Plymouth State names former Panthers men’s hockey player Chipman interim head coach for women’s hockey team

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August 30, 2023

Ben Chipman was a standout player for the Plymouth State men’s team for five seasons (photo: Plymouth State Athletics).

Plymouth State has named Ben Chipman interim head coach of the Panthers women’s hockey team.

Chipman, who becomes the seventh head coach in program history, takes over for Mollie Fitzgerald, who opted to leave the sport last month.

He takes over a team that went 3-19-1 last winter, including 2-13-1 in the NEHC, finishing one spot shy of the postseason.

“This team deserves the stability and consistency to showcase its true talents,” said Chipman in a statement. “I couldn’t be more excited to get started.”

A three-year captain on the Panthers men’s team, Chipman helped lift Plymouth State to four straight NCAA tournament appearances during his time from 2018 to 2023.

“We are all so excited to have Ben joining our athletic department team,” said Plymouth State director of athletics Kim Bownes. “His knowledge of and passion for Plymouth State is unrivaled. His years in the hockey world and desire to succeed are infectious.”

In addition to his success on the ice, he was involved with several campus organizations including the Student Business Advisory Council, business school corporate sponsor speaker, international orientation leader, and International Business Club. A four-time MASCAC fall/winter and winter/spring all-academic team member, he achieved President’s List honors with a perfect GPA every semester.

“It has been a true honor to represent Plymouth State as a student-athlete for the past five years,” said Chipman. “I am grateful for the opportunity to return. I look forward to providing the mentorship that will create success on the ice, as well as forge numerous opportunities away from it, to help the players maximize their potential as all-around student-athletes. It is important to me that they feel valued and supported in overcoming challenges; ultimately enhancing their overall experience at PSU. I would like to extend my gratitude to the selection committee and current players for believing in my abilities and giving me the opportunity to offer a progressive, new outlook for the program.”

Chipman’s coaching experience includes five years with Plymouth State Youth Hockey, as well as time with BCHL and AJHL junior hockey players at the STIX Collegiate Cup Showcase last summer. He also spent two seasons coaching for the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities for Children in Yarmouth, N.S.

Former Wilkes, Cortland women’s hockey coach Utter named new head coach for Hilbert women’s team

By USCHO Staff

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August 28, 2023

Earl Utter formerly coached the Wilkes women’s hockey team, stepping down in 2022 (photo: Steve Finkernagel).

Hilbert has named Earl Utter as the new head coach for the women’s hockey team, taking over for Cole Klubek.

Utter’s previous experience starting a pair of first-year Division III hockey programs will guide him as he leads the Hawks into their second season of competition in 2023-24.

“I am excited to hire a coach for our women’s hockey program with Earl’s experience,” said Hilbert athletic director Tim Seil in a statement. “Earl has proven he can have success with young programs at the Division III level. Given his ties to the region, he is a great fit for Hilbert College. We look forward to him leading the Hawks into year two.”

The Rochester, N.Y., native recently served as the Wilkes women’s head coach, where he began building the roster in 2017 in anticipation of their first season of NCAA competition in 2018-19. The Colonels went 5-17-1 in 2019-20, his second season, before the pandemic interrupted the program’s progression the following year.

“I would like to thank Dr. Brophy, director of athletics Tim Seil, and God for giving me this opportunity to continue to build the women’s hockey program at Hilbert College,” said Utter. “I am excited to join the Hilbert community, and I look forward to building the women’s hockey program into a mountain from a little hill.”

Utter was the women’s head coach at Cortland for nine seasons prior and guided them to two straight ECAC West playoff appearances in 2014-15 and 2015-16 before he moved to Wilkes.

From 1997 to 2007, Utter compiled an overall record of 177-60-13 at Morrisville and led the men’s program in its transition from the junior college to NCAA Division III ranks. He guided the Mustangs to four NJCAA national titles, including three straight from 2004 to 2006 and four in five years. He was named the NJCAA national coach of the year three times.

Utter was also chosen as the Eastern Junior College Hockey League coach of the year on three occasions.

Prior to Morrisville, Utter spent two seasons as a volunteer men’s and women’s assistant coach at Cornell for two seasons. He has also coached in the NAHL and at the high school and midget levels.

In the summer, Utter worked for USA Hockey as an instructor at national player development camps and as a lecturer in the USA Hockey coaching development programs. He has worked with coaching staffs of two under-22 national women’s teams.

Utter has a bachelor’s degree from Brockport and a master’s degree from Western Michigan.

Former Bentley men’s hockey assistant coach Murphy hired as new assistant for Rensselaer women’s hockey team

By USCHO Staff

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August 27, 2023

Ben Murphy comes to RPI from Bentley (photo: Brett Bosley).

The Rensselaer women’s hockey team has added Ben Murphy as an assistant coach.

A veteran of nearly 15 years as a collegiate coach, Murphy was previously an assistant coach at Bentley, where he worked with the men’s program from the 2009-10 season until the 2018-19 season and again in the 2022-23 season.

Between his stints with Bentley, the second of which when he was the associate head coach, Murphy spent three years at St. Lawrence, where he helped the men’s team to an ECAC Hockey title in 2020-21.

Murphy’s first experience as a collegiate coach was as a graduate assistant coach at Castleton. He also served as an assistant coach with the ECHL’s Wichita Thunder.

A 2005 graduate of Maine, Murphy helped the Black Bears to NCAA tournament appearances all four seasons, including national championship game appearances in 2002 and 2005.

He went on to play professionally in Wichita for the 2005-06 season.

Arcadia names Knights assistant Carroll interim men’s hockey coach ahead of ’23-24 season

By USCHO Staff

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August 27, 2023

Arcadia has announced the elevation of Patrick Carroll to the interim position of head men’s hockey coach.

Carroll will begin his duties on Sept. 1.

No reason was given by Arcadia in the announcement regarding former coach Vincent Pietrangelo.

“I would like to thank (director of athletics) Brian Granata and (associate director of athletics) Mike Hebenstreit for giving me the opportunity to lead the men’s ice hockey team this season,” Carroll said in a statement. “I hope to make this transition as smooth as possible for all of our players and continue to grow this program during the 2023-24 season.”

Carroll spent last season as the top assistant with the Knights, helping the program reach new heights with its first-ever trip to the UCHC tournament in just their second season as a varsity program.

Prior to his time on Arcadia’s bench, Carroll spent three seasons as the head coach of Temple’s ACHA Division I team, one season as an assistant at fellow UCHC member King’s, and four years at ACHA D-I Lehigh.

“Coach Carroll made a strong impression on our program last season and worked diligently to support our student-athletes,” Granata said. “His experiences at Temple, King’s and Lehigh will serve him well as he transitions into this new role at Arcadia. We look forward to the continued development of our program under his leadership.”

Carroll graduated from Slippery Rock with a degree in communications, where he was a four-year member and captain of the men’s hockey team.

Army West Point adds Azzano as new assistant coach, promotes Riley to also serve as assistant coach for Black Knights

By USCHO Staff

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August 25, 2023

Army West Point has announced the hiring of Chris Azzano and Jack Riley as new assistant coaches.

Riley served as the director of hockey operations this past season.

Azzano spent the past three seasons on the staff at Colgate, serving as an assistant coach for the 2022-23 after a two-year stint as a volunteer assistant with the Raiders.

“We are very excited to add Chris to our staff,” said Army West Point head coach Brian Riley in a statement. “As an assistant coach, he played a key role last year in helping Colgate win the ECAC championship and get to the NCAA tournament. Chris has gained valuable coaching experience over the years and there’s no doubt that his goalie background will have an immediate and positive impact on our program. Most importantly, I know that Chris will be a great mentor and role model for our cadet-athletes. We are very excited to welcome Chris and his wife Amy to the Army hockey family.

“Jack is certainly no stranger to our program as he served as our director of operations last season. Because of the relationships that he established with our players last year, his transition to assistant coach will be an easy one. Jack knows this league very well as he was a former outstanding player in Atlantic Hockey. He has a great hockey mind and I know that he will be able to have a positive impact with our players both on and off the ice. The bottom line is Jack has grown up around Army West Point athletics, and in particular Army West Point hockey, and I’m not sure if we could’ve found anybody with a greater love and passion for our program and this academy.”

Prior to Colgate, Azzano also worked as an assistant coach at Morrisville from 2019 to 2022. He also spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL.

Before the Stars, Azzano spent two seasons on the bench with Cortland, serving as an assistant coach and the recruiting coordinator. Azzano got his collegiate coaching start at Canton, where he was the assistant coach for the men’s program during the 2014-15 season.

Before coaching, Azzano spent three seasons with the Mustangs as a goaltender, where he was a three-time SUNYAC all-academic team and two-time SUNYAC Commissioner’s List recipient for excellence in academics and athletics.

He earned his bachelor of business administration from Morrisville in 2014 before earning his master of science in sports management from Cortland in 2017.

Jack Riley was a Hobey Baker nominee and Atlantic Hockey all-conference selection during his playing career at Mercyhurst and joined the Army staff in Aug. 2022 after serving as an assistant coach at Albertus Magnus.

During his year-long stint with the Falcons, Riley also served as the video and recruiting coordinator along with handling various administrative duties for the staff. Prior to joining Albertus Magnus in 2021, Riley spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at Manhattanville where he obtained his master’s degree in sports business management. With the Valiants, Riley also served as the recruiting coordinator while being the team’s power play and video coach.

Riley also served as a two-time captain for Mercyhurst during his collegiate playing career. During his tenure with the Lakers, Riley made an immediate impact, being named to the Atlantic Hockey all-rookie team in 2014-15. Riley scored over 100 points in his career, highlighted by his senior season where he was named Atlantic Hockey’s top defensive forward along with all-conference second team honors. Riley graduated from Mercyhurst with a bachelor’s degree in business management in 2018.

Former North Dakota captain Simpson back with hockey team as new assistant coach, will be ‘valuable addition’ to Fighting Hawks

By USCHO Staff

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August 24, 2023

Jordan Schmaltz (left) and Dillon Simpson pictured during a 2014 NCHC tournament game against Western Michigan at the Target Center in Minneapolis (USCHO.com file photo).

North Dakota has announced that former North Dakota defenseman and team captain Dillon Simpson will return to the program as the third assistant coach.

“We are very excited in welcoming Dillon Simpson and his family back to our North Dakota hockey family,” said UND head coach Brad Berry in a statement. “Dillon brings a wealth of experience from the collegiate and most recently, the professional hockey level. He will make an immediate impact with our group from a hockey development standpoint. His experience working with young defenseman at an elite pro level combined with his impeccable character and his ability to connect with people will make him a valuable addition to our hockey program.”

Simpson returns to North Dakota following a strong professional playing career, amassing nearly 500 career games in the AHL over nine seasons. After spending four years with the Edmonton Oilers organization, Simpson spent his final five seasons with the Cleveland Monsters, wearing a letter for the team in each of those years.

He served as the captain for the Monsters from 2021 to 2023, earning the organization’s man of the year award this spring for his off-ice contributions to the community.

Simpson spent four seasons at North Dakota from 2010 to 2014, helping the program reach the NCAA tournament in each of the four years, including two NCAA Frozen Four berths in 2011 and 2014. Over his career, Simpson appeared in 156 games, tallying 16 goals and 59 assists for 75 points.

He captained the 2013-14 UND squad to the NCAA Frozen Four, knocking off top-seeded Wisconsin and Ferris State in the regionals in Cincinnati.

Simpson earned his bachelor’s degree in managerial finance and accounting from North Dakota in 2014.

After adding Arizona State for 2024-25 season, NCHC announces postseason format for 2025 conference playoffs

By USCHO Staff

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August 24, 2023

After announcing in July the addition of Arizona State as its ninth member starting with the 2024-25 season, the NCHC has finalized its 2025 conference tournament postseason format.

The new playoff model was unanimously approved by the NCHC Athletic Council (member athletic directors).

All nine teams will qualify for the NCHC playoffs in 2025. A play-in game between the No. 8 seed and the No. 9 seed will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 prior to the best-of-three quarterfinal series. The play-in game will be held at the site of the No. 1 seed in the NCHC tournament. The winner of the play-in game will remain to face the No. 1 seed in a best-of-three series the following Friday through Sunday.

The best-of-three quarterfinal series, which have historically been the first round of the NCHC tournament, will remain as they have been. While the No. 1 seed will take on either the No. 8 or No. 9 seed, the No. 2 seed will host the No. 7 seed, the No. 3 seed will host the No. 6 seed and the No. 4 seed will host the No. 5 seed. The NCHC quarterfinals in 2025 will take place from Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16 (if necessary).

Like in previous NCHC tournaments, the four quarterfinal series winners in 2025 will then advance to the NCHC Frozen Faceoff at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn. The four advancing teams will be re-seeded with semifinals taking place on Friday, March 21, 2025 and the 2025 championship game set for Saturday, March 22.

The full 2024-25 conference schedule will be released in the spring following the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.

The 2024 NCHC tournament and Frozen Faceoff format remains unchanged, with quarterfinals on March 15-17, 2024 and the Frozen Faceoff on March 22-23. The format for the 2026 NCHC postseason and beyond is still to be determined.

Miami names former Adrian assistant, UMass defenseman Phillips assistant to the head coach

By USCHO Staff

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August 24, 2023

Miami has announced that Adam Phillips has been named assistant to the head coach.

Phillips previously served as an assistant coach at Adrian.

“I am honored and extremely excited to be joining the Miami University hockey program,” Phillips said in a statement. “I feel very fortunate to be able to work with such a great staff and group of student-athletes. I’m really looking forward to getting the season started.”

During Phillips’ time with the Bulldogs, the program won the 2022 national title and finished as national runner-up in 2023. Adrian also earned the NCHA Harris Cup in 2022 and 2023 and claimed the NCHA Peters Cup in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Phillips’ responsibilities at Adrian included helping with daily practice planning, game operation, pre-scout meetings and presenting video to the team, special teams, recruiting and academics.

Phillips’ previous positions include assistant coach for the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks (2022), interim head coach and assistant coach for the NAHL’s Odessa Jackalopes (2019-20) and player development coach with Total Package Hockey (2015-19).

He played at UMass from 2010 to 2014, producing 50 points (23 goals, 27 assists) across 124 games. Phillips also had a five-year ECHL career after graduation.

Phillips holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMass.

Former St. Lawrence women’s hockey player Gout named new assistant coach for Saints

By USCHO Staff

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August 24, 2023

Brittney Gout played three seasons for the Saints (photo: C A Hill Photo).

St. Lawrence has announced the hiring of Brittney Gout as an assistant coach for the women’s hockey team.

“It is with great enthusiasm we welcome Brit officially to our staff,” said St. Lawrence head coach Chris Wells in a statement. “Brit will be one of the many successful young coaches that are entering the game now. She has a great demeanor around our players and has done a fabulous job in her role as a leader and coach of our team.”

During the 2022-23 season, Gout served as a graduate assistant coach for the Saints and prior to that, played three years on the ice for SLU.

On the ice, she served as an alternate captain, playing in 79 games and recording 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points. She scored four power-play goals and four game winners.

Prior to her time with the Saints, Gout spent two seasons at RIT, where she scored 10 goals and added 21 assists in 66 career games. She ranked second on the team in scoring as a sophomore with 18 points in 34 games.

“I would like to thank Bob Durocher, the rest of the administration, as well as Chris Wells for the chance to continue to be a part of such an amazing program,” said Gout. “I am extremely honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to join the program for the upcoming season. Chris, Mare and Ted all have incredible experience, knowledge and heart and having the ability to learn from and contribute to one of the most well-respected coaching staffs in the nation is something that is irreplaceable.

“This group of student-athletes exemplifies all characteristics of what it means to be a Saint and I am eager to contribute and learn from this group.”

Gout graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Exercise Science and Sports Studies and a Master of Arts in Leadership from St. Lawrence.

Chatham men’s hockey assistant Connelly tabbed interim coach for 2023-24 season after Gershon leaves for USHL job

By USCHO Staff

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August 21, 2023

Chatham has announced that assistant men’s hockey coach Bill Connelly will serve as the interim head coach for the 2023-24 season following the departure of Michael Gershon.

Gershon left the school for an associate head coach job with the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers.

“I feel confident that Coach Connelly is well prepared to lead our team and that he has the full support of our student-athletes,” said Chatham VP of athletics and recreation Leonard Trevino in a statement. “I look forward to seeing our team compete this season and fully expect that they will be one of the top programs in the UCHC.”

Connelly joined Chatham in 2017-18, the first year of the program. The upcoming season will mark his seventh on the staff, the most of any coach.

A Pittsburgh native, Connelly began his coaching career at the age of 19 and served as the head coach for Central Catholic High School for 10 years, along with five years of Tier 1 hockey in the Mid-American District with the Pittsburgh Vengeance. Connelly has made two appearances at the USA Hockey National Championships.

Connelly is a 2009 graduate of Virginia Tech School of Visual Arts, where he was awarded the Dean and Rosina Carter Endowment Scholarship for Sculpture and the SOVA Most Outstanding Graduating Senior Award.

Minnesota Duluth blueliner Francis announces cancer relapse, will miss first half of ’23-24 college hockey season

By USCHO Staff

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August 21, 2023

Will Francis has skated in 33 games the past two seasons for UMD (photo: Terry Cartie Norton).

Minnesota Duluth junior defenseman Will Francis announced today that his cancer has returned and he’ll miss the first half of the upcoming 2023-24 season.

He plans on returning to the team in January.

A statement from @UMDMensHockey junior defenseman Will Francis.

At this time, Will is not available for any further comment. pic.twitter.com/WAld9QyRxC

— UMD Athletics (@UMDBulldogs) August 21, 2023

In two years at UMD, Francis has played 33 games, recording one assist.

Lindenwood adds former Nazareth assistant coach, Canton captain Coad as new assistant for Lions women’s hockey team

By USCHO Staff

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August 21, 2023

Lindenwood has announced the addition of Rhea Coad as assistant coach for the women’s hockey team.

“I could not be more excited to welcome Rhea Coad to our staff,” said Lindenwood women’s hockey head coach Taylor Wasylk in a statement. “She is a proven leader in the women’s hockey world, and I know that her work ethic and relatability will have a profound impact on both our student athletes and the greater Lindenwood community.”

Coad most recently completed her second season at the helm of the Buffalo Beauts women’s pro hockey team. Coad began her tenure with the Beauts in 2019-20 as an assistant coach before being elevated to associate head coach in 2020-21.

Coad spent three years as an assistant coach at Nazareth and was a part of the staff during the team’s inaugural year in 2018-19. During her time in Rochester, N.Y., the Golden Flyers compiled a record of 45-12-5. Coad worked with four all-conference selections during her tenure while the staff earned UCHC coaching staff of the year in 2019.

A four-year member of the women’s hockey program at Canton, Coad was team captain for the 2016-17 season. She was the 2017 recipient of the SUNY Canton Pillars of Character Award.

Coad also played softball and golf at the collegiate level.

Coad graduated from Canton in 2018 with a degree in Health and Fitness Promotion. She went on to obtain her Masters in Higher Education Student Affairs and Administrative Degree from Nazareth in 2021.

Quartet of women’s NCAA D-I teams to play in D1 in DC 2023 event Nov. 24-25 at practice home of NHL’s Capitals

By USCHO Staff

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August 21, 2023

The D1 in DC 2023 women’s hockey event has been announced for Nov. 24-25.

Presented by the Washington Pride women’s junior hockey organization, Cornell, Harvard, Minnesota and St. Thomas will compete in four games at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Va., the practice facility of the NHL’s Washington Capitals.

Harvard plays Minnesota at 1 p.m. EST and Cornell plays St. Thomas at 4 p.m. on Nov. 24, while St. Thomas plays Harvard at 1 p.m. and Minnesota plays Cornell at 4 p.m. the next day.

The event also includes an NCAA opportunities roundtable on Nov. 25 at 11:30 a.m.

For more information, visit the Washington Pride website.

Four members of Gustavus Adolphus women’s hockey team in two-vehicle crash on Minnesota highway; Jones loses life at 19

By USCHO Staff

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August 21, 2023

From left, Jori Jones, Gianna Gasparini, Kayla Bluhm, and Lily Mortenson.

According to the Star Tribune, one member of the national champion Gustavus Adolphus women’s hockey team was killed and three others injured in a two-vehicle collision at an intersection in west-central Minnesota on Sunday afternoon.

Jori Jones, a 19-year-old from Little Canada, Minn., unfortunately lost her life in the crash.

JORI JONES GOFUNDME

The accident occurred about 12:40 p.m. Sunday about 20 miles west of Willmar on Highway 40 at the intersection with Highway 29 in Grace Township, the State Patrol said.

The women’s SUV was heading east on Hwy. 40 and collided with a minivan as it headed south, the patrol said.

One of the drivers failed to obey a stop sign, but the patrol did not specify which one.

All four women were taken by emergency responders to Montevideo Hospital.

The SUV occupants who suffered noncritical injuries were identified as driver Gianna Gasparini, 19, of Lakeville, Minn., Kayla Bluhm, 20, of Chisago City, Minn., and Lily Mortenson, 19, of Champlin, Minn.

All four women were freshmen on the Gustavus Adolphus hockey team, which won the NCAA Division III championship in March.

Also surviving the collision was the minivan’s driver, Brandi Rasmussen, 28, of Benson, Minn.

Reigning national D-III women’s coach of year McNamara leaves Hamilton, named new assistant at Middlebury

By USCHO Staff

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August 21, 2023

Emily McNamara was named the 2023 NESCAC coach of the year at Hamilton and also earned national honors (photo: Hamilton Athletics).

Middlebury has announced the hiring of Emily McNamara as the assistant women’s hockey coach.

A two-time All-NESCAC honoree and former Panthers assistant coach, McNamara rejoins the program after spending the previous 11 seasons as the head coach at Hamilton.

“I am excited for the opportunity to return to Middlebury and work alongside head coach Bill Mandigo,” said McNamara in a statement.

“I am very happy to welcome Emily back to Middlebury,” added Mandigo. “She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience and will be a tremendous addition to the Middlebury women’s hockey program.”

McNamara was honored for her efforts following the 2022-23 season at Hamilton, garnering both the AHCA and USCHO.com Women’s Division III Coach of the Year accolades.

She was selected as the NESCAC Coach of the Year for the second time in her career, guiding the squad to its first conference championship appearance. McNamara led the Continentals to the NCAA semifinals with a 22-6-2 record, establishing a program mark for victories in a single season.

McNamara amassed a record of 135-95-23 during her time at Hamilton. Her teams set numerous single-season program records, including a Division III-best penalty kill percentage during the 2017-18 season.

McNamara served as an assistant coach on Mandigo’s staff from 2007 to 2011. She helped guide the team to an overall record of 78-20-11, including 50 NESCAC victories. The Panthers captured two conference crowns (2009, 2011) and made three NCAA tournament appearances, advancing to the national semifinals in 2009 and 2011.

McNamara enjoyed an outstanding playing career for the Panthers, helping Middlebury win three straight national titles from 2004 to 2006. She earned a spot on the 2005 NCAA all-tournament team. McNamara helped the Panthers to NESCAC championships in 2005 and 2006, playing in all 116 games on defense. She finished her career with 66 points (22 goals, 44 assists) and helped the team post a 100-13-3 record during her tenure.

McNamara served as a team captain during her senior season and recorded a place on the NESCAC winter all-academic team. She was the 2007 winner of the Captain John Owen Memorial Award for dedication and support of the Middlebury women’s hockey team.

She graduated with a degree in English.

Former Southern Maine women’s hockey assistant Sherman selected new head coach at University of New England

By USCHO Staff

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August 21, 2023

University of New England has announced the hiring of Cassandra Sherman as the new head coach of the women’s hockey team.

“I am thrilled that Cassandra Sherman will be our next women’s hockey coach,” said UNE director of athletics Heather Davis said in a statement. “She rose to the top of our competitive national search process due to her student-athlete-centered philosophy and her unique combination of playing and coaching experience. Our women’s program is primed for even more success and I’m so excited for her to get started.”

Sherman becomes the third head coach in the history of the women’s hockey program, which enters its 12th season in 2023-24.

She replaces David Venditti, who stepped down earlier this summer after coaching at UNE for the last 10 years.

“I am beyond excited and would like to thank Heather Davis, Curt Smyth, the administration, and the hiring committee for the opportunity to become part of the women’s ice hockey team and the UNE community,” said Sherman. “What David Venditti has built at UNE is tremendous, and I am honored to be chosen to take over the role of head coach. I cannot wait to get started.”

Most recently, Sherman was in Florida serving as coach of multiple teams within the Tampa Jr. Lightning club organization and was the co-director of youth hockey at the Palm Beach Skate Zone prior to that.

No stranger to the Maine hockey scene, Sherman spent four seasons (2017-21) as assistant coach at her alma mater, Southern Maine.

In the year after graduating from USM (2016-17), she played professionally for Dusseldorf in Germany’s top women’s hockey league and helped the squad to the division title, totaling seven goals and nine assists over 13 contests. Sherman returned stateside in 2017-18 and played for the CWHL’s Boston Blades.

As a four-year student-athlete at Southern Maine (2012-16), Sherman logged 104 consecutive games as a forward and scored 25 goals to go with 22 assists. She was a two-year captain for the Huskies and had her best season as a senior when she tallied nine goals and 14 points. The North Smithfield, R.I. native earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation and leisure studies.

Sherman assumes control of a Nor’easters program that is three years removed from back-to-back 16-win seasons and has reached conference finals in two of the last three full years.

Chatham men’s hockey assistant Kovachis leaves Cougars after two seasons for same job with Hobart

By USCHO Staff

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August 18, 2023

Hobart has announced that Niko Kovachis has been named an assistant coach for the men’s hockey team.

Kovachis replaces Tom Fiorentino, who accepted an assistant coach position at Bentley.

“I’m excited to have Niko join the Hobart hockey program,” Hobart coach Mark Taylor said in a statement. “He comes from a hockey tree that I respect, be it his junior hockey coaches to his college hockey coaches who have strong ties to myself and Hobart hockey. As a player, he was a great teammate, leader and a very smart skilled defenseman and I know our core will benefit from his input.

“Furthermore, he has already proven himself as a recruiter and coach at the college level, having recruited some league all-stars and helped coach a program to its most successful seasons.”

Kovachis comes to Hobart after spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach at Chatham. He helped run the Cougars’ defense and power plays. Kovachis helped Chatham to a 23-21-7 overall record, including a program-record 14 wins last season. The Cougars made two trips to the UCHC tournament.

Also at Chatham, Kovachis led pre-scout meetings, including XOS video, and created and evaluated game video to assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses. He also assisted with planning and guiding practices.

Kovachis graduated from Niagara in 2019. He was a four-year defenseman on the Purple Eagles’ hockey team, playing for former Hobart assistant coach Jason Lammers and serving as an alternate captain as a senior. That season, Kovachis led Niagara to its first-ever appearance in the Atlantic Hockey championship game.

He played in 125 career games, recording 37 points on 11 goals and 26 assists while blocking 119 shots. Kovachis was named to the Atlantic Hockey all-academic team four times.

Women’s Division I College Hockey: 2023-24 roster updates

By Nicole Haase

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August 17, 2023

The Division I women’s hockey season is just about five weeks away. It was another busy offseason with a lot of movement through the transfer portal as well as coaching changes.

Most every team in the country has experienced changes on their roster beyond graduation and incoming freshman classes. There are also a number of fifth year players.

This is an attempt at putting all that information in one place.

The left side of the table are players transferring in, the left side is players who have transferred out. Teams are listed alphabetically by conference.

The best effort was made to get all this information correct at the time of publishing by compiling info from published rosters and social media, but it is all subject to change. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

If you spot an error or missing information, email [email protected].

Coaching hires/promotions

Assumption – Head coach Jack Sweeney, assistant coach Delaney Couture
Bemidji State – Assistant coach Amber Fryklund, assistant coach Alexis Joyce
Boston College – Assistant coach Kate Leary
Boston University – Head coach Tara Watchorn, associate head coach Courtney Kessel, assistant coach Megan Myers
Colgate – Assistant coach/director of operations Breanne Wilson-Bennett
Dartmouth – Assistant coach Jason Carter
Franklin Pierce – Assistant coach Michael Nellis
Harvard – Head coach Laura Bellamy, associate head coach Meredith Roth
Lindenwood – Head coach Taylor Wasylk, assistant coach Rhea Coad, assistant coach Arielle DeSmet
Long Island University – Assistant coach Shelly Picard
Mercyhurst – Assistant coach Emily Ach
Merrimack – Assistant coach Danielle Blanchard, assistant coach Stephanie Wood
Minnesota – Associate head coach Greg “Boom” May, assistant coach Mitch Baker, assistant coach Jess Scott
Minnesota Duluth – Assistant coach Emma Sobieck, strength and conditioning coach Chase Engdahl
Penn State – Assistant coach Ben Halford
Princeton – Assistant coach Melissa Samoskevich, assistant coach/Director of Player Development Jamie Lundmark
Rensselaer – Assistant coach Ben Murphy
Robert Morris – Assistant coach Jordan Lipson
Sacred Heart – Assistant coach Abbie Ives
St. Cloud State – Assistant coach Billy Hengen
St. Lawrence – Assistant coach Brittney Gout
St. Michael’s – Assistant coach Kevin Salinas
Stonehill – Head coach Lee-J Mirasolo, assistant coach Kendall Wagner
Syracuse – Goalkeeper coach Nick Harper
Vermont – Associate Head Coach Alex Gettens and assistant coach Victoria Blake

Transfers and Fifth Year Players

CHA

Incoming

Outgoing

Lindenwood

Fifth year returners: Rachel Goff, Gigi Pora, Madilynn Hickey,

Mercyhurst

Olivia Cvar (St. Cloud State)

A.J. Weiss (Syracuse)

Jersey Phillips (Robert Morris)

Alyssa Kawa (Franklin Pierce)

Fifth year returners: Olivia Cvar, Ena Nystrøm

Penn State

Maggie MacEachern (Colgate)

Kiara Zanon (Ohio State)

Alva Johnsson (LIU)

Olivia Wallin (Minnesota Duluth)

Brianna Brooks (New Hampshire)

Fifth year returners: Alva Johnsson, Julie Gough, Maggie MacEachern

Robert Morris

Alaina Giampietro (Ohio State)

Madison Primeau (Syracuse)

Chace Sperling (St. Cloud State)

Emma Gorski (Merrimack)

Shailynn Snow (St. Lawrence)

Morgan Giannone (St. Lawrence)

Courtney Hall (St. Cloud State)

Chloé Puddifant (St. Lawrence)

Jersey Phillips (Mercyhurst)

Mya Neugent (Bemidji State)

Fifth year returners: Gillian Thompson, Allyson Hebert, Wasyn Rice, Courtney Hall, Jersey Phillips, Shailynn Snow, Chloé Puddifant

Syracuse

A.J. Weiss (Mercyhurst)

Rhea Hicks (Clarkson)

Rachel Teslak (St. Lawrence)

Madison Primeau (Robert Morris)

Kate Holmes (Northeastern)

Sydnee Wilson (Franklin Pierce)

Allie Kelley (Saint Anselm)

Sarah Marchland (St. Lawrence)

Kailey Langefels (Holy Cross)

Mae Batherson (St. Lawrence)

Darci Johal (Holy Cross)

Hannah Johnson (Providence)

Fifth year returners: Kate Holmes, A.J. Weiss, Kailey Langefels, Darci Johal, Rachel Teslak, Marielle McHale, Hailey Uliasz, Allie Kelley

ECAC

Incoming

Outgoing

Brown

Gali Levy (Ohio State)

Clarkson

Dominique Petrie (Harvard)

Emily Wisnewski (Sacred Heart)

Rhea Hicks (Syracuse)

Stephanie Markowski (Ohio State)

Alexie Guay (Boston College)

Fifth year returners: Dominique Petrie, Darcie Lappan, Brooke McQuigge, Alexie Guay

Colgate

Sydney Morrow (Ohio State)

Rachel Golnitz (St. Thomas)

Katie Chan (Cornell)

Annaka Mettler (Boston College)

Lauren Fraser (DIII Colby College)

Jenna Duarte (USports Brock University)

Fifth year returners: Danielle Serdachny, Allyson Simpson, Sydney Bard, Kaitlyn O’Donohoe

Cornell

Katie Chan (Colgate)

Dartmouth

Megan Cornell (St. Thomas)

Jen Costa (Maine)

CC Bowlby (St. Cloud State)

Harvard

Jade Arnone (Boston College)

Princeton

Solveig Neunzert (Minnesota)

RPI

Isabelle Hardy (Providence)

Maddy Peterson (St. Cloud State)

Fifth year returners: Taylor Zahirnyi, MJ Alexander, Isabelle Hardy, Marah Wagner, Amanda Rampado

Quinnipiac

Emerson Jarvis (Ohio State)

Olivia Mobley (Ohio State)

Julia Nearis (Boston University)

Fifth year returners: Logan Angers, Kate Reilly, Alexa Hoskin, Jess Schryver, Julia Nearis, Sadie Peart

St. Lawrence

Sarah Marchland (Syracuse)

Rachel Teslak (Syracuse)

Mae Batherson (Syracuse)

Shailynn Snow (Robert Morris)

Sirena Alvarez (DIII SUNY Canton)

Morgan Giannone (Robert Morris)

Chloe Puddifant (Robert Morris)

Fifth year returners: Mae Batherson, Sirena Alvarez,

Union

No transfers

Yale

Adie Burton (Minnesota)

Hockey East

Incoming

Outgoing

Boston College

Sammy Smigliani (Colgate)

Cayla Barnes (Ohio State)

Jade Arnone (Harvard)

Hannah Bilka (Ohio State)

Annaka Mettler (Colgate)

Alexie Guay (Clarkson)

Fifth year returners: Megan Trimper, Sammy Smigliani,

Boston University

Lilli Welcke (Maine)

Louisa Welcke (Maine)

Fifth year returners: Nadia Mattivi

Connecticut

Stephanie Nevers (Sacred Heart)

Fifth year returners: Camryn Wong, Coryn Tormala, Claire Peterson, Ainsley Svetek,

Holy Cross

Kailey Langefels (Syracuse)

Darci Johal (Syracuse)

Mary Edmonds (Merrimack)

Maine

Adriana Van de Leest (Bemidji State)

Grace Parker (Stonehill)

Julia Bachetti (St. Cloud State)

Lilli Welcke (Boston University)

Abby Latorella (LIU)

Louisa Welcke (Boston University)

Jamie Grinder (Ohio State)

Emma Gurnell (Assumption)

Ann-Frederique Guay (Norwich – DIII)

Fifth year returners: Abby Latorella, Ann-Frederique Guay, Ida Kuoppala

Merrimack

Mary Edmonds (Holy Cross)

Emma Gorski (Robert Morris)

Katie Kaufman (St. Cloud State)

Fifth year returners: Teghan Inglis, Celine Tedenby, Mary Edmonds, Allison Reeb

New Hampshire

Mikah Baptiste (DIII Norwich)	Brianna Brooks (Penn State)
Fifth year returners: Rae Breton, Jada Christian, Mikah Baptiste, Tamara Thierus

Northeastern

Becca Vanstone (Yale)

Kate Holmes (Syracuse)

Fifth year returners: Katy Knoll, Becca Vanstone, Peyton Cullaton, Megan Carter, Gwyn Philips, Peyton Anderson

Providence

Hannah Johnson (Syracuse)

Grace Shirley (Wisconsin)

Fifth year returners: Lauren DeBlois, Grace Shirley

Vermont

Fifth year returners: Hailey Burns, Sara Levesque, Lily Humphrey

NEWHA

Incoming

Outgoing

Assumption

Carissa Mudrak (Saint Michael’s)
Sheridan Terrazzano (Post)
Emma Gurnell (Maine)
Kiersten Browning (Post)

Franklin Pierce

Gwen Bowler (Adrian – DIII)

Suzette Faucher (Minnesota State)

Anna Caumo (Maine)

Cailey Mclaughlin (Hamline – DIII)

Alyssa Kawa (Mercyhurst)

Lucy Hanson (Michigan – ACHA)

Maggie Korneta (LIU)

Avery Farrell (St. Cloud State)

Jenna Hartung (St. Thomas)

Sydnee Wilson (Syracuse)

Fifth year returners: Jenna Hartung

LIU

Alva Johnsson (Penn State)

Abby Latorella (Maine)

Maggie Korneta (Franklin Pierce)

Paula Bergström (Minnesota Duluth)

Post

	Emily Racco (SUNY-Cortland – DIII)
	Sadie Storm (Curry – DIII)
	Noel Neumann (New England College – DIII)
	Alexandrea Bednar (Wisconsin Eau Claire – DIII)
	Taylor Holm (Wisconsin Eau Claire – DIII)
	Sheridan Terrazzano (Assumption)
	Kiersten Browning (Assumption)

Sacred Heart

Stephanie Nevers (Connecticut)
Emily Wisnewski (Clarkson)
Kate Helgeson (Quinnipiac)
Fifth year returners: Stephanie Nevers, Emily Wisnewski, Sophie Lupone, Cassandra Nevers

Saint Anselm

Allie Kelley (Syracuse)

Saint Michaels

Carissa Mudrak (Assumpion)

Stonehill

Grace Parker (Maine)

WCHA

Incoming

Outgoing

Bemidji State

Emerald Kelley (Minnesota State)

Adriana Van de Leest (Maine)

Claire Vekich (Minnesota State)

Taylor Larson (St. Cloud State)

Reece Hunt (Minnesota Duluth)

Mya Neugent (Robert Morris)

Ella Anick (St. Cloud State)

Minnesota

Taylor Stewart (Minnesota Duluth)

Olivia King (St. Thomas)

Lucy Morgan (St. Lawrence)

Solveig Neunzert (Princeton)

Fifth year returners: Lucy Morgan, Solveig Neunzert, Taylor Stewart, Madeline Wethington

Minnesota Duluth

Olivia Wallin (Penn State)

Taylor Stewart (Minnesota)

Reece Hunt (Bemidji State)

Paula Bergström (LIU)

Fifth year returners: Reece Hunt, Mannon McMahon

Minnesota State

Claire Vekich (Bemidji State)

Anna Wilgren (Wisconsin)

Mackenzie Bourgerie (St. Cloud State)

Kelsey King (Ohio State)

Suzette Faucher (Franklin Pierce)

Calla Frank (St. Thomas)

Emerald Kelley (Bemidji State)

Fifth year returners: Charlotte Akervik, Kennedy Bobyck, Lyndsey Howard

Ohio State

Kiara Zanon (Penn State)

Alaina Giampietro (Robert Morris)

Olivia Mobley (Quinnipiac)

Emerson Jarvis (Quinnipiac)

Stephanie Markowski (Clarkson)

Sydney Morrow (Colgate)

Cayla Barnes (Boston College)

Gali Levy (Brown)

Hannah Bilka (Boston College)

Jamie Grinder (Maine)

Kelsey King (Minnesota State)

Fifth year returners: Kenzie Hauswirth, Jennifer Gardiner, Kelsey King, Cayla Barnes, Quinn Kuntz

St. Cloud State

Taylor Larson (Bemidji State)

Mackenzie Bourgerie (Minnesota State)

Maddy Peterson (RPI)

Chace Sperling (Robert Morris)

Katie Kaufman (Merrimack)

Julia Bachetti (Maine)

Avery Farrell (Franklin Pierce)

Olivia Cvar (Mercyhurst)

Ella Anick (Bemidji State)

Courtney Hall (Robert Morris)

CC Bowlby (Dartmouth)

Laura Zimmerman (St. Thomas)

Fifth year returners: Addi Scribner, Katie Kaufman, Klára Hymlárová, Taylor Lind, CC Bowlby, Maddy Peterson

St. Thomas

Olivia King (Minnesota)

Jenna Hartung (Franklin Pierce)

Rachel Golnitz (Colgate)

Laura Zimmerman (St. Cloud State)

Calla Frank (Minnesota State)

Fifth year returners: Olivia King, Allie Monrean, Calla Frank

Wisconsin

Anna Wilgren (Minnesota State)

Grace Shirley (Providence)

Fifth year returners: Anna Wilgren, Britta Curl, Chayla Edwards

After stint in NHL, Breiter selected as new Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey director of operations

By USCHO Staff

-

August 17, 2023

Mark Breiter spent the 2022-23 season working for the St. Louis Blues (photo: Minnesota Duluth Athletics).

Minnesota Duluth has named Mark Breiter as its next director of women’s hockey operations.

“I’m just excited to be at UMD and be part of the Bulldog family,” said Breiter in a statement. “I just want to thank Coach (Maura) Crowell and the staff for bringing me in, and I am ready to get to work.”

Breiter spent the last year as the assistant equipment manager for the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. Prior to his stint with the Blues, Breiter was the Minnesota State women’s hockey equipment manager from 2017 through 2022.

“We’re happy to welcome Mark to the staff,” said Crowell, set to enter her ninth season behind the bench in 2023-24. “He has extensive experience in the WCHA and also spent time in the NHL. He will be a great addition and will help us continue to operate at an elite level.”

Breiter earned his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Minnesota State in May 2022.

Vermont women’s hockey promotes Gettens to associate coach, announces former associate coach Koizumi has left for ‘other opportunities,’ hires Blake as new assistant

By USCHO Staff

-

August 17, 2023

From left, Alex Gettens, Jess Koizumi, Victoria Blake.

Vermont has announced women’s hockey staffing updates ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Alex Gettens has been promoted to associate head coach while Jess Koizumi has left the Catamounts to pursue other opportunities and Victoria Blake has been hired as an assistant coach to round out Jim Plumer’s staff ahead of his 12th season at Vermont.

“Alex has developed into one of the finest assistant coaches in the game and his promotion to associate head coach reflect his importance to our program,” said Plumer in a statement. “Over the past five years, Alex has had a direct impact on the improvements in our offensive output, our power play and our goaltending. He has stepped up five times and led the team during my absence and our record is 5-0 in those games. He is an integral part of our program, and he has earned the title of associate head coach.”

Koizumi was hired as associate head coach in 2017, overseeing the defense and penalty kill and helping to reset the record book in both categories. During the 2018-19 campaign, UVM had the best penalty kill in the NCAA with an 88.4 percent success rate, a Division I record at UVM. Last season, Vermont gave up 65 goals against in 36 games, setting the program standard in a full season.

“I want to thank Jess Koizumi for the incredible effort she put into our program over the past six years,” said Plumer. “She was a huge part of our transformation into a Hockey East and national contender, and she will be missed both on the ice and in the community. I know she will excel in the next chapter of her life.”

Coaching hires/promotions

Transfers and Fifth Year Players

CHA

Incoming

Outgoing

Lindenwood

Mercyhurst

Penn State

Robert Morris

Syracuse

ECAC

Incoming

Outgoing

Brown

Clarkson

Colgate

Cornell

Dartmouth

Harvard

Princeton

RPI

Quinnipiac

St. Lawrence

Union

Hockey East

Incoming

Outgoing

Boston College

Boston University

Connecticut

Holy Cross

Maine

Merrimack

New Hampshire

Northeastern

Providence

Vermont

NEWHA

Incoming

Outgoing

Assumption

Franklin Pierce

Suzette Faucher (Minnesota State)

Cailey Mclaughlin (Hamline – DIII)

LIU

Post

Sacred Heart

Saint Anselm

Saint Michaels

Stonehill

WCHA

Incoming

Outgoing

Bemidji State

Minnesota

Minnesota Duluth

Minnesota State

Ohio State

St. Cloud State

St. Thomas

Wisconsin

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