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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOFF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A national search for her replacement will begin immediately.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WALSH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCHOEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

McCRACKEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keene State adding NCAA Division III men’s, women’s hockey starting with 2024-25 season

Keene State has announced the addition of men’s and women’s hockey to the list of its varsity program offerings.

Hockey will start with the 2024-25 season.

“I am thrilled to announce the launch of Keene State Owls D-III ice hockey,” Keene State president Dr. Melinda Treadwell said in a statement. “The decision supports strategic enrollment and potential academic program growth for our college. In the case of hockey, of equal strategic benefit is that this investment supports our community’s growing passion and the future success of Keene Ice. This is exactly how a public college can support itself and make a positive difference for the region it shares.”

The men’s and women’s hockey teams will compete during the 2024-25 season as independent programs. In 2025-26, the men’s program will transition to competition within the Little East Conference.

Castleton University, Plymouth State University, UMass Dartmouth, UMass Boston, and the University of Southern Maine are current LEC members that feature men’s ice hockey.

Keene State men’s hockey has a history of success as a club sport program competing in the ACHA. In 2023, the team captured the New England Collegiate Hockey Association Patriots Conference championship, defeating Boston College 6-0 in the semifinals and Northeastern 3-2 to reach the ACHA Northeast Regional tournament. In that regional, the Owls lost 3-2 in overtime to Vermont.

Plans are still under way to confirm a conference for the women’s program, according to Keene State athletic director Marty Testo.

Per NCAA regulations, six member institutions must sponsor a sport for the league to receive an automatic qualifying bid for the NCAA Division III championships. Keene State will become the fifth LEC member to sponsor hockey for women. Castleton, Plymouth State, UMass Boston, and Southern Maine also feature women’s hockey.

Keene State hockey teams will host games at Keene Ice on Marlboro Street in Keene, N.H.

Little East Conference to join NCAA men’s Division III hockey ranks in 2025-26, eyeing women’s hockey membership as well

The Little East Conference announced Monday that the league will begin sponsoring men’s hockey as a championship sport beginning with the 2025-26 academic year.

The addition of men’s hockey raises the LEC’s championship offerings to 22 sports.

The conference’s ability to sponsor men’s hockey follows Keene State’s addition of men’s and women’s hockey as varsity programs. LEC bylaws require sport sponsorship once six programs are offered by its primary membership, which allows the LEC to secure an immediate automatic berth in the NCAA Division III championship tournament.

“We are very excited to begin offering men’s ice hockey as a LEC championship and hope to soon be able to offer a women’s ice hockey championship as well,” said LEC commissioner Pamela S. Samuelson in a statement. “Being able to bring additional sports offered by our primary members into the LEC strengthens our conference as a whole, allowing us to provide more student-athletes the same highly competitive experiences as their peers in existing LEC sports.”

The inaugural season of LEC men’s hockey will be played between Keene State, UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, Plymouth State, Southern Maine and Vermont State Castleton. The triple-round robin schedule will fill 15 games of each team’s 25-game regular-season slate.

The 2025-26 launch of LEC men’s hockey will allow existing programs to fulfill obligations to their current affiliate conferences. This marks the third expansion of sport offerings by the LEC in recent years, following the addition of men’s golf and men’s swimming and diving for the 2021-22 academic year.

Keene State will sponsor the fifth women’s hockey program among the LEC’s current primary membership, joining established programs at UMass Boston, Plymouth State, Southern Maine and VTSU Castleton. The process to add women’s hockey as an LEC championship sport will begin if a sixth program emerges from within or outside of the LEC’s primary membership.

Longtime Arizona State assistant Field leaves Sun Devils, takes job with WHL’s Silvertips

FIELD

Arizona State associate head coach Mike Field has left the Sun Devils for an assistant coach position with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips.

Field served with ASU for eight seasons. While there, Field managed the team’s defensemen as well as the team’s penalty kill.

Under his tutelage, the Sun Devils ranked third-best in Division I last season with an 86.7 percent success rate and finished in the country’s top 10 three times in the last five seasons.

Prior to Arizona State, Field also spent four years as an assistant coach at American International.

Former Minnesota goaltender Kautz named new assistant coach for Bemidji State men’s hockey team

Brock Kautz spent four years in the Minnesota crease from 2015 to 2019 (photo: Minnesota Athletics).

Brock Kautz, currently an assistant coach with the NAHL’s St. Cloud Norsemen, will join the Bemidji State men’s hockey staff as an assistant coach.

Kaut spent the past season with the Norsemen, helping lead the team to a third-place finish in the NAHL Central Division and advancing to the playoffs and pulling off a first-round upset win over the Aberdeen Wings.

“I am very grateful to be joining the Bemidji State coaching staff,” Kautz said in a statement. “I am excited to be a part and carry on the great tradition that has been established at Bemidji State University.”

As a member of the BSU men’s hockey staff, Kautz will oversee the goalies and will assist in all aspects of coaching, player development, and recruiting.

“Brock’s played and coached at a high level,” Beavers head coach Tom Serratore said. “He understands the game and brings a strong skill set to our coaching staff. We’re excited to have him on board.”

Kautz got his start in coaching in 2020 serving as an assistant coach and goalie coach at Hudson High School in Wisconsin. Following his time there, he joined the NAHL’s Minnesota Magicians, serving there for nearly two years as the goalie coach.

Kautz graduated from Minnesota, earning a bachelor’s degree in sports management in 2019. He was a four-year goalie for the Gophers as he was part of two-straight Big Ten regular-season championships, was a four-year letter winner and three-time academic all-Big Ten selection.

Boston University, Cornell men’s hockey teams set for ninth edition of Red Hot Hockey Nov. 25 from Madison Square Garden

Boston University and Cornell play in the 2021 edition of Red Hot Hockey from Madison Square Garden, a game Cornell won 6-4 (photo: Kyle Prudhomme).

The Kelley-Harkness Cup will be up for grabs this fall as Red Hot Hockey returns to New York City’s Madison Square Garden for the ninth time on Saturday, Nov. 25.

Boston University and Cornell will play Thanksgiving weekend in one of college hockey’s premier events since debuting in 2007.

“This game at Madison Square Garden is the premier event for college hockey,” said Mike Schafer, who is entering his 29th year as Cornell’s head coach. “It is a great game involving two of the most storied programs in the country. It’s a great example of not only the importance of athletics as a connector back to the university, but also the value of athletics for the experience of undergraduates while at Cornell. The Lynah faithful are the best fans in college hockey, and they demonstrate that by showing up every year at Madison Square Garden.”

“This is a game that we certainly have circled on our calendar at the beginning of the year,” added second-year BU head coach Jay Pandolfo. “Madison Square Garden is a special place to play and I’m excited for our guys to have the opportunity to skate on such a big stage in such a historic rivalry. We had an amazing atmosphere for both of our meetings with Cornell last season and I’m looking forward to another incredible turnout when we head to MSG.”

After BU went undefeated in the first five Red Hot Hockey meetings (3-0-2), the Big Red has roared back with wins in each of the past three, including a 6-4 decision in 2021. BU won in 2007, 2011 and 2013 while the rivals skated to ties in 2009 and 2015. The Kelley-Harkness Cup, which honors legendary coaches Jack Kelley (BU) and Ned Harkness (Cornell), was first introduced 10 years ago.

Over half of the previous Red Hot Hockey games have been played in front of sold-out crowds at Madison Square Garden. The inaugural event, staged in front of 18,200 students, alumni, parents and fans, was a resounding success. Held on Nov. 24, 2007, it featured members of the 1980 gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic hockey team Mike Eruzione, Jack O’Callahan and David Silk from Boston University, as well as NHL Hall of Famer and Cornell alum Joe Nieuwendyk.

Puck drop for this year’s contest is set for 8 p.m. Tickets for Red Hot Hockey are on sale now and can purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.msg.com.

Fans will have the opportunity to buy tickets in either the Boston University or Cornell fan sections. Student tickets will be available at a discounted rate at the box office at Agganis Arena (Boston University) and at the Cornell athletic ticket office in Bartels Hall.

Colgate tabs former Trinity, Wisconsin-Stevens Point assistant coach Badalamenti for same position with Raiders

BADALAMENTI

Colgate has announced the addition of Zach Badalamenti as the men’s hockey team’s newest assistant coach.

Badalamenti joins the Raiders after serving as an assistant with the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints during the 2022-23 season.

“We are excited to have Zach join our staff,” said Colgate head coach Mike Harder in a statement. “He brings a wealth of scouting knowledge and experience from his time coaching in the USHL and shares Colgate’s commitment to developing student-athletes of the highest caliber.”

Badalamenti will be entering his eighth season overall in coaching after spending three seasons (2019-2022) as an assistant coach for Trinity and three seasons (2016-2019) with his alma mater, Wisconsin-Stevens Point, in the same capacity.

In his first season at Trinity, Badalamenti helped lead the Bantams to a NESCAC championship appearance. During the 2021-22 season, he helped guide the team to a NESCAC championship and NCAA tournament berth.

Badalamenti was a member of the Pointers coaching staff that made an NCAA Frozen Four appearance in 2016-17 and later won a national championship in 2018-19. In that season, he helped the Pointers to a program-best record of 29-0-2, marking their first-ever undefeated season.

Badalamenti played two seasons of college hockey for Stevens Point in 2014-15 and 2015-16 before suffering a career-ending neck injury that led to his transition into coaching.

In the classroom, Badalamenti earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management from UW-Stevens Point and his master’s degree in Public Policy from Trinity.

Michigan names Deschamps, Reiter new assistant coaches, elevates Rassey to associate head coach, Hall to director of hockey operations

Matthew Deschamps and Kevin Reiter, the newest additions to Michigan’s coaching staff (photos: Chicago Steel, USA Hockey).

Michigan has announced the hiring of Mathew Deschamps and Kevin Reiter as assistant coaches.

Additionally, Rob Rassey has been promoted to associate head coach and Evan Hall to director of hockey operations.

“Last season, we led the country in goals for,” Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato said in a statement. “And with the addition of Deschamps and Reiter, they are going to make the defensive side of our game that much better, and it will have a huge impact on Michigan hockey.”

Deschamps has spent the last three seasons with the USHL’s Chicago Steel, first as assistant coach and then associate head coach.

“Deschamps is one of the best defensive developers in the game of hockey,” Naurato said. “His attention to detail on the technical and tactical aspects with the puck, and more importantly without the puck is next level. He’ll run the penalty kill and the defensemen in-game and will help us take another step forwards in both areas.”

A 2005 graduate of Maine, Deschamps played four years for the Black Bears, appearing in 111 games on defense and serving as alternate captain as a senior. He assisted on the triple-overtime goal in the 2004 Hockey East championship and helped Maine to four straight NCAA tournament appearances, including two Frozen Four spots.

He played professionally for five seasons, split between the AHL and ECHL before taking his first coaching job in Salzburg, Austria with the EC Red Bull Salzburg (RBS) Hockey Club. He was head coach of the RBS U18 team and served the club in director and development coordinator roles from 2014 to 2016. He was hired as an assistant coach at St. Lawrence in 2016 and served in that role for three seasons.

Reiter comes to Ann Arbor from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where he was the NTDP goaltending coach from 2013 to 2017 before being named director of player personnel in 2017. Reiter’s responsibilities with the NTDP included overseeing the Warren Strelow Goaltending Mentor Program, coaching the NTDP goalies, evaluating, recruiting and educating prospective national team players and families.

“Reiter has been the general manager and sole decision maker on picking the national development team for the last eight years,” Naurato said. “He knows what high-end talent looks like, how to identify it and how to work with those types of players. Reiter will be a huge asset in supporting Rob Rassey in recruiting and roster management.”

On the addition of a third assistant coach, Naurato stated: “We believe that Michigan, in general, is all about player development. Adding a full-time goalie coach, who will be there seven days a week will have a huge impact on our program. A great communicator and teacher, he’ll not only develop the goalies of the future for Michigan hockey but identify the right goalies we need to target during recruiting.”

Reiter has won seven gold medals with the USA, including four gold medals at the IIHF U18 Men’s Worlds (2014, 2015, 2017, 2023) and three gold medals at the World U17 Hockey Challenge (2014, 2017, 2023). He also won a silver medal at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games, a bronze medal at the World Junior Championship in 2016 and a bronze medal at the Men’s World Championships in 2021.

Before joining the NTDP, Reiter spent two seasons coaching professionally in Italy. He acted as the assistant and goaltending coach of the WSC Sterzing-SSI Vipiteno Broncos, as well as coached their junior teams. While in Italy, Reiter served as a goaltending consultant for the Italian Men’s National Team during the 2012 IIHF World Championships.

A 2004 graduate of Alaska Anchorage, Reiter played four years for the Seawolves while earning a degree in business management. He followed with a seven-year professional career, from 2004-11, in various leagues in North America and Europe. In 2008, he was named the IHL goalie of the year and won a Turner Cup championship with the Fort Wayne Komets. He earned a master’s in business administration at the University of Winchester (England) while playing two seasons in the Elite Hockey League.

Hockey East hires longtime on-ice official Zuckerman as league’s supervisor of women’s officials

ZUCKERMAN

Hockey East announced Tuesday that Dr. Derek Zuckerman has been named supervisor of women’s officials.

In his role, Zuckerman will oversee all aspects of the officiating program of the women’s league, including the recruitment and assignment of all game officials. He began his duties with Hockey East in July.

Zuckerman has enjoyed an illustrious career as an NCAA on-ice official over the past 20 years, including the honor of refereeing the women’s national championship four times (2009, 2010, 2016, 2021) to go along with six Frozen Four assignments. Over the past 17 seasons, he has worked both Hockey East and ECAC Hockey contests, earning postseason assignments in each of those seasons. He also served on the NCAA Rules Committee as the women’s referee representative in 2019.

He started as an ECAC Hockey Division III official in 1995 before joining ECAC Hockey’s men’s league for seven seasons from 1998 to 2005. He began refereeing ECAC Hockey’s women’s league in 2004 and rose to Hockey East women’s league in 2010. With the ECAC, he worked the women’s championship game five times (2006, 2009, 2016, 2018, 2020) and nine semifinal contests. He served as an official in the Hockey East women’s semifinals in 2011 and 2012.

Prior to his career as an NCAA official, Zuckerman was invited to join USA Hockey’s national training staff for officials in 1995, earning the inaugural Milt Kaufman Award, given to the outstanding USA Hockey officiating camp attendee. Since then, he has served in various roles within USA Hockey’s officiating program, including as an instructor for officials’ development and training camps.

In 2021, New York-native participated in USA Hockey’s Advanced Officiating Symposium in Providence, where he established relationships with a wide pool of officials from across the country. Additionally, Zuckerman has served as the assistant commissioner of both the Bay State and Hockomock Conferences, high school leagues in Massachusetts from 1996 to 1998.

Internationally, Zuckerman has worked in both the United Kingdom and Mexico in various roles, including serving as an instructor and official at the Mexican National Hockey Championship.

Outside of Hockey, Zuckerman serves as the associate VP for student life and dean of students at Roger Williams University. In this role, he oversees the offices of Residence Life, Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, and Student Programs, Leadership, and Orientation. Prior to this appointment, he worked at Union as a class dean, helping students navigate their experience with shared responsibilities between student and academic affairs. Before that, Zuckerman served Holy Cross as the associate dean for student life. He has also worked at Iona, Quinnipiac and Bentley over his career in student affairs.

Zuckerman graduated from Le Moyne College in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations and human resource management. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Bentley in 1998 and a doctorate in educational leadership from Fordham University in 2010. He has been an adjunct professor of marketing and general business courses and has presented nationally on various topics including financial management, negotiation, safety, and learning outcomes.

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