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Former Bemidji State women’s hockey standout, assistant Fryklund back with Beavers as new associate head coach

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August 8, 2023

Amber Fryklund has previously played and coached at Bemidji State (photo: BSU Photo Services).

After a three-year hiatus, Amber Fryklund has rejoined the Bemidji State women’s hockey coaching staff and will return as associate head coach.

Fryklund rejoins the Beavers after a career in teaching and served as an assistant professor of Human Performance, Sport and Health at Bemidji State following her leave of the program after the 2019-20 season. Before her career change, Fryklund spent nine seasons on the BSU women’s coaching staff and the last four as associate head coach.

“We are very excited to have Coach Fryklund rejoin our program,” said Bemidji State head coach Jim Scanlan in a statement. “Amber was a big part of some of our programs most successful seasons and has always been a tremendous ambassador for our program, our university and our community as well. I am excited our student-athletes will have a tremendous role model and mentor in Coach Fryklund and she is someone who will bring experience and passion to our group.”

Fryklund established herself as one of the greatest players to play for the Bemidji State women’s hockey program and in just three seasons and 100 games, she is still the program’s all-time leading scorer with 122 points on 59 goals and 63 assists. She was the first BSU women’s player to break the 100-point barrier and owns two of the top three single-season point totals in program history, including a BSU-record 49-point 2000-01 season.

A two-time all-WCHA second team selection, she was the first BSU player to earn all-WCHA honors in 2001-02 and led the BSU women’s hockey team to back-to-back appearances in the WCHA tournament (2002 and 2003).

She was inducted into the Bemidji State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021.

A prominent figure not only in Bemidji State women’s hockey history, Fryklund is also known as a pioneer of girls hockey in Minnesota. She was a Ms. Minnesota Hockey finalist in her prep days at Hibbing High School, co-head coach of the Duluth Northern Stars from 2003 to 2009 and an assistant coach for the Proctor-Hermantown-Marshall Mirage during the 2009-2011 seasons.

In addition, she has worked hockey camps across the state of Minnesota and works with the Minnesota Hockey High Performance Girls 15 Development program. She has also spent time working with USA Hockey development camps and has served on the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee.

Fryklund received her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education teaching K-12 from Bemidji State in 2003 and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Minnesota Duluth in 2007. She received her doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration from St. Cloud State in 2019.

Longtime NAHL scout, coach Jennings chosen new assistant coach at Air Force ahead of ’23-24 season

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August 8, 2023

Steve Jennings has an extensive background in the NAHL (photo: El Paso Rhinos).

Steve Jennings has been named an assistant hockey coach at Air Force.

A 1991 Naval Academy graduate, Jennings brings a wealth of hockey knowledge to the Falcons.

“Steve is a great addition to our staff,” Air Force head coach Frank Serratore said in a statement. “He is a terrific hockey man with a great eye for talent. His experience as both a coach and scout is invaluable and strengthens our staff in every area.”

Jennings comes to the Academy from the NAHL’s El Paso Rhinos where he served as the general manager since January. While in El Paso, Jennings was responsible for all aspects of player personnel management and worked extensively with scouting, recruiting and building current and future rosters.

Prior to El Paso, Jennings spent the 2021-22 season with the NAHL’s Aberdeen Wings as the head coach and director of hockey operations. From 2016 to 2021, Jennings was the director of player personnel for the Wings. During his time in Aberdeen, Jennings led the construction of teams that earned three Robertson Cup tournament berths and one Robertson Cup championship title (2019).

Before Aberdeen, Jennings served as the director of player personnel for the NAHL’s Topeka Roadrunners from 2007 to 2016 and was a scout for the NAHL’s Santa Fe Roadrunners from 2004 to 2007. He has been heavily involved in scouting, coaching and developing players in the NAHL since 2004.

Following his graduation from the Naval Academy, Jennings served as the assistant coach at his alma mater for two seasons before completing his military service in 1996. He entered the corporate world in 1996 while simultaneously working for various hockey organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, Georgia and Tennessee.

He also served as the assistant coach at Lehigh University from 1998 to 2002.

Augustana completes inaugural coaching staff with Demers, Wildung named assistant coaches

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August 8, 2023

Chad Demers and Brandon Wildung have been added to the first Augustana coaching staff (photos: Fargo Force/Sioux Falls Stampede/USHL).

Augustana has announced the hiring of Chad Demers and Brandon Wildung as the team’s newest assistant coaches.

Demers and Wildung join the Vikings after spending time in the USHL.

Demers comes to Augustana after a successful 2022-23 season in the USHL as the associate head coach of the Fargo Force.

Before joining the Force, Demers made a trip back to his alma mater for the 2021-22 season with Air Force as the director of hockey operations.

With the Falcons from 2011 to 2015, Demers posted 48 goals and 78 assists for 126 points in 156 games.

“Chad has established himself as one of the top assistant coaches in the USHL,” Augustana head coach Garrett Raboin said. “His reputation as a tremendous teammate and teacher has led him to this opportunity and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to Sioux Falls.”

Wildung comes to the Vikings after spending the past two seasons with the Sioux Falls Stampede as their assistant and goaltending coach. He played four years (2014-18) as a goalie at Mercyhurst, going 50-40-10 with a 2.28 GAA, a .916 save percentage and six shutouts. Wildung added five assists as well.

Not shy to the area, Wildung also spent three seasons coaching the Sioux Falls Power AAA program and has spent his summers training players from the NHL and collegiate levels.

“Brandon Wildung has been heavily involved across all levels of hockey in the Sioux Falls community,” Raboin said. “He has separated himself through hard work and attention to detail. We’re fortunate to have him as part of our men’s hockey program and can’t wait for him to begin his college coaching career.”

Middlebury hires former Amherst men’s hockey assistant coach Fitzgerald for same job with Panthers

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August 7, 2023

FITZGERALD

Middlebury has announced the hiring of Jack Fitzgerald as the assistant men’s hockey coach.

Fitzgerald joins the program after spending the previous four seasons as an assistant men’s hockey coach at Amherst.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to be joining such a storied hockey program,” said Fitzgerald in a news release. “Middlebury is an amazing institution with great athletic programs and I am excited to leave my mark.”

“I’m very excited to welcome Jack to the Middlebury community and our program,” added Middlebury interim head coach Jack Ceglarski. “He will bring energy, passion and experience to our team that I know our players will enjoy having around. He has great knowledge about being a student-athlete in the NESCAC from his coaching and playing experiences at Amherst. I’m excited to have him as a part of our program.”

Prior to his time at Amherst, Fitzgerald worked for the Elite Hockey Program where he was both a coach and the assistant director of operations and marketing.

Fitzgerald was also a four-year letter winner on the Amherst men’s hockey team from 2015 to 2019. During his senior season, Fitzgerald was named captain of the Mammoths and helped lead the team to a NESCAC tournament final appearance while also earning NESCAC all-sportsmanship team honors.

After 11-year NHL, AHL career, former Ohio State captain Guenin back with Buckeyes as new assistant coach

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August 7, 2023

Nate Guenin was a three-year captain for the Buckeyes (photo: Ohio State Athletics).

Nate Guenin, a former captain for the Ohio State men’s hockey team, is returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach.

Guenin played four years for the Buckeyes (2002-06) before an 11-year professional career that included more than 200 NHL appearances.

“I am thrilled to add Nate to our staff,” said Ohio State head coach Steve Rohlik in a statement. “His passion for this program and desire to teach and develop these young men will be infectious.”

Guenin was selected in the fourth round of the 2002 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers.

He skated the next four seasons at Ohio State, registering six goals, 47 assists and 53 points in 151 games. A 2005 second team all-CCHA selection, he served as team captain as a senior and was as an alternate captain as both a sophomore and junior. He was part of the 2004 CCHA tournament championship squad and three teams that reached the NCAA tournament.

“I thank God for having Coach Rohlik and JB [Bittner, assistant coach] bring me back to Ohio State,” Guenin said. “I am very excited about the opportunity to be a part of the development of our student-athletes, on and off the ice.”

The defenseman spent his entire professional career (2007-17) in the NHL and AHL. Guenin started his pro career in 2006-07, when he skated nine games with the Philadelphia Flyers and 68 with the AHL’s Philadelphia Phantoms. Over his career, he played in 205 NHL regular-season games, along with seven playoff contests, between the Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche.

Recently, Guenin earned his real estate license and has spent time coaching youth hockey in the Pittsburgh area.

Former Ohio State goalie, Cornell director of hockey operations Palmer named new assistant coach at Providence

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August 7, 2023

PALMER

Providence has announced the addition of Joe Palmer to the men’s hockey staff as an assistant coach.

Palmer spent the previous four seasons (2019-23) as a goaltending and video coach with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch.

Prior to Syracuse, Palmer spent 2015-19 as the director of hockey operations for the Cornell men’s hockey program and also served as an assistant/goaltending coach for Hamilton.

Palmer is the founder and primary instructor of Syracuse-based Palmer Goalie Systems, where he provides personal instruction and video analysis to more than 30 area goaltenders who compete at the AAA, prep school, junior and college levels.

As a player, Palmer was a two-time gold medalist with the United States at the IIHF Under-18 World Championship and was later named to the U.S. team at the World Junior Championship in 2008. Palmer played two seasons (2004-06) for the U.S. National Team Development Program and was selected in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. He then went on to start 71 games for Ohio State over three seasons (2006-09) and was a three-time Big 10 all-academic team selection and earned CCHA all-rookie team honorable mention in 2007.

Palmer attended training camp with the Blackhawks in 2009 and 2010 and played professionally in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, in the ECHL with the Toledo Walleye, Reading Royals, Gwinnett Gladiators and Florida Everblades, and the Quad City Mallards of the now-defunct Central Hockey League.

Palmer earned his bachelor of arts degree in communications at Ohio State University in 2013.

Union drops Dutchmen/Dutchwomen nickname, to be known as Garnet Chargers moving forward

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August 4, 2023

After nearly 10 months of exploration and discussions with stakeholders across the Union College community, the school’s mascot has been changed from Dutchmen/Dutchwomen to Garnet Chargers.

Garnet Chargers rose to the top of a field of 400-plus unique names offered by more than 1,100 Union students, alumni, faculty, and staff members.

“I am thrilled to introduce the Garnet Chargers as a powerful new symbol of the Union College experience and community,” said college president David R. Harris in a statement. “Our process was intentional and inclusive, and we took to heart all the input we received. This entire experience has served as a vivid reminder of just how fortunate we are to have such a passionate and engaged community.”

Garnet has been Union’s official color for more than 150 years. Chargers harkens to Schenectady’s legacy as a hub for electrical innovation and invention and is an apt metaphor for the high-energy, forward-looking Union experience.

“I am extremely proud to be a part of representing the Garnet Chargers,” said Union junior women’s hockey player Maren Friday in the announcement. “I believe this nickname truly speaks to the community’s drive and passion to make an impact. I think that Union is a community that does not balk at adversity and instead embraces it and pushes through. I know every student-athlete will bring the energy and drive to seamlessly integrate the nickname into our programs.”

Garnet Chargers was one of four finalists shared with the Union community in May, the culmination of a process in which approximately two-dozen “semifinalist” names were scored against a set of evaluation criteria established to help guide the selection process.

A Garnet Chargers mascot is being finalized and will be unveiled this fall, while signage featuring the Garnet Chargers “Bolt U” logo and wordmark will be showing up on campus in the coming weeks.

Longtime college hockey assistant coach Boschetto hired as associate head coach at UMass Lowell

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August 4, 2023

BOSCHETTO

UMass Lowell has named Andy Boschetto as the new associate head coach of the River Hawks men’s hockey team.

Boschetto comes to Lowell after helping Augustana with the start of its men’s hockey program in 2022.

“Andy will be a welcome addition to our staff,” said UMass Lowell head coach Norm Bazin in a statement. “He checked several of the boxes we were looking to add. He has tremendous experience recruiting, a detailed pulse of the current college landscape and has head coaching experience. Those three characteristics along with his undeniable energy made him the right fit for our program at this time. He has worked at his craft over the past 15 years, and we are excited to welcome him, his wife Stacy and their young family to the University of Massachusetts Lowell.”

Before Augustana, Boschetto spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Colgate, helping the team to an 18-18-4 record in 2021-22 and an upset of No. 18 Cornell in the ECAC best-of-three quarterfinals. He also coached multiple All-ECAC players throughout his two seasons.

“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to come home and be a River Hawk,” said Boschetto. “I grew up watching UMass Lowell at the old Tulley Forum where I played high school hockey. My family and I are excited to help Coach Bazin and staff continue to build the winning culture they have cultivated. I’m excited to hunt championships and be a River Hawk.”

Before his time at Colgate, Boschetto spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Niagara after serving as the head coach at Salve Regina for seven seasons. He also spent time as an assistant coach at Curry.

Boschetto played two seasons at Hobart before heading to Suffolk for two seasons, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Operations at Strategic Management in 2005.

Former Harvard goalie Bellamy leaves Minnesota Duluth bench after eight seasons, returns to Crimson as new women’s hockey head coach

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August 3, 2023

Laura Bellamy spent eight seasons coaching at Minnesota Duluth (photo: Minnesota Duluth Athletics).

Harvard announced Thursday that Laura Bellamy will be the next women’s hockey head coach.

Bellamy, a 2013 Harvard graduate, takes over for Katey Stone, who retired in June.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Bellamy back to lead Harvard women’s ice hockey,” said Harvard director of athletics Erin McDermott in a statement. “Laura brings a deep commitment to coaching and mentoring student-athletes excelling on the ice, in the classroom, and engaged in the community. We look forward to watching her coach in the rink that meant so much to her as a player.”

Bellamy brings extensive hockey knowledge and coaching talent to Cambridge, where she will take on a head coaching role for the first time.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to work with an impressive group of student-athletes at a place I know and love,” said Bellamy. “It is a great honor to return to the program, institution, and community that had such a transformative impact on me during my college years and is filled with people who encouraged and supported me on the ice and off. My aim is to advance this program by providing our student-athletes with a world-class experience and striving for national prominence in NCAA women’s ice hockey.”

Bellamy returns to Harvard after eight seasons on staff at Minnesota Duluth. After arriving as an assistant coach in 2015, Bellamy was elevated to the associate head coach role prior to the 2019-20 season. During her eight years in Duluth, Bellamy helped transform the Bulldogs into a national power, securing four NCAA tournament berths and two Frozen Four appearances, and a finish as the national runner-up in 2022. UMD was consistently ranked inside the national top 15 under and earned its highest ranking in program history after earning a No. 4 ranking this past season.

A noted developer of talent, Bellamy coached 10 Olympians, two Patty Kazmaier top-3 finalists, seven All-Americans, two Hockey Humanitarian Award finalists, 26 all-WCHA selections, three WCHA student-athletes of the year, one WCHA player of the year, two WCHA defenders of the year and two WCHA goaltenders of the year during her time in Duluth.

Her efforts did not go unnoticed as in 2022, she was named the AHCA national assistant coach of the year.

After her graduation from Harvard in 2013, Bellamy chose to stay in Cambridge and begin her coaching career with the Crimson. The Duluth, Minn., native led all video coordination, scouting and training efforts for Harvard, helping lead the team to a run of success during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. In just three years in her role, Harvard earned two NCAA tournament bids and finished as the national runner-up in 2015 after making the Frozen Four.

A former standout herself, Bellamy remains one of Harvard’s best goaltenders in its 45-year history. She holds the program record for lowest goals-against average in a season (0.92 in 2012-13) and is second in career shutouts (19) and third in wins (60). Additionally, the two-time captain received first team all-Ivy recognition in 2012-13.

Bellamy’s coaching expertise has also been on display in the international hockey scene as shown in her participation in USA Hockey. The program has invited Bellamy to coach at the USA Hockey Player Development Camp annually since 2014. She also participated as a coach at the USA Hockey Women’s National Team Goaltending Camp from 2017 to 2019.

An ambassador and advocate for women’s ice hockey, Bellamy has served on several committees, including the AHCA Women’s Hockey Bracket Expansion Committee that met in 2021, and successfully expanded the NCAA tournament field from eight to 11 teams.

Bellamy is excited and thankful to be coming back to coach her alma mater.

“I would like to thank Erin McDermott, Tim Troville, and the rest of the search committee for the tremendous opportunity to lead Harvard Women’s Ice Hockey,” said Bellamy.

Former Wilkes men’s hockey assistant Hoff named new women’s hockey head coach at King’s

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August 2, 2023

HOFF

King’s announced Wednesday that Josh Hoff will join the Monarchs as the next head women’s hockey coach.

Hoff joins the Monarchs after spending the 2022-23 campaign across town as an assistant coach with the men’s team at Wilkes, where he assisted in designing and executing on-ice practices, systems, and bench management as well as conditioning plans, scheduling for team meals and other logistics and administration duties.

Additionally, Hoff took charge of skill development for the Colonels defensemen, special teams development, and film and scouting.

“I am extremely honored to be the next head coach of the King’s College women’s ice hockey team,” said Hoff. “My family and I are excited to be moving to Wilkes-Barre and joining the Monarch family. I am looking forward to the journey ahead for this program. I believe there is a great group of young women at King’s that are looking forward to working hard every day to get better.”

“I’m confident that Josh Hoff will be an excellent addition to our department,” added King’s associate VP and executive director of intercollegiate athletics and recreation Cheryl Ish. “Throughout the interview process, it was evident that Josh is committed to the student-athlete experience and will couple that with his passion for the game.”

Prior to Wilkes, Hoff served as head coach for the USPHL’s Idaho Falls Spud Kings and as head coach at the Hoosac School, a Division I prep hockey program in Hoosick Falls, N.Y.

In addition, Hoff held various roles down south, including time with the USPHL’s Charleston Colonials, the College of Charleston, USPHL’s Charlotte Rush, Charleston Jr. Stingrays, and the Carolina Ice Palace.

“Josh no doubt will bring an enthusiasm to the ice that will focus on building on a strong, competitive, cohesive team,” said Ish. “I’m grateful to the search committee and the players who were involved in the search and look forward to seeing this team back on the ice.”

Hoff was a 2018 graduate of the College of Charleston with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, health and human performance, where he also competed for the college’s Division III club team as a center and defenseman from 2014 to 2016.

After eight seasons coaching Southern Maine men’s hockey team, Harding announces departure from Huskies

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July 31, 2023

Ed Harding played and coached at Southern Maine (photo: Southern Maine Athletics).

Ed Harding has announced his departure as head coach of the Southern Maine men’s hockey team.

The seventh coach in program history, Harding was named USM’s head coach in April 2015 after taking over as interim head coach at the midway point of the 2014-15 season.

Harding played for the Huskies from 1985 to 1988, was an assistant coach from 1993 to 1996, and was inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame in 2014.

“On behalf of the University of Southern Maine and Huskies athletics, I would like to thank Ed Harding for his years of service to our student-athletes and the hockey program,” said Southern Maine director of athletics Al Bean in a statement.

A national search for the Huskies’ next head coach will begin immediately.

After one season behind Plymouth State women’s hockey team’s bench, Fitzpatrick leaves for ‘new career opportunities’

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July 31, 2023

Mollie Fitzpatrick spent one season at Plymouth State (photo: Plymouth State Athletics).

Plymouth State head women’s hockey coach Mollie Fitzpatrick has resigned her position.

Fitzpatrick led the Panthers to a 3-19-1 mark in her first season as a head coach, earning her first victory in a 3-2 win over Curry on Nov. 5, 2022.

According to a news release, Fitzpatrick intends to leave the sport to “pursue new career opportunities.”

“We wish Coach Fitzpatrick all the best moving forward,” said Plymouth State director of athletics Kim Bownes in a statement. “We are committed to the women’s ice hockey program and will begin a search right away.”

Fitzpatrick was introduced as the program’s sixth head coach in April 2022 after successful stints as an assistant at Boston University, Norwich, Endicott and the University of New England.

“I’d like to thank Mollie for leading our women’s ice hockey program,” said PSU associate director of athletics Courtney O’Clair. “She was a great role model for our student-athletes this year. We wish her the best in her next endeavor.”

A national search for her replacement will begin immediately.

University of New England women’s hockey coach Venditti leaves position after 10 seasons due to ‘personal reasons’

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July 31, 2023

David Venditti has stepped down at UNE after 10 seasons behind the bench (photo: David Bates).

University of New England head women’s hockey coach David Venditti has stepped down from the position for “personal reasons,” according to a news release.

A national search for the Nor’easters’ next women’s hockey coach began in late June.

“David essentially built our women’s ice hockey program from scratch into a championship-caliber contender,” said UNE director of athletics Heather Davis. “I am so grateful for his commitment to UNE hockey over the past decade and wish him well in his future endeavors. This team has been and remains filled with excellent representatives of the Division III philosophy and of UNE and are well poised for future success.”

Venditti took over a one-year-old varsity program in the fall of 2013 and led UNE for the last 10 seasons. Aside from his first season, when the team was still independent of any conference, the Nor’easters made postseason appearances each time there was an opportunity. The first of four semifinal trips came in 2015-16 during the inaugural year of the NEHC, and Venditti was named NEHC coach of the year after guiding UNE to a 15-9-2 overall record.

The Nor’easters went 16-9-2 in 2019-20 (program-best .629 winning percentage), claimed the second seed with a 10-4-2 mark in CHC action, and reached a championship final for the first time. Following the pandemic year of just three games, UNE once again made an appearance in a league title match in 2021-22, this time as the fourth seed during the inaugural CCC season.

Prior to UNE, Venditti coached at Colby (2004-13) and Southern Maine (2000-04).

‘Fantastic teacher’ Mannino promoted to associate head coach role with Colorado College men’s hockey team

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July 29, 2023

Peter Mannino has been behind the CC bench since the 2021-22 season (photo: Casey B. Gibson).

Peter Mannino has been promoted to associate head coach of the Colorado College hockey team.

Mannino, a former head coach in the USHL and starting goaltender for the 2005 NCAA Division I national champion Denver team, is entering his third season with the Tiger hockey program in 2023-24 after serving as an assistant coach for the Tigers the last two seasons.

“This promotion is very well deserved and speaks to the powerful impact Peter has made here at Colorado College, not only with our program and players, but throughout the entire campus community,” CC head coach Kris Mayotte said in a statement. “He is a fantastic teacher with a great work ethic and hockey mind, and I believe he is one of the best college coaches in the country.”

“I am grateful for head coach Kris Mayotte, (athletic director) Lesley Irvine and the Colorado College athletic department for this wonderful opportunity,” Mannino added. “It has been a privilege to work alongside Coach Mayotte, our staff and our players. This could not have been possible without the support of my wife and children. I am excited to start the upcoming season and continue to elevate the CC hockey program.”

Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team names former Bemidji State captain, coach Sobieck new assistant for Bulldogs

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July 29, 2023

Emma Sobieck comes to UMD after previously coaching at Bemidji State (photo: BSU Photo Services).

Minnesota Duluth has named Emma Sobieck an assistant coach for the women’s hockey team.

Sobieck will join Bulldogs head coach Maura Crowell’s staff and will serve alongside associate head coach Laura Bellamy and assistant coach Laura Schuler.

“I am honored and beyond excited to join the Bulldog community,” said Sobieck in a statement. “The biggest draws for me are the renowned staff, consistent strive for excellence, and the aligned values that they instill into their program. I am extremely passionate about student-athlete development and success and am eager to begin my next chapter here.”

Sobieck spent the past two seasons as a member of the Bemidji State women’s hockey coaching staff as an assistant coach. A 2017-18 Beavers captain, Sobieck joined the coaching staff after spending two seasons playing hockey professionally in Germany following graduation from Bemidji State in 2018.

“First off, I’d like to thank chancellor Dave McMillan and athletic director Forrest Karr for supporting the women’s hockey coaching staff to the fullest extent,” said Crowell. “We are thrilled to add Emma Sobieck to our staff. She comes to Duluth with both playing and coaching experience in the WCHA. She will jump right into this role and make our program better.”

Sobieck’s collegiate career at BSU included 146 games played for the Beavers between 2014 and 2018, skating in 145 consecutively. During that time, she accumulated 48 points (21 goals, 27 assists) and was a senior captain.

Sobieck earned a coaching certificate from BSU in 2018 and completed her Bachelor of Science in individualized studies at BSU in 2020. Sobieck is currently pursuing her Masters of Physical Education Coaching of Sport from Southwest Minnesota State.

NHL’s Coyotes sign 2022 first-round pick Cooley, who leaves Minnesota after originally committing to return to Gophers in ’23-24

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July 27, 2023

Logan Cooley was consistent up front for the Gophers this past season (photo: Molly Kaiser).

After originally announcing his return to Minnesota earlier this offseason, forward Logan Cooley on Thursday signed a three-year, entry-level with the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes.

Cooley was the Coyotes first-round selection (third overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft and forgoes his remaining NCAA eligibility.

“We are thrilled to sign Logan to an NHL contract,” said Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong in a statement. “Logan is an incredibly skilled player who had an excellent season with the Golden Gophers last year. He has established himself as one of the top prospects in the world. He is a very important player for us, and he has an extremely bright future ahead. We look forward to watching him play for the Coyotes for many years to come.”

Logan Cooley’s message to Gopher fans. pic.twitter.com/4v7e29eXyu

— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) July 27, 2023

Last season, Cooley completed his freshman year with the Gophers and finished as the team’s leading scorer with 22 goals and 38 assists for 60 points in 39 games. Cooley’s 60 points ranked him second in NCAA scoring, tied for first in assists and tied for fifth in goals.

The Hobey Baker finalist and all-American finished the season with a point in 16 of his final 17 games (11 goals, 22 assists, 33 points). He also recorded at least one point in 32 of his 39 games, registering 19 multi-point games. Cooley finished second in Big Ten conference scoring and led the Golden Gophers to the NCAA championship game before falling to Quinnipiac 3-2 in overtime.

In addition, the Pittsburgh native also represented the United States at the 2023 World Junior Championship, leading the U.S. to the bronze medal. He recorded the second-most points in the tournament and led the team in scoring with seven goals and seven assists for 14 points in seven games.

After eight seasons at Morrisville, Utica grad Lomanto returns to Pioneers as new assistant coach for women’s hockey team

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July 27, 2023

Melissa Lomanto served as Morrisville’s head coach since the team’s inception (photo: Morrisville Athletics).

Utica has announced the hiring of Melissa Lomanto as a full-time assistant coach for the women’s hockey team.

Lomanto comes to Utica after serving as the head coach at Morrisville since the program’s inaugural season in 2015-16. There, the Utica grad guided the Mustangs to 89 wins, including two Colonial Hockey Conference championship titles in 2017 and 2018. In the 2017-18 season, she led Morrisville to its first NCAA Division III tournament berth.

While at Morrisville, Lomanto was voted the CHC coach of the year twice by her peers.

Prior to her stint at the helm of the Mustangs, she spent two seasons as the head coach at Canton (2012-14) and one season as a volunteer assistant coach at Colgate (2011-12). Lomanto also spent three seasons as the head coach of Adrian from 2008 to 2011 where she went 52-25-6 overall and captured the 2010-11 NCHA title and a 2010-11 NCAA Division III tournament appearance.

Her coaching career initially began with the Pioneers in 2005 immediately following her playing career as she served as head coach Dave Clausen’s assistant until 2008. Over those three seasons, Utica captured three consecutive 18-win seasons and qualified for the ECAC West conference tournament each year.

Over her four seasons playing for Utica from 2001 to 2005, Lomanto compiled 85 points on 38 goals and 47 assists. She still ranks among the top-10 all-time in program history in points and goals.

Colgate men’s hockey team names former NTDP coach Walsh new assistant coach for Raiders

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July 27, 2023

WALSH

Colgate has announced Anthony Walsh will be joining the men’s hockey program as an assistant coach.

Walsh comes to Colgate after most recently serving as an assistant coach with the U.S. National Team Development Program since March 2022. He began working with the NTDP Under-17 team before transitioning to the Under-18 team. Walsh helped guide the Under-18 squad to a gold medal at the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship.

“We could not be happier to have Anthony join the Colgate family,” said Colgate head coach Mike Harder in a statement. “His knowledge of the great sport of hockey, forward thinking, and ability to connect with our student-athletes will make us better immediately. As a former Yale captain, Anthony understands what it takes to succeed at an elite university and will most certainly be a great mentor in our community,” Harder said.

Before his time with the NTDP, Walsh served as an assistant coach at Fredonia during the 2021-22 season, a role that started his coaching career.

Walsh skated four seasons (2015-19) at Yale, where he was named captain of the Bulldogs for his senior season. He recorded 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) in 104 career games and was awarded the Malcolm G. Chace Award, given to the member of the Yale hockey team who, “through sportsmanship, spirit, and ability, has best served the finest traditions of Yale Hockey.”

After completing his playing career, Walsh served as Yale’s director of hockey operations for the 2019-20 campaign before moving to western New York.

Walsh graduated from Yale in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

Bemidji State volunteer assistant Schoen earns assistant coaching role with Bowling Green hockey team

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July 27, 2023

SCHOEN

Bowling Green has announced the hiring of Dylan Schoen to the men’s hockey team’s staff as an assistant coach.

Schoen joins the Falcons after serving as a volunteer assistant coach for Bemidji State during the 2022-23 season, working with the team’s goaltenders. He will have a similar role with BGSU.

“We are very excited to add Dylan to our staff,” said Bowling Green head coach Ty Eigner in a statement. “He is a very intelligent and eager young coach who will bring a bunch of value to our program. He will be directly involved with the development of our goalies as well as recruiting.”

“I am really excited to be joining this group at Bowling Green,” added Schoen. “I want to thank Coach Eigner and the rest of the staff for this opportunity. Bowling Green has a long and storied history, and I am honored to be a part of it. I look forward to working with the athletes and becoming a member of the Bowling Green community.”

Schoen played collegiately for four seasons, playing his first two for Geneseo before spending his final two seasons at Stevenson.

Minnesota State adds Wisconsin prep coach McCracken to Mavericks men’s hockey coaching staff

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July 27, 2023

McCRACKEN

Minnesota State has announced that Cory McCracken will join the men’s hockey staff as an assistant coach.

“Cory brings experience as a head coach as well as a tremendous background in player development and recruiting,” said Mavericks head coach Luke Strand in a statement. “His knowledge base of the player pool is second to none and he is familiar with our teaching and methods. I am excited for Cory to get on board and help our program continue to move forward.”

McCracken, who owns a degree from Wisconsin-Green Bay, has served as the head coach for Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay since 2006. Named the 2012 Wisconsin Hockey Coaches Association coach of the year, McCracken helped guide NDA to championships in 2012 and 2016. During his time with Notre Dame Academy, McCracken has seen four players go on to be NHL draft picks, 18 pursue NCAA Division I playing opportunities as student-athletes and 41 former players have junior hockey careers.

“I want to thank Coach Strand for the opportunity to join a tremendous hockey program and be a part of this staff,” said McCracken. “Minnesota State has a long history of excellence, on and off the ice. This is a special place, and I am humbled to be part of this great program. I am excited to join the Mankato community and begin to work with the players in our program.”

In addition to his duties with Notre Dame Academy, McCracken has also served as the director of player development with the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers since 2022 in addition to working as the assistant director of player development with USA Hockey’s Central District since 2014.

He also has worked as the director of hockey operations for Team Wisconsin since 2007 and was working with the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association with a role in player development.

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