the addition of Andrew Magera as an assistant coach for the men’s hockey team.
Magera comes to Lindenwood after spending the last two seasons at Bemidji State as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
“Andrew will be a great addition to our staff and team,” said Lindenwood head coach Keith Fisher in a statement. “He is one of the up-and-coming assistant coaches in college hockey. He gets along great with the players and is very knowledgeable in skills, systems and hockey. The Lions got better today.”
Magera was an assistant coach and director of scouting with the Fargo Force where the team finished its 2022-23 season with a 40-14-8 record and won the franchise’s first USHL regular-season title and the Western Conference championship.
Magera got his start in coaching in 2014 working with the 14U and 16U Sioux Falls Jr. Stampede AAA program. He later spent time with the Idaho IceCats (WSHL) where the team won the 2017-2018 Northwest Division championship and finished with a 44-4-3 record.
Prior to joining the Force, Magera served as the volunteer assistant coach with his alma mater Penn State for three seasons, including the 2019-20 season when Penn State won the Big Ten regular season with a 20-10-4 record.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Penn State in 2021.
Reigning Hobey Baker winner, Michigan State star Howard gives up senior season, signs NHL deal with Oilers
The NHL’s Edmonton Oilers announced Tuesday they have acquired forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for London Knights (OHL) forward Sam O’Reilly.
The Oilers also announced Howard has agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning in 2025-26, forgoing his last year of NCAA eligibility.
Howard appeared in 37 games for Michigan State in 2024-25, recording 26 goals and 26 assists for 52 points, earning the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top player.
Selected by the Lightning in the first round (31st overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Hudson, Wis., native spent two seasons with the Spartans, scoring 34 goals and 54 assists for 88 points over 73 games. He played his freshman year with Minnesota Duluth in 2022-23, tallying six goals and 17 points in 35 games.
Howard captured a gold medal at the 2025 IIHF World Championship this past May, appearing in four games and tallying one assist for the United States. He also scored seven goals and two assists in seven games at the 2024 World Junior Championship, helping USA win a gold medal in that tournament as well.
O’Reilly was Edmonton’s first-round pick (32nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft.
McKenna, odds-on favorite as No. 1 pick in 2026 NHL Draft, announces commitment to Penn State for ’25-26 season
Gavin McKenna, the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft after racking up the accolades in the WHL the past few seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers, announced his decision to play the 2025-26 season at Penn State Tuesday night on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.”
McKenna picked the Nittany Lions over Michigan State.
“It was a super tough decision,” McKenna said. “Obviously, there’s a lot of great options out there, but I think me, my family and everyone that was kind of part of my circle, we all decided the best spot for me next year will be Penn State University. Penn State is a great spot for me. I got to kind of get a taste of what it’s like there and got to bring along my dad, and we both thought it was a great spot for me.
“The main goal is obviously to win a championship. I think you kind of saw what Penn State did this year, making it to the Frozen Four. They’ve come a long ways, and I think next year when I go there, obviously that’s the goal, to win a championship with them.”
Penn State (22-14-4) reached the Frozen Four for the first time in program history last season after defeating UConn 3-2 in overtime to win the regional final. The Nittany Lions then lost to Boston University 3-1 in the national semifinals.
“Gavin is a special player and a terrific young man. Our staff could not have been more impressed with how he presented himself on his visit,” said Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky. “His arrival to Hockey Valley is extremely significant not only to our hockey program, but to Penn State athletics and to college hockey as a whole. We are absolutely thrilled and excited to witness his contributions on the ice, to our locker room, and to the Penn State community. This is a great day to be a Nittany Lion.”
The 2025-26 season will be the first season that CHL (major junior) players are eligible to play NCAA hockey after a rule change last year. Previously, CHL players were considered pro players by the NCAA as they receive stipends from their teams.
“Going against older, heavier, stronger guys, I think it really prepares you (for the NHL),” McKenna said. “I think even in the locker room, hanging around older guys and being around more mature guys, I think that will help me a lot in my first season. Obviously, the (WHL) was a great spot, and I’m very grateful for what it did for me and my family. I think both options are great, but I just think that going to college and being in such a great conference, it’ll really challenge me and prepare me.”
McKenna, a cousin of Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard, himself the first-overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, was second in the WHL last season with 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 games and was third in the WHL playoffs with 38 points (nine goals, 29 assists) in 16 games to help Medicine Hat reach the Memorial Cup final, where the Tigers fell to the OHL’s London Knights.
He was third in scoring at the Memorial Cup with six points (three goals, three assists) in four games.
McKenna finished the regular season with points in 40 straight games (100 points on 32 goals and 68 assists) and then had a point in his first 14 playoff games (37 points on eight goals and 29 assists). The combined 54-game point streak (137 points on 40 goals and 97 assists) set a modern CHL record.
He won the Four Broncos Trophy as WHL player of the year and the CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award.
“We are so thrilled to have Gavin join our Hockey Valley family and become part of a special group of young men who represent everything great about Penn State. This team is built on character, work ethic and pride in wearing the blue and white, and Gavin is a perfect fit,” said Penn State VP for intercollegiate athletics Dr. Pat Kraft. “He’s one of the most exciting young talents in the game and reflects the level of student-athletes we’re bringing to Penn State across all sports. His commitment is a testament to the national reputation Guy Gadowsky and his staff have built, and we know he’ll thrive in the culture of excellence that surrounds our program. We can’t wait to see him compete alongside this incredible group and help push our program to even greater heights.”
Report: Tennessee State not fielding men’s hockey team for 2025-26, aiming to move start to 2026-27
After it was first announced in June 2023 that Tennessee State would field an NCAA Division I men’s hockey team for the upcoming 2025-26 season, it appears that will not happen.
According to a report in the Tennessean, “uncertainty about a home ice location or practice facilities, a lack of fundraising, and unrest about the school’s financial situation are all contributing factors for the delay of the program.”
Tennessee State would have been the first-ever hockey team at an historically black, public university. It now appears that 2026-27 will be the earliest the Tigers will take the ice.
A source with knowledge of the situation, who wished to remain anonymous because the news has not been made official, told the paper that Tennessee State’s hockey team had not met its fundraising goals for 2025-26.
Duanté Abercrombie was named the Tigers’ inaugural coach in April 2024.
Former Western Michigan, Michigan goalie, NHL video coach Scarpace named new assistant at Michigan Tech
Michigan Tech has named L.J. Scarpace an assistant coach with the Huskies.
Scarpace comes to Houghton after serving as a video coach in the NHL since 2017. He most recently worked with the Detroit Red Wings for the past six seasons.
Scarpace was a video coordinator and director of player development for the Michigan hockey program for 13 years and played collegiately as a goaltender for Western Michigan and Michigan.
“LJ comes to Houghton with experiences from the highest levels of hockey,” MTU head coach Bill Muckalt said in a statement. “I’ve had a great relationship with him for many years, and he will be a very valuable asset to our program. The ultimate goal for our student-athletes is to play in the NHL, and LJ will be able to share his experiences to help them achieve their goals. He will help develop our goaltenders, and his video and game preparation experience will be an advantage for our team.”
“I’m truly honored to join Michigan Tech as an assistant coach,” Scarpace added. “To be welcomed into a program where I feel genuinely valued is incredibly meaningful. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside an exceptional coaching staff led by Coach Muckalt and to contribute to a program guided by the leadership of Dr. Suzanne Sanregret and the Michigan Tech administration. I’m especially excited to begin working with our student-athletes as we strive together in pursuit of championships.”
In six seasons with the Red Wings, Scarpace led all aspects of video operations, including real-time tagging, pre- and post-game analysis, and opponent scouting to optimize game preparation. He designed and executed practice plans in alignment with team development themes and provided on-ice coaching, focusing on skill development and team systems to improve player performance. Scarpace communicated with the bench coaches from the coaches’ office during games regarding in-game adjustments or potential video reviews.
Scarpace spent two seasons as the video coach with the Carolina Hurricanes and led comprehensive video analysis and statistical breakdowns to support strategic game planning and in-game adjustments.
Scarpace was the director of player development for the Wolverines for three seasons after serving as the video coordinator for 10 seasons prior. He oversaw holistic athlete development, combining skill-building, academic guidance, and personal mentorship to prepare players for professional success. He designed personalized development plans, incorporating video analysis, performance tracking, and goal-setting strategies, and helped to build a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement within the program.
A native of Dearborn, Mich., Scarpace began his collegiate hockey career in 1996 as a goalie at Western Michigan. Following the 1997-98 season, Scarpace transferred to Michigan. At Michigan, Scarpace went on to earn two varsity letters while compiling a career record of 6-2-0 along with a 1.94 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. He helped the Wolverines win a CCHA championship in 2000 and reach the Frozen Four in 2001.
Following graduation in 2001, Scarpace played in the ECHL with Dayton and Cincinnati.
Michigan State standout, 2025 Hobey Baker winner Howard earns USA Hockey’s Jim Johannson College Player of the Year award
The accolades keep rolling in for rising senior Isaac Howard following a historic 2024-25 campaign, who was announced as the recipient of USA Hockey’s Jim Johannson College Player of the Year award.
Howard is the fourth Spartan to earn this distinction, following in the footsteps of Jeff Lerg (2007), Ryan Miller (2001) and Mike York (1999).
Howard previously became the program’s third all-time recipient of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award after delivering a career-best 26 goals and 52 points across Michigan State’s 37 games. He ranked first nationally in points per game (1.41), was third in goals per game (0.70) and finished No. 23 in assists per game (0.70). In addition to being named a first team AHCA All-American, Howard earned Big Ten player of the year, Big Ten tournament most outstanding player and was first team all-B1G.
The Jim Johannson College Player of the Year award was first established in 1994 and recognizes accomplishments of the top American-born player in NCAA Division I men’s college hockey. In 2019, the award was renamed in honor of Johannson, who won a national championship while playing at Wisconsin and spent two decades as an executive at USA Hockey.
Howard is fresh off a gold medal at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship in Stockholm, Sweden. The Hudson, Wis., native was named to the U.S. Hockey Men’s National Team in April, contributing an assist across four appearances in pool play in addition to an assist in an exhibition against Germany. Alongside Michigan State head coach Adam Nightingale who served as an assistant coach on Team USA, the pair helped the United State bring home its first gold medal at the World Championship since 1933.
Seasoned junior, college hockey coach Bruneteau returning to Stevenson as head coach of Mustangs men’s hockey team
Stevenson has announced the hire of Matt Bruneteau as the head coach of the men’s hockey team.
Bruneteau succeeds Dominic Dawes, who accepted the head coaching job at Norwich earlier this offseason.
No stranger to the program, Bruneteau served as the program’s initial assistant coach back in 2016. While he was on the bench, the Mustangs won the MAC championship in 2018.
“I am honored and grateful to take over the next chapter of Stevenson hockey,” said Bruneteau in a statement. “I would like to thank the committee for their professionalism and diligence in the process. I look forward to continuing building on the past success of the program.”
Bruneteau has a strong pedigree as both a player and as a coach. As a player, he was a captain of Lake Superior State from 2010 to 2014, playing in 146 games. He was honored for his efforts by winning the Jim Howie Unsung Hero award three times. He went on to play in the ECHL with Fort Wayne and Greenville and also played two seasons with the Strasbourg Etoile Noire in Ligue Mangus.
In addition to coaching at Stevenson, he served as an assistant coach for Alaska Anchorage from 2018 to 2021. He has also coached in the USHL over the past four seasons in various roles. Most recently, he was an assistant coach for the NAHL’s North Iowa Bulls.
Away from the ice, Bruneteau has volunteered his time to help grow the game by participating in various youth hockey clinics in addition to heading various community service roles.
Bruneteau graduated from Lake Superior State in 2014 with a degree in Exercise Science with minors in Psychology and Coaching.
Hobart men’s hockey assistant coach Kovachis heading back to Niagara as Purple Eagles’ new assistant
Niagara has announced that Hobart assistant coach Niko Kovachis will serve as an assistant coach for the Purple Eagles.
The move returns Kovachis to his alma mater, where he played four seasons as a defenseman from 2015 to 2019.
“Niko is going to do well in the coaching ranks, and I feel this was a great move for Niagara hockey, Jason Lammers, Niko and the Kovachis family,” Hobart head coach Mark Taylor said in a statement. “I know Coach Kovachis will have a special spot in his heart for Hobart hockey and especially the players that he has recruited and coached here. Niagara is his and his wife’s alma mater, it’s the right move at the right time, (and) we take pride in the fact he struggled with making a decision we knew he had to make.
“One of our mottos here is to take our hockey as far as we can. If this means as a team we win a championship or as individual players, coaches and staff we go on to higher levels, then we are successful in our development. The Hobart hockey family is excited for Coach Kovachis and wishes him well at Niagara.”
Kovachis joined the Hobart staff prior to the start of the 2023-24 season. In two seasons, he helped guide the Statesmen to a 57-3-2 overall record and two national championships. The Statesmen also won two NEHC titles. Hobart won all 33 games on its home ice under Kovachis, extending its NCAA Division III-record home unbeaten streak to 53 games. He mentored seven AHCA All-Americans and 18 all-NEHC selections.
The move not only brings Kovachis back to his alma mater but also unites him with two of Taylor’s former assistant coaches at Hobart in Lammers and associate head coach Mark Phalon. Lammers was Taylor’s assistant for the 2001-02 season. Phalon served on Taylor’s staff from 2015 to 2018.
“You hire good people, they do good work and they will have opportunities to move on,” Taylor said. “Jason coached Niko at Niagara. He recommended him highly to me for this job, so it was no surprise to see him scoop him up when the position opened at Niagara.”
Kovachis played in 125 career games for the Purple Eagles. He had 37 points on 11 goals and 26 assists and blocked 119 shots.
UMass Boston women’s head coach Bradley hired as new assistant coach for Penn State women’s team
Penn State has announced the hiring of Moe Bradley as an assistant coach for the women’s hockey team.
Bradley will join fellow assistants Makenna Newkirk and Jennifer Wakefield to round out Jeff Kampersal’s staff ahead of the 2025-26 season.
“We are delighted to welcome Moe to our Penn State hockey family. She is a dynamite teacher of hockey – a great communicator, a self-starter, a grinder, and most importantly, a genuine human,” said Kampersal in a news release. “Moe will be a mentor for the women in our program and will help them holistically, both on and off the ice.”
Bradley spent the past two seasons as head coach at her alma mater, UMass Boston. She led the Beacons to 21-26-5 record over the past two seasons including a 19-13-4 record in NEHC play with back-to-back fourth-place finishes in the 10-team league. Bradley was named the 2024 NEHC coach of the year following her first season as bench boss and mentored three NEHC all-conference selections, including Gianna Skrelja, who earned all-rookie team in 2023-24 and third team all-conference this past season.
“The momentum in Hockey Valley is palpable and I realize how fortunate I am to be joining this program,” Bradley said. “I genuinely look forward to what is to come.”
The Swampscott, Mass., native served as an assistant coach for the Beacons during the 2022-23 season prior to her elevation to head coach. Before her return to the harbor campus, Bradley had coaching stops at Stevenson (2015-17), Suffolk (2017-18) and Boston College, where she served as goaltending coach from 2018 to 2022.
While at BC, she helped guide the Eagles to a pair of NCAA tournament appearances while developing one of the most decorated goaltenders in Boston College history in Abigail Levy. Levy was a two-time national goaltender of the year award semifinalist while graduating as the program leader for save percentage at .940, including a single-season BC record .947 during her final season.
Bradley began her collegiate career at New Hampshire before transferring to UMass Boston following her sophomore season. In her two seasons as a Beacon, Bradley appeared in 30 games with 28 starts posting an 11-11-7 record with three shutouts to go along with a .915 save percentage and a 2.23 goals-against average.
Her career GAA is good for third in school history and includes a 1.58 goals-against average during the 2013-14 campaign, a mark good for second all-time, while her save percentage ranks eighth in the Beacon record books and includes a .938 during her junior campaign, the third-best all-time.
“I am very excited to be joining the staff at Penn State next season, with many thanks to Coach Kampersal for extending this opportunity,” said Bradley. “The momentum in Hockey Valley is palpable and I realize how fortunate I am to be joining this program.”
Penn State names former Nittany Lions defenseman Pedrie new assistant coach for men’s hockey team
Penn State has announced the hiring and return of former Nittany Lions defenseman Vince Pedrie as an assistant coach for the men’s hockey team.
Pedrie joins Guy Gadowsky’s staff following the departure of longtime associate head coach Keith Fisher, who accepted the head coaching position at Lindenwood earlier this month.
“I am ecstatic to be returning to Penn State as an assistant coach for the men’s ice hockey team,” said Pedrie in a statement. “I extend my sincere gratitude to Coach Gadowsky, the entire Penn State staff, and all who contributed to the realization of this opportunity. It has been nearly a decade since I enrolled as a freshman on this campus, and now to be returning as a coach for my alma mater is truly surreal. I am honored to be entrusted with this responsibility and eagerly anticipate furthering the program’s already remarkable success. We Are!”
“We are thrilled to have Vince Pedrie coming back to Hockey Valley,” added Gadowsky. “As a student-athlete, he came here as a free agent, took a chance on a new program, and developed into one of the best defensemen in the nation, leading to an NHL contract after two terrific seasons. Vince retired after playing for three NHL organizations and has been doing a great job building his network in the hockey world as a coach and an agent all while completing his degree and graduating with a 3.3 GPA in 2021. Vince brings first-hand experience to help develop our defensemen along with a great love for Penn State to further enhance our culture.”
Pedrie, a fan favorite during his time in Hockey Valley from 2015 to 2017, helped lead Penn State to the 2017 Big Ten tournament championship, its first in program history, and its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 2017 before signing a two-way NHL contract with the New York Rangers and AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack following his sophomore season.
The Chicago native spent parts of the next four seasons with three different NHL organizations, skating in 109 career AHL games and registering 31 points on five goals and 26 assists before hanging up his skates in 2020.
Pedrie departed Hockey Valley in 2017 after becoming the first Nittany Lions defenseman to hit the 30-point mark and the first to be named a first team all-Big Ten selection. Pedrie set single-season records in each offensive category for a Penn State blueliner at the time with eight goals and 22 assists for 30 points. His point and goal totals, while having been matched since he left, still haven’t been surpassed. In just two seasons at Penn State, Pedrie registered 52 points in 71 games on 16 goals and 36 assists and still ranks third in goals and ninth in both points and assists while his plus-31 rating is tied for tenth.
Pedrie completed his bachelor’s degree in communications arts and sciences in Dec. 2021 following his professional hockey career.
Since retiring as a player, Pedrie has served as the lead United States player representative for all U.S. based clients for the Will Sports Group on behalf of numerous NCAA Division I commitments and USHL/CHL draft picks over the past four years.
Pedrie is also a level 4 USA Hockey coach having spent four-plus seasons as a youth coach, most recently as the head coach and director of player development for the Windy City Storm 16U squad. He was also a head coach for Team Illinois AAA for the 15U and 16U teams from 2020 to 2023.
Former Minnesota women’s hockey standout, St. Cloud State assistant Jalosuo back with Huskies as new head coach
Former St. Cloud State assistant coach Mira Jalosuo has been named head coach for the Huskies.
The two-time Olympian returns to St. Cloud after helping the Minnesota Frost (formerly PWHL Minnesota) win back-to-back PWHL Walter Cups in each of the first two seasons of the PWHL. She is the seventh head coach in program’s 27-year history and the second woman to lead the Huskies after Kerry Brodt Wethington, who was the program’s first head coach from 1998 to 2002.
Jalosuo takes over for Brian Idalski, who took a job in the PWHL earlier this month.
“We are excited to have Mira back on our staff and leading the women’s hockey program,” said SCSU director of athletics Holly Schreiner in a statement. “It was fun to watch her success with the Minnesota Frost and win at the level that she did. She will be a great addition to our already strong coaching staff for this coming year.”
“First of all, I want to thank St. Cloud State University president Larry Dietz and director of athletics Holly Schreiner for giving me this opportunity to lead the women’s hockey program,” said Jalosuo. “Second, I want to thank Coach [Brian] Idalski for his mentorship over the years – I am excited to continue building on the foundation he built. Coach Idalski turned the program around in three years and now it’s my great honor to keep building the program. Knowing the players and coaching staff well, I believe this will be a smooth transition. This is an incredible opportunity to lead a talented and dedicated group of student-athletes. I cannot wait to get to work with this group and meet all the amazing Husky fans. Go Huskies.”
A highly decorated member of Finland’s national team, the two-time Olympian and five-time IIHF World Championships bronze medalist spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the Frost, helping the franchise win each of the first two PWHL Walter Cups.
Prior to becoming a coach for the Frost, Jalosuo spent a year as an assistant coach for the Huskies under Idalski during his first season in 2022-23. She primarily worked with the defenders, while directing the penalty kill and assisting with recruiting efforts.
In her lone season with the Huskies in 2022-23, Jalosuo helped recreate St. Cloud State as one of the best defensive teams in the country. SCSU led the NCAA and set a new program record with 576 blocked shots while holding opponents to 2.59 goals – their second-best mark in program history – and 32.24 shots per game – their best mark since 2015-16. St. Cloud State’s goaltenders anchored the rejuvenated defense, recording the program’s third-best team save percentage at .920 and second-best goals-against average of 2.58. The Huskies posted a program-record six shutouts in 2022-23, punctuating their stingy defensive work.
St. Cloud State’s young defensive corps flourished under Jalosuo’s direction as sophomores Dayle Ross and Grace Wolfe each took monumental steps forward. Ross led the NCAA with a Huskies single-season record 104 blocks, Wolfe landed second in the country with 83 and true freshman Regan Bulger finished fourth nationally with 78 blocks. Wolfe increased her point total by 15 while Ross went from three points as a freshman to 15 as a sophomore, each seeing increased roles and productivity in the offensive zone. Senior assistant captain Taytum Geier established new career-highs in assists, points, plus-minus and blocks in her lone season under Jalosuo.
Jalosuo had been a steady presence on Finland’s blue line until her retirement in 2018, skating for 12 years as a member of the senior national team. She appeared in the 2014 and 2018 Olympic Games – earning bronze at Pyeongchang in 2018 – and added five bronze medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championships (2008-09, 2011, 2015, 2017). The defender played in 193 games for Finland, scoring 11 goals and adding 22 assists for 33 points as an anchor on the blue line.
From 2019 to 2022, Jalosuo spent three seasons leading Stillwater Area High School girls hockey as the program’s head coach. Under her direction, the Ponies went 52-19-4 (.693) and boasted a strong penalty kill. Stillwater killed 89.3% of their chances on the PK, including 90 of 98 (91.8%) kills in 2019-20.
Prior to her time at Stillwater, Jalosuo had served as an assistant coach for Hamline and then Wayzata High School since 2015. She also coached with the Stillwater Area Hockey Association, leading the 12U A team to a 42-6-2 record in 2018-19.
Jalosuo played professionally following her collegiate career from 2013-18, spending two seasons with SKIF Nizhny Novgorod in the Russian Women’s Hockey League and earning a championship in 2014. She then spent time with Luleå HF in the SDHL before joining the Minnesota Whitecaps of the Premier Hockey Federation in 2016-17 and 2017-18. Jalosuo also skated with Oulun Kärpät in the Naisten Liiga, the team she played with as a teenager prior to her time with the Gophers.
The Lieksa, Finland, native played for Minnesota from 2009 to 2013. She appeared in 153 career games for the Gophers, recording 57 career points with 19 goals and 38 assists. A third team all-WCHA honoree as a senior, Jalosuo was part of back-to-back national championship teams as a junior and senior. She was a three-time WCHA all-academic honoree as well.
Raised in eastern Finland, Jalosuo began playing in the premier Finnish women’s league with Oulun Kärpät at age 15 and was an all-star in 2007 and 2008. She served as the team’s captain in 2008-09 while still attending high school.
Former Princeton assistant coach Kessel leaves PWHL Boston job, returns to Tigers as new women’s hockey head coach
Courtney Kessel has been named the sixth head coach of the Princeton women’s hockey team.
Kessel, who spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Princeton from 2019 to 2023, most recently was behind the bench in the PWHL as head coach of the Boston Fleet.
She takes over for Cara Morey, who left for the PWHL earlier this offseason.
“It is an exciting moment for Princeton women’s ice hockey with the return of Courtney Kessel in her new role as head coach,” said Princeton director of athletics John Mack. “She is a bright coaching mind with head coaching experience and success at the highest levels of professional and international hockey. She also has a wealth of knowledge about Princeton and our hockey program and knows first-hand what it requires to recruit, develop and mentor exceptional student-athletes at our university. I can’t wait to welcome Courtney, Blake and their family back to campus and support them as they begin this next chapter for Princeton women’s ice hockey.”
Kessel brings years of experience as a coach and leader at the collegiate, international and professional levels to Hobey Baker Rink.
In addition to her time as head coach with the Fleet, she spent the 2018-19 season as head coach of the CWHL’s Toronto Furies.
The first head coach in Fleet history, Kessel guided the team to the Walter Cup Finals in 2024.
She has also been part of the coaching staff for three gold medal-winning teams with Hockey Canada, including a stint as assistant coach with the senior national team en route to a gold medal at the 2024 World Championships and serving as head coach of the 2023 Under-18 National Team that won gold.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to return to Princeton and serve as women’s ice hockey head coach,” Kessel said. “My time at Princeton was special to me personally and professionally, and I am excited to rekindle those relationships with student-athletes, alumni, friends and colleagues. I am thankful to John Mack, Anthony Archbald and the entire search committee for their dialogue throughout the process and their support as I start this new role. It is bittersweet to move on from the Boston Fleet and the amazing people building that organization and the PWHL as a whole.
“This opportunity was the only one that could draw me away from where I was, and it is because I believe there is no better place to coach and develop student-athletes than at Princeton University. I look forward to getting to know the current team and building upon the foundation already established by wonderfully successful coaches and teams.”
During her four years at Princeton, Kessel was part of a historic 2019-20 season that included Princeton’s first-ever ECAC tournament championship. The Tigers went 26-6-1 during that season, securing the ECAC crown with a 3-2 win in overtime at Lynah Rink over No. 1 Cornell.
That win secured an automatic bid to the 2020 NCAA tournament where the Tigers were slated to be the No. 6 seed and take on Northeastern before the COVID-19 pandemic canceled that tournament and the entire 2020-21 season for the Ivy League.
Princeton returned in 2021-22 and made more history by becoming the first-ever No. 8 seed to knock off the No. 1 seed in the ECAC tournament with a series win in three games at Harvard capped by a 3-2 win in Game 3.
Over her three full competitive seasons with the Tigers, Kessel was part of a group that went 54-36-7 overall and 36-26-4 in the ECAC.
Five players who played at Princeton during Kessel’s tenure as an assistant have gone on to play in the PWHL, including 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick by New York Sarah Fillier, as well as Maggie Connors (Toronto), Mariah Keopple (Seattle), Rachel McQuigge (Ottawa) and Claire Thompson (Vancouver). Another Tiger who played for Kessel, Annie MacDonald, played in the PHF for Toronto during the 2021-22 season.
Kessel has also had a hand in developing a pair of Olympic gold medalists during her time as an assistant with Princeton in Fillier and Thompson, who won gold with Canada in 2022 in Beijing. Fillier won gold while taking a gap year from Princeton before returning to Baker Rink for two more standout seasons. Thompson, who had graduated in 2020, took a gap year of her own from medical school to represent her country en route to gold.
A 2011 graduate of New Hampshire, Kessel was a second-team All-American in 2010 and was twice named first-team all-Hockey East. She was drafted No. 6 overall by the Brampton Thunder in the 2011 CWHL Draft and went on to an international career that included three stints on the Canadian senior national team, where she won gold in 2012 and silver medals in 2013 and 2015.
Theros chosen new assistant coach for Alaska, stays in town with Nanooks after coaching NAHL’s Ice Dogs
Alaska has announced the hiring of Ryan Theros as an assistant coach for the Nanooks hockey team.
Theros joins the staff after spending the past two seasons as head coach of the NAHL’s Fairbanks Ice Dogs.
“The Nanook family is excited to welcome Ryan Theros to the staff,” said Nanooks head coach Erik Largen in a statement. “Ryan is a passionate coach who specializes in player development. He’s a proven leader who knows how to build winning teams and strong character. His success with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and deep roots in the hockey community make him a tremendous addition to our program.”
A native of Two Harbors, Minn., Theros began his coaching career in 2010 with Holy Family Catholic High School. He moved to the NA3HL in 2015, serving as GM and head coach of the Yellowstone Quake for three seasons, leading the team to a 129-23-5 record.
In 2018–19, Theros was named an assistant coach for the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks. He then spent two seasons with the NAHL’s Lone Star Brahmas as associate head coach and director of player personnel. After brief stops with Minnesota and a return to Yellowstone, he took over as head coach of the Ice Dogs in 2023. In two seasons behind the bench in Fairbanks, Theros compiled a 59-46 regular-season record. He guided the Ice Dogs to a 37-16 mark in 2024–25, returning the team to the Robertson Cup playoffs before falling in the division semifinals to the Anchorage Wolverines.
“I’m excited to be joining Coach Largen and the Nanooks hockey staff at the University of Alaska Fairbanks,” said Theros. “The program’s proud history, along with the team and community’s blue-collar mentality, is something I’m truly looking forward to being a part of and building upon. It’s an honor to help guide, teach, and mentor our student-athletes both on and off the ice as they pursue a top-tier education and prepare for their futures.
“I also want to thank Rob Proffitt, the Fairbanks Ice Dogs organization, and their incredible fan base. The last couple of seasons have been incredibly special, and the Ice Dogs have become like family. It’s a first-class organization, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it. I look forward to following their continued success.”
Theros played collegiately at NCAA Division III Northland from 2003 to 2006, appearing in 34 games and scoring five goals as a two-way defenseman/forward.
King’s names former Endicott women’s hockey player Michals new assistant coach for Monarchs women’s team
King’s women’s hockey has announced the addition of Jess Michals as an assistant coach.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jess Michals to our coaching staff,” said King’s head coach Quinn La Rock in a statement. “Following a distinguished playing career at the Division III level, Jess brings a wealth of experience and a relentless drive to elevate our program both on and off the ice. Her leadership and commitment to our student-athletes will be pivotal as we continue to build a competitive and cohesive team culture.”
Michals comes to King’s after a successful playing career at Endicott as a forward, appearing in 59 games with 10 points on five goals and five assists. The Gulls went 79-23-7 overall in her time in Beverly, Mass., with two conference championship titles, two NCAA Division III tournament appearances, and four conference playoff appearances.
She also served as a leader for the Gulls women’s hockey team and participated in Endicott’s chapter of The Hidden Opponent, a mental health advocacy group for student-athletes and teams.
“I am excited to join the staff for the women’s ice hockey team at King’s College and cannot wait to get started,” said Michals. “I look forward to bringing my experience of both playing and coaching to King’s women’s ice hockey. I am eager to meet the team and use my leadership skills and prior experiences to help the student-athletes on the team to grow as individuals. Additionally, I will help the student-athletes to be a part of an environment that is positive, competitive, and united.”
In addition to her playing career, Michals brings a solid resume of coaching experience with her to Monarch hockey. She currently coaches for the Boston Kraken, coaching children ages 8-14 for summer practices and tournaments. Michals also had stints with Michals Hockey Academy since July 2016 as a mentor to young athletes and while designing and leading practices with a focus on skills, teamwork, and game strategy. Additionally, she coached for Super Gulls Hockey in both 2023 and 2024 at their prospect camps, primarily as a mentor and official.
Michals was heavily involved in the campus community at Endicott as a manager for the Raymond J. Borque Ice Arena, assisting with daily operations, as a student note taker, and as a game-day staff member. A 2025 graduate with a degree in marketing, she also completed internships with Marchese Sports Therapy, Worcester Railers, and Decor and More.
With King’s, Michals will contribute to all aspects of the team’s operations, including but not limited to scouting, recruiting, practice planning, film evaluation, player development, lineup management, game management, and day-to-day operations.
Former Augsburg assistant, Minnesota hockey ops director Holmes named new assistant for St. Olaf women’s hockey team
St. Olaf has announced the hiring of Ashley Holmes as an assistant coach for the women’s hockey team.
Holmes joins Johnson’s staff after spending two seasons as the director of operations for the Minnesota women’s hockey team. Prior to that, she served as an assistant coach at fellow MIAC member Augsburg for nine seasons.
“Ashley is the perfect fit for our program,” St. Olaf head coach Tracy Johnson said in a statement. “She brings incredible energy, passion for developing student-athletes, and a commitment to the values of Ole athletics. She also brings a proven track record of success in recruiting and in building programs that compete at the national level. I have no doubt that her experience, work ethic, and ability to connect with players will help take our program to the next level. We are thrilled to have her join the St. Olaf family and can’t wait to see the positive influence she will have on our student-athletes.”
At Minnesota, Holmes managed and organized all aspects of team travel, oversaw all administrative functions of the women’s hockey office, coordinated scheduling of facilities for team practices/functions, and was responsible for video operations, among other responsibilities. The Golden Gophers posted a 56-22-3 (.710) record during Holmes’ two seasons and qualified for the NCAA tournament in both seasons, including a run to the Frozen Four in 2024-25, while finishing both seasons ranked in the top five nationally.
During her nine seasons at Augsburg, Holmes helped the Auggies to a record of 123-73-24 (.614) and eight consecutive MIAC playoff appearances from 2016 to 2023. She was primarily responsible for the team’s defense and coached one two-time All-American, eight all-MIAC selections, seven honorable mention all-MIAC honorees, and one MIAC rookie of the year. Holmes recruited 52 traditional first-year and 11 transfer student-athletes over nine recruiting classes at Augsburg.
Holmes played collegiate hockey at North Dakota, skating in 138 games while earning all-WCHA academic team honors in 2011-12 and WCHA scholar-athlete award honors in 2009-10. She graduated from North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in biology/pre-medicine and a minor in psychology in 2013 before earning a master of arts in leadership from Augsburg in 2018.
Holmes got her start in coaching as an assistant coach at Alexandria Area High School in 2013-14, helping the program to a Section 6A title and a fifth-place finish in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Class A state tournament.
Saint Michael’s men’s coach DiGiulian announces retirement, says ‘it is time to devote more of my time to watching my own children play sports and participate in their lives’
Saint Michael’s men’s hockey coach Damian DiGiulian announced his retirement from college coaching on Friday after 13 years guiding the Purple Knights.
DiGiulian departs following a 2024-25 season in which he was named Northeast-10 coach of the year after leading the Purple Knights to the league tournament title.
A national search for his successor will begin soon.
“I have always said that coaching at Saint Michael’s is the ‘sweet spot’ for any coach,” said DiGiulian in a news release. “Our players know what’s most important, they comport themselves in an amazing manner, and they truly cared about one another each year that I have been here. My decision to retire from college coaching was not an easy one, but it is the right one. Simply put, it is time to devote more of my time to watching my own children play sports and participate in their lives, rather than watch someone else’s child play on Friday and Saturday nights.”
Just the third head coach since the program was elevated to varsity status for the 1982-83 season, DiGiulian led Saint Michael’s to 130 wins since 2012-13, including a 77-47-9 NE10 mark. The Purple Knights shared NE10 regular-season titles in 2014-15 and 2016-17 while advancing to the league tournament title game on six occasions, culminating with a 5-1 victory at top-seeded Saint Anselm this past March 1.
“Not many coaches get to say they won their last game and get to leave on their own terms,” said DiGiulian. “I am doing both, and it feels like the perfect time. The team we had this past year was amazing, and the players we won with made it so much more special. They were an amazing group of young men to coach, and I had an incredible staff of women and men to work with. We have left this program in a really good place. The leadership we have, the type of people we’ve recruited, and the culture we have created is in a great position.”
“Under Damian’s leadership, the men’s ice hockey program has exemplified excellence, with student-athletes who have led with character – on the ice, in the classroom, and throughout the community,” added SMC director of athletics Matt Akins. “Reflecting on this past year, it was remarkable to see the Saint Michael’s community rally around this group, recognizing just how special they were. It has been a privilege to work alongside Damian and witness his genuine passion for developing these young men. While he will be deeply missed, his impact on the Saint Michael’s community will be lasting. I am truly happy for him as he embarks on this next chapter.”
Purple Knights who played under DiGiulian found success both on the ice and away from the rink. His student-athletes earned eight major conference athletic honors and 36 all-league accolades while landing another six dozen academic all-conference/all-academic laurels. Saint Michael’s men’s hockey players earned four NE10 scholar-athlete sport excellence awards and two NE10 Elite 24 Awards, and the squad claimed NE10 team academic excellence awards following the 2012-13, 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.
In 2017, Danny Divis and Justin McKenzie were named the first co-winners of the prestigious Hockey Humanitarian Award. The honor, which lauds college hockey’s finest citizens, led to Divis and McKenzie being featured live on ESPN before throwing out ceremonial first pitches at Fenway Park.
DiGiulian arrived at Saint Michael’s after establishing a prep program at nearby Rice Memorial High School and coaching that team for three seasons (2009-12). He was an assistant coach at Middlebury for a pair of seasons following nine years as an assistant coach at Vermont, all told spending 24 years coaching in the college ranks at all three levels of NCAA hockey.
As he departs Saint Michael’s, DiGiulian is joining three partners to establish leadership development company The Leadership Xchange, aimed at providing leadership development, culture building, and one-on-one coaching to teams, coaches and organizations across all levels of sports and the corporate world.
NHL DRAFT: Second day sees 64 more college hockey players or recruits selected
The second day of the 2025 NHL Draft added 64 selections of college players or committed recruits in rounds two through seven Saturday.
That left the total for the two-day event at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles to 74, of which 14 were from Canadian Hockey League teams. This was the first draft since an NCAA rule change allowed major junior players to play college hockey.
The first college-connected player off the board Saturday was Simon Wang, a defenseman from Oshawa of the OHL who’s committed to play for Boston University next season. He was the 33rd overall pick by San Jose, the first pick of the day, and became the highest Chinese player ever selected in an NHL Draft.
There were 13 selections of college players or recruits in the second round and 13 in the seventh. It finished with center Aidan Park, a Michigan recruit from Green Bay of the USHL, with the penultimate pick by Edmonton (No. 223 overall).
See all of the college-connected picks here.
There were 27 NCAA teams represented with at least one player or recruit, led by Michigan with eight. Here’s the number of picks by team:
8 — Michigan
7 — Boston University
6 — Michigan State, North Dakota
5 — Minnesota, Penn State
3 — Boston College, Denver, Harvard, UMass, Wisconsin
2 — Arizona State, Northeastern, Ohio State, Quinnipiac, St. Lawrence, UConn
1 — Bemidji State, Colorado College, Cornell, Dartmouth, Notre Dame, Omaha, Providence, St. Cloud State, Vermont, Western Michigan
The Big Ten had 30 picks, with Hockey East at 19, the NCHC at 15, ECAC Hockey at nine and the CCHA at one.
