Andy Jones comes to Bentley with previous coaching experience at Clarkson and UMass Lowell (photo: Bentley Athletics).
Andy Jones, most recently the associate head coach at UMass Lowell, has been named the head hockey coach at Bentley.
Jones takes over for Ryan Soderquist, who departed in April after 21 seasons with the Falcons.
Jones, a 2000 graduate of Amherst, has spent the last eight years on the River Hawks staff, including the last five as associate head coach. His time at UMass Lowell included three NCAA tournament bids, five Hockey East semifinal appearances, three Hockey East championship games and a championship win over Boston College in 2017.
All told, Jones has more than 20 years of coaching experience at various levels. Eighteen of his former players have gone on to compete in the NHL.
“I am honored and excited to be named the next head coach at Bentley University,” said Jones in a statement. “I believe there is tremendous opportunity here for the ice hockey program to grow into a formidable force in Atlantic Hockey and NCAA Division I. The energy and vision of director of athletics Vaughn Williams and president E. LaBrent Chrite, coupled with the support of the diverse and dynamic Bentley community and the state-of-the-art Bentley Arena, demonstrate a clear commitment to the success of Bentley ice hockey.
“I am deeply appreciative that I have been entrusted with the task of leading the Bentley ice hockey program into its next chapter. I look forward to building a program centered on positivity, intensity and determination that will reflect the high standards of excellence and innovation that represent Bentley University.”
“As we prepare for our 25th season of Division I hockey, we’re looking for our program to move to the next level,” added Williams. “Coach Jones is the right man to help us build a championship program as he brings enthusiasm, energy and experience to Bentley. I can’t wait to see us get started.”
At UMass Lowell, Jones was involved in both player and leadership development. He oversaw the defense and worked with the penalty kill unit. Last winter, the River Hawks were eighth nationally in scoring defense and 11th best in penalty killing percentage.
“UMass Lowell hockey is proud that Andy Jones will be the next head coach of Bentley University,” said River Hawks coach Norm Bazin. “He has worked extremely hard to earn this opportunity and Bentley will be adding a terrific person/coach to their athletic department. He was a valuable part of our staff for eight years and we wish he and his family the best as they start a new chapter in their lives.”
“Playing for Andy Jones is playing with structure and competing. Andy doesn’t care if you have 15 goals or no goals, if you compete and show up every day to work, you put yourself in a situation to be successful,” said Lucas Condotta, UMass Lowell’s 2021-22 captain now with the Montreal Canadiens organization. “Playing for Andy through college, he helped me so much personally. If I wanted to shoot pucks, work on something, do extra video or had any questions, he was always there for me and for his players. I know he’s going to be an amazing head coach, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Before joining the River Hawks, Jones spent four years as an assistant coach at Clarkson (2011-15) and five seasons as an assistant coach with the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede.
The Golden Knights had 21 wins during the 2013-14 season, their most wins in seven years, and the Stampede had a .620 winning percentage during his tenure and brought home the Clark Cup in 2007. Jones also helped create a unique leadership development program that produced college captains at twice the rate of other teams in the USHL.
Jones represented his country in 2009 as an assistant coach on the gold medal-winning team during the World Junior A Challenge in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
Jones was a two-sport athlete (hockey, baseball) and a hockey team captain at Amherst. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 2000 and his MBA from UMass in 2004.
A native of Excelsior, Minn., Jones resides in Nashua, N.H., with his wife Tracy and their daughters Acadia and Maya.
Holy Cross has announced the addition of Drew Michals as an assistant coach for the men’s hockey team.
Michals most recently served as the director of hockey operations at Vermont. In that role, Michals was responsible for pre-scouting opponents, post-scouting games, running team video sessions, and managing the team budget.
As a volunteer assistant coach at Vermont the year before, Michals assisted in practice planning and recruiting efforts for the Catamounts.
“We are excited to have Drew Michals join our program as an assistant coach,” said Holy Cross head coach Bill Riga in a statement. “He has a passion and energy for the game that, when combined with his knowledge and experience at the college level, will be a great asset to our program. We look forward to getting him here and welcome him and his fiancé Annie to Worcester.”
Prior to his time in Burlington, Michals served as a skills coordinator and director of goaltending at Elev802, assistant coach at Franklin Pierce, and assistant varsity hockey coach at The Winchendon School.
A 2018 graduate of UMass Dartmouth, Michals was a goaltender for the Corsair men’s hockey team.
Brian Troy has been named the new assistant men’s hockey coach at Albertus Magnus.
Most recently, Troy was the boys varsity hockey head coach at the Winchendon School in Massachusetts. He first joined the staff at Winchendon as an assistant in 2014 until his appointment as head coach in 2018.
“I’m extremely excited to join coach Kyle Wallack and the Albertus Magnus hockey family,” Troy said in a statement. “I look forward to being a part of the continuously growing tradition of success here in New Haven.”
In addition to coaching hockey at Winchendon, Troy was the boys varsity baseball head coach (2014-18) and the boys varsity soccer assistant coach (2014-18).
Troy also held numerous administrative roles at the Winchendon School throughout his tenure, having experience as a college counselor, admissions officer, dorm head, advisor, sports information director, and assistant dean of students.
As a player, Troy was a four-year student-athlete and two-year captain at Southern New Hampshire, appearing in 89 games for the Penmen and recording 22 points on 11 goals and 11 assists.
Troy earned a B.S. in Sport Management from Southern New Hampshire.
BC’s Seamus Powell (left) battles BU’s Wilmer Skoog for the puck during a 2022-23 game (photo: Brendan Carpenter).
According to the Telegraph Herald, defenseman Seamus Powell is leaving Boston College after one season to return to junior hockey with the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints.
During the 2022-23 season with the Eagles, Powell collected one goal and was minus-3 in 21 games.
“It’s a really good opportunity to play a lot more, get stronger and develop as a player,” Powell said in the report. “Obviously, Ryan St. Louis did the same thing this last year (after leaving Northeastern) and had a ton of success. It’ll give me a chance to play my game and gain confidence, and only good things will follow.
“I talked to Dubuque quite a bit after they drafted me two years ago and again after my first year at Boston College, and I always thought it was a really good option. And Coach (Greg) Brown said it would be a really good spot for me, so I’m very grateful to be here.”
Powell joins a Dubuque team that went 32-24-5-1 last season, advancing to the second round of the Clark Cup playoffs.
“I’m excited,” Powell said. “Obviously, they had a pretty good run in the playoffs and they were always a tough team to play against when I was with the NTDP. It helps to have a lot of returners with that year under your belt. Having that experience is definitely helpful when you’re trying to make a run in the playoffs.”
Brock Sheahan has previously coached the USHL’s Chicago Steel (photo: Chicago Steel Hockey Team).
Former Irish hockey standout Brock Sheahan will return to the Notre Dame bench as an associate head coach.
A 2008 graduate from Notre Dame, Sheahan returns to his alma mater following a decade away in various coaching roles at the junior, collegiate and professional levels.
“We are very excited to welcome Brock back to the Irish hockey family,” Notre Dame head coach Jeff Jackson said in a statement. “He has developed into a tremendous coach over the last several years and is a rising star in our profession. Brock is a perfect fit for our staff, which was evident when he first started coaching here 10 years ago. For me, it’s also awesome to welcome back an alumnus that played on my very first team at Notre Dame.”
“When Coach Jackson first approached me with the possibility of coming back to Notre Dame to be a member of this great staff, it was an opportunity that my family and I have dreamt about – an opportunity to come home,” Sheahan added. “The University of Notre Dame is a place like no other and I feel that I am uniquely prepared to help the program move forward. My experience at the highest level of junior hockey with the (USHL’s) Chicago Steel, and then professionally with the (AHL’s) Chicago Wolves, will help me develop our student-athletes to the best of my ability both on and off the ice. “
Sheahan most recently served as the head coach for the Wolves in 2022-23. In one season with the team, he led the Carolina Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate to a 35-29-5 regular-season record.
“I would like to thank the Carolina Hurricanes for the opportunity to be a head coach at the AHL level last season,” Sheahan said. “It was an incredible experience and a year that helped me get better as a coach in all areas.”
Prior to his stint with the Wolves, Sheahan spent four seasons with the Steel, winning two Anderson Cups, awarded to the league’s regular-season champions (2019-20 and 2020-21), as well as capturing the 2021 Clark Cup playoff championship. Assuming the role of head coach midway through the 2019-20 season, Sheahan posted a 100-27-12-3 regular-season record at the helm of the Steel while adding an 8-3 record in the playoffs.
Sheahan also has experience coaching at the collegiate level, having spent four seasons at Holy Cross following a year as a volunteer assistant for the Irish (2013-14).
A defenseman for the Irish from 2004 to 2008, Sheahan was a sophomore during Jackson’s inaugural season behind the bench at Notre Dame. He appeared in 161 games over his collegiate career and tallied 33 points off four goals and 29 assists. Serving as alternate captain his senior year, Sheahan was named the William Donald Nyrop Award winner, presented annually to the team’s top defenseman.
“As an Irish alum, I am passionate about Notre Dame hockey,” Sheahan said. “I cannot wait to start building relationships with our young men and help them get better every day.”
Robert Morris announced Tuesday that Ryan Durocher has been named an assistant coach for the Colonials men’s hockey team.
Durocher, who spent the 2020-21 season as an assistant coach with the Colonials, is returning to the program after spending a season as director of hockey operations at Colorado College and a year as an assistant at Sacred Heart.
“We are excited that Ryan is returning to Robert Morris,” said RMU head coach Derek Schooley in a statement. “Ryan has an excellent hockey mind, relates very well to the players, and is very detailed in everything he does. We had a very good year when Ryan was here, and I am looking forward to continuing what we started.”
Durocher was an assistant coach with the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers for two seasons (2018-20). Previously, he had stints as the video coach for the AHL’s Binghamton Devils (2017-18) and St. Lawrence (2015-17).
Prior to his coaching career, Durocher played at Cortland, where he graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. He then earned his master’s in Sports Management in 2014 from Southern New Hampshire University, where he began his coaching career before moving on to join the EHL’s New England Wolves staff in 2014.
“I really believe with Ryan and Matt Nicholson, we have established one of the top staffs in Atlantic Hockey,” Schooley said.
Minnesota State has announced the hiring of Keith Paulsen as an assistant coach for the men’s hockey team.
“Keith is a real workhorse,” said Minnesota State head coach Luke Strand in a statement. “His multifaceted background will bring so many qualities for our players and staff. His recent stay in the American Hockey League (with the Iowa Wild) teaching both on and off the ice will drive player development to another level.”
“Our staff is dynamic, not only in their prior experiences in hockey, but also in their abilities to teach both on a personal and player developmental level. As our staff continues to take shape over the next several months, we are excited for the future of Maverick hockey.”
During his time with the Wild (2016-23), Paulsen coordinated live in-game and post-game video analysis and breakdown. He also prepared scout video for opponent tendencies, video for team meetings and assisted with daily practice planning and implementation.
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to join Luke Strand’s staff,” said Paulsen. “I understand the rich traditions of Maverick Hockey and look forward to working with these young men in our program. My family and I are excited to relocate to the Mankato area.”
Prior to his time with the Wild, Paulson served as the assistant general manager and associate head coach with the USHL’s Madison Capitols from Dec. 2013 to May 2016.
In 2014, Paulsen was selected as an assistant coach with team USA World Junior A Challenge where the Americans defeated Denmark 3-2 in the gold medal game.
Paulsen was also on staff with the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers from July 2010-Dec. 2013 and worked with Strand for a season during that stint.
Paulsen also served as the head coach at Rice Lake High School in Rice Lake, Wis., from 2003 to 2010.
Collegiately, Paulsen competed at UW-Eau Claire from 1996 to 2000 and was a four-year letter winner, playing with Strand for one year.
Merrimack College welcomed Richard and Susanna Gallant to break ground at Lawler Rink ahead of its new renovations (photo: Merrimack Athletics).
Renovations are underway to modernize Merrimack’s Lawler Rink in time for the 2023-24 season.
Thanks to a transformative multi million-dollar gift from Richard and Susanna Gallant, the college’s board of trustees approved significant renovations that will update several aspects of the storied facility, including a new luxury pavilion with premium seating at the north end of the rink, enhanced luxury suites, modernized game day club experience, and new designated areas for media, broadcasts and the Merrimack Marching Band.
In recognition of the Gallant’s generosity, the project also includes the naming of the new Gallant Pavilion, which will feature premium club seating and viewing areas to provide an elevated fan experience. The college held a celebration event on June 9 in the DiCroce Family Lobby of the Merrimack Athletics Complex. More than 100 people were in attendance to recognize the Gallant’s gift.
“This is just the first domino,” Gallant said of Lawler Rink. “Hold on, because we’re all going to see some enormous changes.”
Gallant and his wife Susanna have been valued partners of Merrimack for more than a decade. He serves on the college’s athletics board of advisors and is president of the USPHL’s Islanders Hockey Club, one of the premier development and competitive junior hockey programs in New England.
In March 2012, the Gallants gave a multi million-dollar gift, one of the largest gifts in the history of Merrimack, to support the Agenda for Distinction. Later that year, Gallant and Merrimack president Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D, announced a partnership between the Islanders Ice Hockey Program and Merrimack College, which in part led to the construction of a second rink on campus, Gallant Arena.
Through this partnership, Gallant Arena and Merrimack’s campus have become a premier destination for competitive hockey development. It provides a state-of-the-art facility to communities in Merrimack Valley and New England and has seen millions of visitors for hockey games and events over the years.
“These renovations will be game-changing for Merrimack College,” said Hopey. “Hosting Division I competitions, and winning Division I competitions, will strengthen our value proposition and competitive position nationally. It will help us achieve our research goals, our graduate goals, our enrollment goals and our mission goals. Projects like the Lawler renovation will contribute to advancing our aspirations, vision and mission.”
Lawler Arena is home to Merrimack’s women’s and men’s basketball and hockey teams. The 2022-23 season was one of the most successful in the history of the men’s hockey program. Twelve of the men’s team’s 23 wins on the season came at Lawler, and the Warriors went on to play in the Hockey East tournament finals and the NCAA men’s hockey tournament.
“This venue is going to become a space where we can celebrate our community, the success of our athletic programs, the achievements of our student-athletes, and the enthusiasm that comes with it,” said Merrimack director of athletics Jeremy Gibson.
According to a news release, “The Gallants’ generosity over the years has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Merrimack community, its students, employees and alumni. They helped to establish one of the College’s most fruitful community partnerships and continue to provide Merrimack with resources and support for student-athlete and fan experiences.”
Eric Sorenson served as an assistant coach at Holy Cross from 2021 to 2023 (photo: Holy Cross Athletics).
UMass Lowell has tabbed Eric Sorenson as the men’s hockey team’s newest assistant coach.
Sorenson comes to Lowell after spending two years as an assistant hockey coach at Holy Cross.
“Eric was organized and very prepared for this process,” said UMass Lowell head coach Norm Bazin in a statement. “Throughout our discussions, he came across as very intelligent and articulate. He is someone who has acquired a great deal of knowledge in his six years of coaching at the lower levels. He will work with our goaltenders and act as our recruiting coordinator. We welcome him and his wife Julia to the UMass Lowell hockey family.”
During his time on staff in Worcester, Sorenson focused specifically on skill development for the defensemen and goaltenders, in addition to managing the penalty kill unit.
“I am extremely excited to join the hockey staff and community here at UMass Lowell,” said Sorenson. “It is a tremendous opportunity to join a great group of coaches and players, and I look forward to helping build on the successes Coach Bazin and company have had here. I am grateful for this opportunity and eager to get to work.”
Before heading to Holy Cross, Sorenson spent time working with a pair of NCAA Division III institutions. He served as the first head coach at Rivier, responsible for leading the launch of the young program in 2020. Prior to Rivier, he served as an assistant coach at Williams from 2018 to 2020. Sorenson has also made stops at Nazareth and the junior-level Rochester Jr. Americans, as both the assistant and goaltending coach.
Throughout his eight-year coaching tenure, Sorenson has been responsible for a multitude of tasks, including pre-scouting of opponents, game day lineup preparation, in-game adjustments and post-game analysis. He has also helped facilitate player skill development, resulting in 17 all-conference players, one rookie of the year, a conference player of the year and an All-American selection.
Having played college hockey at Western New England from 2010 to 2014, Sorenson served as the team’s starting goaltender and holds the program records for career wins, saves and shutouts.
Sorenson earned his bachelor of science in business administration and sport management from Western New England in 2014. He went onto earn his masters in sport administration from Canisius in 2017.
Jordan Lipson spent the 2022-23 season behind the bench at Lindenwood (photo: Lindenwood Athletics).
Robert Morris has announced that Jordan Lipson has been named an assistant coach for the Colonials women’s hockey team.
During the 2022-23 season, Lipson was an assistant coach at Lindenwood.
“Jordan brings a high level of experience in both her coaching and playing career,” said RMU head coach Logan Bittle in a statement. “She will provide a great deal of leadership to our student-athletes. We are thrilled to have Jordan as a member of our RMU women’s hockey family.”
During her one season at Lindenwood, Lipson primarily worked with the defense, as she will with the Colonials.
Lipson, a forward in her playing career, stated, “It’s where I’m comfortable on the bench. I look at it as a quarterback, turning my defenseman into offensive defenseman, moving the play up the ice.” Lipson also had input at Lindenwood on the squad’s special teams’ units, including the power play and penalty kill.
Prior to Lindenwood, Lipson spent four years as an assistant coach of the women’s hockey team at Williams.
Lipson was an accomplished player during her collegiate career at Plattsburgh, located in upstate N.Y. All four seasons, Lipson won a national championship and an ECAC West championship in her career from 2013 to 2017. Lipson is tied for the record for most power-play goals in a season at Plattsburgh and eclipsed the 100-point milestone in her career. While at Plattsburgh, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in history, and minored in political science and coaching.
From Davis, Calif., Lipson moved to Connecticut to attend prep school at Pomfret to play hockey.
“I knew I wanted to coach since I was 14,” said Lipson. “Ten years ago, there weren’t as many opportunities for women, but I knew I wanted to be involved in the game and never be away from it.”
Coming to RMU, Lipson stated she was impressed with the culture built by Bittle and his staff.
“I’m really excited to work with a program that the school really wants,” Lipson said. “We all want to work towards success. Hearing about the team it feels like a family. Logan laid a foundation to create a good culture. I hope to create an environment so they’re successful and look to have a breakout season.”
“We’re incredibly excited about the addition of Jordan to our coaching staff,” added RMU assistant coach Liam Cavanagh. “Her impressive college background and expertise will bring a fresh perspective to our program that will be a tremendous asset to our student-athletes and hockey community. I can’t wait to work alongside Jordan as we make our return this year.”
Over Bittle’s final five seasons as associate head coach from 2016 to 2021, the Colonials compiled an overall record of 97-47-21, including a 66-22-11 mark in the CHA. Robert Morris claimed three consecutive CHA regular-season championships (2017, 2018, 2019) and appeared in a pair of NCAA tournaments (2017, 2021). The Colonials also won their first CHA tournament crown in 2012, Bittle’s second season as an assistant coach with the program.
“The coaches have done a superb job sweeping the portal in the first two weeks,” said Lipson. “We’ll do a great job and I’m excited to see where this first year takes us and the next few years as a program.”
The MASCAC council of presidents and commissioner Angela Baumann have announced that Anna Maria and Rivier will be joining the conference as affiliate members.
Anna Maria and Rivier will join MASCAC men’s hockey beginning in 2024-25 and provisionally for MASCAC women’s hockey. They will join Fitchburg State, Framingham State, MCLA, Plymouth State, UMass Dartmouth, Salem State, Westfield State and Worcester State as the competing members in the MASCAC.
The multi-sport strategic addition of both of these institutions as affiliates adds members to assist in men’s hockey scheduling and positions the conference in preparations for launching MASCAC women’s hockey as a championship sport in the near future.
“The MASCAC is thrilled to welcome Anna Maria College and Rivier University to the conference,” Baumann said in a statement. “The addition of these institutions secures the future of MASCAC men’s ice hockey while addressing some scheduling logistics and sets the pathway for additional opportunities. Partnering as affiliates with these two institutions in our geographic footprint advances the MASCAC membership towards reaching a strategic goal of increasing the number of sports in the league with the addition of women’s ice hockey.
“I look forward to working with both institutions, their administrations and providing outstanding student-athlete opportunities.”
The Anna Maria men’s hockey team is gearing up for its sixth season in their program’s history. The team has amassed a 36-53-13 record since starting back in 2018-19.
“Our student-athletes, coach David McCauley and coach Zachary Perkins have worked hard to build a respected program in the region and the opportunity to compete in the MASCAC conference is something we are all looking forward to,” Anna Maria director of athletics Joseph Brady said. “We are thankful to Commissioner Baumann, the presidents of the MASCAC universities, and the athletics directors for this invitation. The chance to compete for a conference championship is a tremendous opportunity for both programs and our department. This new partnership with the MASCAC will continue to enhance our student-athlete experience for our hockey programs.”
The Rivier men’s hockey team is heading into just its third season in the history of the program, holding a 13-31-4 record in its young existence.
“The Rivier University department of athletics is thrilled to align with the MASCAC for men’s and women’s ice hockey,” Rivier director of athletics Jonathan Harper said. “As we enter our third year sponsoring hockey, we look forward to quality competition while affording our student-athletes with the opportunity to contend for a conference championship. I would like to thank Sister Paula Marie Buley for her support and leadership through this process along with Commissioner Angela Baumann who worked diligently with the MASCAC presidents and directors of athletics to make this partnership a reality.
“This opportunity is a tremendous enhancement for the Rivier hockey student-athlete experience.”
New ECAC Hockey commissioner Doug Christiansen has a long history being involved in the game of hockey (photo: Dan Hickling).
This past season reinforced the two different ways of looking at ECAC Hockey.
In a positive sense, its top team won the national championship as part of a four-bid postseason in the NCAA tournament, and ECAC matched a more heralded conference when it equaled the Big Ten with a quarter of the national tournament’s teams.
Cornell’s shutout win over Denver dethroned the defending national champion, and Quinnipiac’s run to its first title included wins over Ohio State, Michigan and Minnesota, the latter of which were considered star-crossed for a national final rematch.
Defanging the Big Ten produced the league’s third national championship and eradicated any lingering memories of the derisive comments referencing curses, voodoo, hexes or droughts wrought by Harvard’s 1989 championship, but the drama came at a negative cost to the conference’s bottom tier.
Three teams occupied slots among the 10 worst teams in the annual Pairwise Rankings. Three more were within shouting distance, and a whopping 16 spots separated Cornell from Colgate, the fourth team into the tournament and conference tournament champion.
Few seasons matched the success of watching ECAC’s men’s league ascend to hallowed ground, but few seasons equally complemented wins with the frustration experienced by onlookers who saw a 12-team conference place so many teams in the bottom tier. It was, in some ways, the capstone on retiring commissioner Steve Hagwell’s career, even as windows into future needs opened.
That type of duality has long been woven in the conference’s genetic code, and its announcement on Tuesday that Doug Christiansen would become its next shepherd signaled exactly how the league would commit to keeping things the same while changing for the better.
“I love the league,” Christiansen said during his virtual introductory press conference Tuesday. “I’m passionate about the league. I think it’s second to none in terms of the priority and opportunities that it provides for both men and women. You look at those [member] institutions, both academically and athletically, and they’re outstanding. I really enjoyed the opportunity that I had with the USHL. It’s a phenomenal league, and I learned a ton. And when this opportunity came up and presented itself, it was something that I pursued and wanted.”
The hire itself reads like a no-brainer decision for the ECAC’s member institutions. Christiansen played and graduated from Union during the Kevin Sneddon era, but his understanding of college hockey’s evolution extended to every phase and level embedded throughout the sport’s landscape.
His playing career involved years spent traveling throughout the ECHL before spending one season with the infamous Danbury Trashers in the independent United Hockey League, and after cycling through several AHL teams, Christiansen finished his domestic career by playing 99 career games with the Reading Royals. Three years later, he finished his career overseas with the Elite Ice Hockey League’s Edinburg Capitals and transitioned to coaching, and he eventually landed back on North American shores as the head coach of the Indy Fuel, experience he augmented when the USHL made the Wisconsin native its deputy commissioner last season.
“I thought I was going to be a lawyer,” he laughed, “but to me, the one constant in my life has been with hockey. It had been a part of every part of my life, dating back to being a young boy, all the way through high school and college. It’s been at every single spot along my journey.
“The other piece that’s been massive has been the education and the opportunities that I had away from home. I think this is consistent with that [idea]. It’s something that I look back at my time at Union, so I’m cautiously optimistic that I can try to help make sure that student-athletes who are there now or coming in the future have a similar experience to what I had, and then hopefully, they come back, whether that’s as a donor or a fan or somebody who just watches from afar. I want student-athletes to have that connection to all of our schools as well.”
Understanding those ideals are a reason why Christiansen can continue several of the league’s growth initiatives since he left the Capital District at the start of the century. ECAC spent the last 25 years on the cutting edge of the streaming revolution before it leveraged its Ivy League affiliates’ move from the Ivy League Digital Network to the burgeoning ESPN+ platform, and after moving its conference championship to Albany, N.Y., for eight years before three ill-fated seasons in Atlantic City, the Whitelaw Cup’s final rounds returned to Lake Placid in 2014.
Those successes helped the league mine its talent base, and the women’s league produced Olympic medalists opposite the Stanley Cup champions of the men’s league. The first league to ever boast a full complement of membership among both genders claimed the first NCAA Women’s Frozen Four championship for an eastern-based team, and in 2018, the first-ever all-eastern championship game featured Clarkson and Colgate after the Raiders beat second-ranked Wisconsin in double-overtime. Four of this past year’s 11 teams in the women’s tournament also called ECAC home.
“It’s hard to build on a national champion,” Christiansen explained. “Having four women’s teams and four men’s teams make the NCAA Tournament is a hard thing to build upon, but it’s obviously something we want to make sure we continue to work towards and to make that a consistent thing.
Yet there’s an understanding that things aren’t always rosy, and an era defined by realignment, the transfer portal, and the emerging business side of Name, Image, and Likeness puts ECAC in a precarious position. The conference carries more freight than its seven-team or eight-team counterparts, and while it’s nearly impossible to place all of those teams atop college hockey’s annual analytics, being able to further establish or reinforce foundations for both the men’s and women’s league is paramount for teams seeking to reach the next level.
“The coaches [in women’s hockey] have done a phenomenal job of attracting the elite, Canadian players,” Christiansen said, “but I think we can do an even better job of attracting some of the best American players. The highest concentration of women’s college hockey players is in the state of Minnesota, and unlike the East Coast, there aren’t an abundance of programs there.
“On the academic index, where the schools are, what the grade requirements are, hopefully that helps coaches get a foothold and attract women to the ECAC, and the opportunities that academically are available to both men and women is a great selling point. It won me over [as a recruit].”
That’s on the backdrop of a more free-wheeling sports world, and not even a national champion can quiet the rumor mill regarding expansion or break-ups. It doesn’t seem to matter to the hot stove that Hagwell embraced the 12-team model and solidified it during the radical realignment of the 2010s, and while Christiansen affirmed the league’s overall body by openly saying the league will stay at its dozen members, questions remain about how those members will operate in a world increasingly defined by dollars and the business terms.
“In terms of my vision, I think branding and recognition [can improve], whether it’s revenue or really trying to sell and celebrate the players and student-athletes,” Christiansen said. “The second piece is that this is an interesting time with [NIL]. You look at the member institutions of our school or in our conference, there are a lot of different types of schools. But there’s one common piece: they all have passionate fan bases. I think it’s going to be incumbent upon the league to help the coaches and administrators navigate that in this time.
“Because at the end of the day, you look at the schools and some of the endowments, some of the alumni, and it could be very, very impactful for both men and women in the coming years.”
Hagwell’s tenure created ECAC as it appears in the current era. It built a championship league and navigated churning, murky waters after the downturn of the 2000s signaled warning signs. He shepherded a league into which Christiansen arrived, and the players of his era transitioned the conference into an ultra-talented group capable of winning national titles.
The next step turns its attention to how that league converts its academic reputation into consistent capital during an equally muddy era. College hockey is entering arguably its most popular era, and the future is stronger than ever before. This hire, at least on paper and at first glance, more than completes that circle while starting it anew.
Christiansen is a seasoned hockey professional, serving in a range of roles over the past two decades, including player, coach, general manager, administrator, advisor and speaker. A proven leader, he will bring a wealth of experience, a growth mindset and a vast network to ECAC Hockey.
“Doug impressed the search committee with his energy and plans to capitalize on the strengths of our league,” said Sarah Fraser, incoming ECAC Hockey executive committee chair and deputy director of athletics/SWA at Quinnipiac, in a statement. “He is well connected in the sport of hockey and will be able to engage with external constituents as easily as he will with our coaches and administrators. His familiarity with ECAC Hockey and his previous involvement with the entire ecosystem of the sport will be a true benefit to our membership and student-athletes.”
The hiring marks a return to ECAC Hockey for Christiansen who competed for four seasons on the men’s hockey team at Union from 1998 to 2002. The Wisconsin native most recently served as deputy commissioner of the USHL where he oversaw operations and properties and served as the primary point of contact for USA Hockey, NHL Central Scouting, and media entities.
“I am honored to be chosen by the ECAC Hockey membership to be their next commissioner at this transformational time in college hockey,” said Christiansen. “ECAC Hockey is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and our conference has the potential to lead the way into this next stage of college hockey. I intend to raise the profile of the ECAC Hockey brand in the era of Name, Image and Likeness and the transfer portal. Prospective student-athletes have the opportunity to make a decision that will define the next 40 years of their life in a positive way. I want to help simplify and amplify that message in a way that coaches and administrators can use to attract and retain some of the best student-athletes in the world.”
Player development has been the cornerstone of Christiansen’s career with roles that have consistently placed him at the forefront of the ever-changing hockey landscape. He is currently a member of the USA Hockey Junior Council, which oversees junior hockey in the United States, and has spearheaded a series of collaborative initiatives with the NHL focused on DEI, mental health and player safety.
During his time with the USHL, Christiansen presented at the NHL Leadership Summit and has spoken to over 18,000 players, coaches, advisors and parents. As the new face of ECAC Hockey, Christiansen is well-prepared to raise the profile of the conference through targeted speaking engagements, creative social media campaigns and strategic partnerships.
“As a passionate ECAC Hockey alum, I am excited to promote the benefits of competing in ECAC Hockey, both on and off the ice, and I’m confident that we will have the resources and thought-leadership to build upon an already strong foundation laid by Steve Hagwell,” said Christiansen. “I am excited about generating new revenue to enhance the experience for the student-athletes as they work toward winning national championships in men’s and women’s ice hockey.
“I have seen first-hand how a league office can highlight the great work of coaches and players and I intend to bring that experience to ECAC Hockey. I look forward to using my experience and network in partnership with our presidents, coaches, and athletic directors to shape the future of the ECAC Hockey brand and accentuate our collective strengths.”
In addition to an earlier stint in the USHL as director of player development and recruitment from 2014 to 2018, Christiansen spent four seasons (2018-22) as a general manager and head coach in the ECHL, beginning with the Manchester Monarchs (then-Los Angeles Kings affiliate) followed by three seasons with the Indy Fuel (then-Chicago Blackhawks affiliate).
Following his professional hockey playing career, Christiansen served as a head coach and director of hockey operations for seven seasons in the United Kingdom’s Elite League, which included a league championship in 2012, two-time coach of the year honors, and an appointment as head coach of Team Great Britain for the IIHF World Championships. Perhaps most notably, Christiansen spent three seasons coaching the Belfast Giants and looks forward to returning to Northern Ireland for the Belpot Tournament and Friendship Series.
Christiansen earned his master’s degree in Sports Business Management from the University of Edinburgh and a bachelor’s degree at Union. His family’s ties to league member institutions run deep as his brother, Jeff, was also a hockey player at Union (2010), his wife, Meghan, was a basketball player at Yale (2003) and his brother-in-law Brian was a basketball player at Harvard (2006).
He currently resides in Carmel, Ind., with his wife Meghan and their two children and plans to relocate to the Northeast later this year.
Katey Stone was behind the Harvard bench for 29 seasons (USCHO.com file photo).
After 29 years at the helm of the Harvard women’s hockey program, Katey Stone announced her retirement from coaching Tuesday.
During her tenure as Harvard’s head coach, Stone has built a national powerhouse of a hockey program, including appearances in 12 NCAA regionals, six Frozen Fours, and four national title games, as well as nine Ivy League championships, 14 total ECAC championships, 12 Beanpot titles and the 1999 national championship.
Stone’s student-athletes have garnered over 250 individual, national, conference, and league honors. On the international ice, Stone served as Team USA’s head coach from 2010 to 2014 earning a silver medal at the 2014 Olympic Games, along with gold and silver success at the 2011-2013 World Championships and Four Nations Cups.
“It has been my distinct pleasure to represent Harvard and lead our storied program for nearly three decades,” said Stone in a statement. “The opportunity to coach and empower the amazingly talented women of Harvard hockey has been both a personal and professional privilege. The relationships fostered with my players over the years has been the very best part of my job. Their personal accomplishments both at Harvard and beyond, along with our shared achievements, will always be a point of great pride and inspiration for me.
“The decision to retire from any profession is never an easy decision. For coaches, stepping down from the bench, leaving the program you have poured your heart and soul into for this many years, is especially hard. I believe a coach knows in their heart when it is time for change, and I look forward to supporting the next chapter in Harvard women’s hockey. I am grateful to my coaching colleagues and administrators who have supported my journey. Thank you to my players and alumni for sharing your lives with me. I will continue to root for each and every young woman who has come through our beloved program. It has been an honor of a lifetime to be your coach.”
Harvard athletic director Erin McDermott remarked on Stone’s coaching career at Harvard.
“We recognize the decades of service and commitment that Katey has given to this university and athletic department,” said McDermott. “We thank her for all she has done to build the women’s hockey program here, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
A search for a head coach will commence immediately.
Greg Cronin coached at Northeastern from 2005 to 2011 (photo: Northeastern Athletics).
The NHL’s Anaheim Ducks have named Greg Cronin head coach, the 11th head coach in franchise history.
Cronin, 60, begins his first stint as an NHL head coach following 36 years of prior coaching and player development experience, including 12 years as an NHL assistant coach, and roles in the AHL) NCAA and at USA Hockey.
“While we did cast a wide net in searching for the next head coach, it became clear to me that Greg would be the ideal fit for the position,” said Ducks GM Pat Verbeek in a statement. “Being a young team, I felt we needed a teacher of the finer points of the game, and someone who has worked extensively over time with talented young players, helping them develop into successful NHL players. Greg has done all that and more, and we are excited to name him head coach of the Anaheim Ducks.”
Cronin joins Anaheim after spending five seasons as the head coach of the AHL’s Colorado Eagles.
“I’m excited and honored to be named head coach of the Anaheim Ducks,” said Cronin. “This team has a fantastic future ahead, and I’m very grateful to the Samueli family and Pat Verbeek for entrusting me with this amazing opportunity.”
Prior to his role with Colorado, Cronin spent four seasons with the New York Islanders, including three seasons as an assistant coach (2014-17), before being promoted to associate coach in 2017-18. He also served as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2011 to 2014.
Cronin’s first stint with the Islanders organization spanned seven seasons, including two seasons as head coach of the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers (2002-05), and five seasons as an assistant coach from 1998 to 2003. He also served as the club’s director of player development from 2002-05.
Cronin spent six seasons as the head coach at Northeastern from 2005 to 2011. He was named the Hockey East’s coach of the year in 2009 after guiding the team to a 25-12-4 record and the school’s first NCAA tournament appearance in 15 years. He was an assistant coach at Maine from 1988 to 1990 and 1993 to 1995, while he served as interim head coach from Dec. 1995 through Dec. 1996. He was also an assistant coach at Colorado College (1990-93) where he helped the Tigers reach the WCHA tournament final in 1992 for the first time in 14 years.
A co-founder of the United States National Team Development Program, Cronin spent the inaugural season of the program as director of player development in 1996-97 and served as head coach in 1997-98. Cronin assisted in developing players from the inaugural U.S. NTDP team to be selected in the NHL Draft, including the first overall selection in 2000, Rick DiPietro. Additional top drafted players include Ron Hainsey (13th overall in 2000), Jordan Leopold (second round in 1999), Brad Winchester (second round in 2000) and John Michael-Liles (fifth round in 2000).
Cronin played four seasons of collegiate hockey at Colby College from 1982 to 1986, helping the team to ECAC Division II Final Four appearances in 1983 and 1984, while he received the most improved player award in 1984 and the coach’s award in 1986. He began his coaching career at his alma mater in 1987-88. He earned a master’s degree in business at Maine in 1990 while serving as a graduate assistant for the hockey program.
The Arlington, Mass., native served as an assistant coach for Team USA at three IIHF World Championships (1997, 2011 and 2012). He was also an assistant coach at back-to-back World Junior Championships in 1997 and 1998, helping the U.S. to a silver medal in 1997.
Atlantic Hockey and College Hockey America will merge operations beginning with the 2024-25 college hockey season.
Atlantic Hockey and CHA have shared a commissioner and conference staff since 2010 but have operated as separate entities with their own boards of directors and by-laws.
“Merging our two leagues gives us the opportunity to streamline our operations and build an enhanced brand in men’s and women’s ice hockey as a unified conference,” Atlantic Hockey and CHA commissioner Michelle Morgan said in a statement. “Joining forces under one name provides a strong foundation for both leagues as we build a new experience for our current and future men’s and women’s student-athletes, coaches and fans.”
“Atlantic Hockey and College Hockey America have a long-standing working relationship, and as we welcome Michelle Morgan as our new commissioner, the timing is perfect to officially merge operations and reimagine the brand and potential of our conference under one banner,” Atlantic Hockey board chairman and Mercyhurst assistant VP for athletics Bradley Davis added. “The board of directors and our head coaches look forward to working with Commissioner Morgan on strengthening our league. This merger is a great first step in that direction.”
The conferences will operate separately for the 2023-24 season and will officially merge operations on July 1, 2024.
“College Hockey America and Atlantic Hockey are at an important and exciting stage in their shared history,” CHA board chairman and Syracuse senior associate athletics director Jamie Mullin said. “We have an opportunity to redefine both leagues as a unified men’s and women’s college ice hockey brand. Merging the conferences with a new vision, under the direction of commissioner Michelle Morgan, sends a clear message that it is a new era for our conference.”
Details regarding the new structure will be announced at a later date.
Mercyhurst women’s players celebrate a goal Jan. 23, 2023 against Penn State (photo: Ed Mailliard).
The Mercyhurst women’s hockey team will travel soon to Sweden as part of an international summer trip.
The Lakers will be the only Division I women’s hockey program to head overseas this summer to compete.
From July 22-31, the team will journey to Stockholm to play a slate of games against both the Swedish national team and the Swedish developmental team. All the newcomers will join head coach Mike Sisti’s returners to gain experience as a full team before the 2023-24 season.
“This will be an amazing educational, cultural, and physically challenging experience for our team,” said Sisti in a news release. “It will be a great opportunity to exchange ideas and showcase women’s hockey. We are very excited that we were able to pull everything together for this trip to Sweden. I appreciate Sweden national team head coach Ulf Lundberg and his staff for inviting us to this unique event.”
Current Laker Thea Johansson and incoming freshman Sofia Ljung have both competed for the Swedish national programs, Johansson on the national team and Ljung on the under-18 team. Mercyhurst will have six student-athletes on next year’s roster from Europe including Nystrøm, Johansson, Ljung, Sofia Nuutinen, Sofia Skriver, and Emmi Mouruarjvi.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming Mercyhurst University to Stockholm in the end of July,” said Lundberg. “I liked their environment and their program a lot when I was over there in January. And I am sure the exchange will be a win-win both hockey wise and in the bigger picture.”
“We are looking forward to having parents, alumni, administrators, and Mercyhurst fans travel to see us in Stockholm,” added Sisti. “This year will be our 25th season and this will be a terrific way to get it started. I am looking forward to seeing how we can share information and find beneficial ways to have both sides improve our systems moving forward. It is fantastic to see the support and enthusiasm our entire Mercyhurst administration has for this endeavor.”
The Lakers team has had many notable international student-athletes, including current alternate captain Ena Nystrøm. Mercyhurst has had upwards of 30 former players who participated in the Olympics and world championships, including Meaghan Agosta, who won three gold medals and a silver medal for Canada in the Olympics. Agosta is still the all-time leading scorer for NCAA Division I women’s hockey. Kelley Steadman, Emma Nuutinen, Johannah Malstrom, Vilma Tanskanen, Vikki Bendus, and Valaria Chouinard are just a few of the many Lakers that have participated internationally for their countries.
Along with competing, the team will be exploring Sweden and learning more about the country through educational and sightseeing opportunities. They are looking forward to meeting young hockey fans in Stockholm and help grow the women’s hockey game in Sweden.
Rachel Grampp played four years at Elmira, graduating in 2018 (photo: Elmira Athletics).
Buffalo State has hired Rachel Grampp as the head coach of the women’s hockey team.
Grampp took over as the interim head coach for the Bengals partway through the 2021-22 season and led the Bengals to a six-win improvement in her first full season as interim coach in 2022-23.
“We are thrilled to officially appoint Rachel Grampp as the head coach of the Buffalo State women’s hockey program,” Buffalo State director of athletics Renee Carlineo said in a statement. “Over the last 18 months, Rachel has showcased her commitment to improving this program academically and athletically, while focusing on the betterment of our student-athletes. Coach Grampp has proven her value as a leader of young women, and I am confident in the direction that this program is headed.
“Rachel has demonstrated a strong knowledge of the game of hockey, an innate ability to build and nurture strong relationships with student-athletes and staff and has displayed a vision for this program that aligns with our department, our university, and our community. I am excited to see the growth and progress that the Buffalo State women’s hockey team will make under Rachel’s continued guidance.”
During the 2022-23 season, Buffalo State posted its best record since the 2018-19 season, including five victories at home. The Bengals also doubled their goal production from the previous year, scoring 58 goals. That mark was the highest in a single season since the 2016-17 season for Buffalo State.
Prior to taking over as interim coach, Grampp was an assistant coach for Buffalo State from 2019 to 2021. She also has previous coaching experience as an assistant coach with Canton in the 2018-19 season.
“I would like to thank director of athletics Renee Carlineo, senior associate AD Jeff Ventura, and associate AD Jim Fowler for this opportunity to lead the Buffalo State Bengals as the head women’s ice hockey coach,” Grampp said. “I have been really blessed throughout my career with the support I have received since joining the staff in 2019. Buffalo is where I call home, and words cannot express my gratitude to be able to continue to develop this program, in this city, alongside my family and loved ones. They have helped me tremendously throughout my journey and I would not be here if I did not have their support. I would also like to thank all the coaches I have worked for, with, or had as a player as they have helped mold me into the coach and person I am today.
“I can’t wait to continue working with our student-athletes, coaching staff, and administration to bring this program back to its winning ways. This program is loaded with potential, and I look forward to continuing to develop the student-athletes both on and off the ice.”
Grampp was a standout defenseman for Elmira from 2014 to 2018, earning UCHC defensive player of the year and All-American honors as a senior. During her time, the Soaring Eagles earned national runner-up finishes twice, and reached the NCAA tournament in all four seasons. She also was a key member of the women’s lacrosse team (28 goals, 16 assists, 44 points) and women’s soccer team (120 saves as a goalkeeper) at Elmira.
Grampp graduated from Elmira in 2018 with degrees in psychology and criminal justice.
From left, Brett Larson, Steve Miller, David Lassonde, and Travis Culhane.
USA Hockey has announced the rest of the coaching staff for the 2024 U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, Dec. 26, 2023 to Jan. 5, 2024 in Gothenburg, Sweden.
St. Cloud State head coach Brett Larson and Minnesota associate head coach Steve Miller have been named assistant coaches, USA Hockey’s David Lassonde goaltending coach, and Denver director of hockey operations Travis Culhane video coach.
The group will work with Denver head coach David Carle, who was previously named head coach of the team.
“We’ve got a terrific coaching staff overall,” said John Vanbiesbrouck, general manager of the 2024 U.S. National Junior Team and assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey, in a statement. “The blend of experience we have will serve us well in our ultimate goal of bringing home a gold medal.”
“I’m thankful to have the great group of assistant coaches in place,” added Carle. “I look forward to utilizing the vast experience they bring collectively to put us in the best possible position to win gold.”
