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NCAA coaching veteran Quesnelle named new assistant coach at Boston University

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Len Quesnelle, a 25-year NCAA coaching veteran and most recently an amateur scout for the Detroit Red Wings, has been named an assistant coach at Boston University.

Quesnelle, who was a standout defenseman at Princeton and later served as head coach of the Tigers, has spent the past four years with the Red Wings after a nine-season stint as an assistant coach at Massachusetts.

He replaces Scott Young, who was named director of player development for the Pittsburgh Penguins after three years on staff at his alma mater.

“We feel very fortunate to be able to add someone like Len, with his extensive experience as coach and a recruiter, to our staff,” said BU head coach David Quinn in a statement. “He is as well-respected a guy as there is in all of hockey and he will make a big contribution to BU hockey immediately and moving forward as well.”

In all, Quesnelle spent 20 years at Princeton as a student-athlete and a coach. He arrived on campus in 1984 and went on to earn All-Ivy honors as a senior in 1987-88, when he helped the team reach the NCAA tournament and achieve a ranking as high as sixth in the national polls. He appeared in 106 games and earned the program’s Class of 1941 Championship Award for winning sprit.

Following graduation, he joined Princeton’s coaching staff as an assistant and remained in that role for 12 years before becoming the program’s 14th head coach in 2000. His final nine seasons as an assistant were under head coach Don Cahoon, a standout on BU’s first two national championship teams.

At the helm, Quesnelle became the first coach in Princeton history to lead the Tigers to consecutive seasons of .500-or-better records in ECAC play.

Quesnelle moved to Hockey East in 2004 when he reunited with Cahoon as an assistant coach at UMass.

With the Red Wings, Quesnelle’s primary scouting area was high school, junior and NCAA hockey throughout New England.

He has served as director of the Western Massachusetts Hockey School and Preseason Position Camp, as well as the Princeton University Hockey Camp, and is a frequent speaker and instructor at camps throughout North America.

Spagnoli to serve as Providence women’s team’s volunteer goalie coach

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The Providence women’s team announced Tuesday that Joe Spagnoli will serve as the team’s volunteer goalie coach for the 2017-18 season.

Spagnoli has served as a private goalie instructor since 2000. Additionally, he is a part-time goalie coach for the Cranston West High School boys hockey team. In his time with the program since 2015, he has coached one All-State and two All-Division goalies. In 2017, Spagnoli was a goalie instructor at Ocean State Hockey camps. Since 2016, he has been a Rhode Island Hockey Academy Instructor as well.

Spagnoli played for Cranston High School. During his time there, the Falcons won two state championships (1999 and 2001) and were state runners-up in ’02.

A 2012 graduate of Rhode Island, Spagnoli played on the club team there from 2009 to 2011 and helped the Rams become league champions in 2011 and earn a spot at nationals twice.

He currently serves as an emergency call-up to both the Providence Bruins and the Utica Comets of the AHL.

Michigan to enshrine former goalie Turco into school’s Hall of Honor

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Michigan has announced its seven-member 2017 Hall of Honor class and it includes former Wolverines goaltender Marty Turco.

Turco led Michigan to two NCAA titles (1996 and 1998) and four Frozen Four appearances. He holds U-M records for career wins (127, an NCAA record), career shutouts (15) and wins in a season (34 in 1995-96). He finished with a career record of 127-28-7. He was a first team All-American in 1997, the 1997 CCHA Goaltender of the Year and the 1995 CCHA Rookie of the Year.

In 1998, he was named the NCAA Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player.

Turco was drafted in the fifth round of the 1994 NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars and played 11 seasons in the NHL for the Stars, Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins. He was a three-time NHL All-Star and represented Canada at the 2006 Olympics.

He will become the 21st inductee for hockey.

The seven individuals will be honored in the spring. Date and location are to be determined.

Criteria for consideration included being an NCAA champion or member of a national championship team, an All-American, Olympic medalist, Olympic team member, professional league champion or world championship team medalist/member, NCAA or conference player of the year, conference champion, record holder or all-conference award winner.

Minnesota adds former Notre Dame forward, Buffalo prospect Hurley

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Minnesota has announced the addition of forward Connor Hurley.

Hurley, who spent the last three seasons at Notre Dame, will sit out the 2017-18 season due to NCAA transfer rules and will have one year of eligibility remaining.

A native of Edina, Minn., Hurley skated in 98 career games for the Irish with 48 points (14 goals, 34 assists). Prior to joining Notre Dame, the forward spent parts of two seasons in the USHL with Green Bay and Muskegon.

Hurley captained Edina High School to the 2013 MSHSL Class AA state championship, leading the Hornets in scoring with 20 goals and 32 assists. He previously skated at Academy of Holy Angels and Shattuck-St. Mary’s.

A second round selection (38th overall) by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2013 NHL Draft, Hurley also spent time USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program and helped the U.S. Junior Select Team earn a gold medal at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge.

Longtime Maine assistant Standbrook, 1993 national championship team, to be inducted into school’s hall

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Legendary Maine assistant coach Grant Standbrook will be induced into the UMaine Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2017 on Sept. 8.

Standbrook spent 21 seasons behind the bench at Maine, serving as an assistant coach on Maine’s 1993 and 1999 national championship teams. The 1993 team will also be inducted into the hall of fame as well.

While at Maine, he was the 2005 recipient of the Terry Flanigan Award, presented by the American Hockey Coaches Association to honor an assistant coach’s career body of work.

Standbrook served 18 years as a full-time assistant and Maine’s recruiting coordinator before stepping back and serving as a volunteer assistant for his final three years on staff. Over his 18 years as Maine’s lead recruiter, he coordinated recruiting classes which consistently ranked among the best in the nation. As a direct correlation to his incredible recruiting efforts from 1987 to 2007, Maine had the best winning percentage in the nation at .713 (527-224-68).

Before joining the Black Bears staff, Standbrook was an assistant coach at Wisconsin where he played an integral role in the Badgers winning three national championships during his 12-year tenure at that school. Together with head coach Bob Johnson, Standbrook built a college hockey dynasty, winning national titles in 1977, 1981 and 1983, in addition to reaching the NCAA Championship game on two other occasions.

From 1970 to 1975, Standbrook was the head coach at Dartmouth and in 1987-88, was the head coach of Varese-Kronenberg of the Italian league, where he led the team to a second-place finish.

He was the assistant coach of the 1976 U.S. Olympic hockey team, the U.S. national teams in 1974 and 1975 and coached several teams for USA Hockey.

Munson transfers from Denver to Michigan Tech, is eligible immediately

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Michigan Tech has announced addition of goaltender Patrick “Packy” Munson.

Munson is a transfer who was on Denver’s roster in 2016-17 and played 21 games for Vermont in 2015-16. He will be a junior and is eligible to play immediately.

For Vermont, he started 20 games, posting a 9-10-1 record with a 2.37 GAA and a .920 save percentage. He had three shutouts as well.

During his first month as a starting goalie, he won four Hockey East awards, including the Goaltender of the Month honor for December 2015 after being named the MVP of the Sheraton/TD Bank Catamount Cup.

Former Wisconsin student assistant Regner hired by Robert Morris as hockey operations coordinator

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Robert Morris has added Luke Regner to the men’s hockey staff in the role of hockey operations coordinator.

Regner comes to the Colonials after serving as student assistant for four seasons with the men’s hockey program at Wisconsin. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in May 2017. Regner also worked in the athletics department as a video assistant with both football and hockey programs.

His duties with Robert Morris will include organizing the day-to-day program operations as well as serving as video coordinator.

“We are very pleased to add Luke to our staff,” said Colonials coach Derek Schooley in a statement. “Luke comes very highly recommended from the Wisconsin staff. Kody, Michael and I felt with his experiences in Madison that he would be a good fit not only professionally but personally. We look forward to welcoming Luke to the Colonial hockey family.”

“It is a great honor to have the opportunity to be a part of the program here at Robert Morris,” added Regner. “I can’t thank Coach Schooley and the staff enough for letting me come on board and creating a great culture here. I look forward to contributing in any way I can.”

At Wisconsin, Regner worked most recently under Badgers head coach Tony Granato.

“Luke is an outstanding young man with a great work ethic,” noted Granato. “He did a lot of work for us behind the scenes. He is organized and a great team player who will go above and beyond to do everything to help you and your program. He’s a first class young man.”

Minnesota brothers – barely teenagers – make verbal commitments to Minnesota

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According to Fox 9 in Minnesota, the Gophers have received verbal commitments from brothers Chaz Lucius and Cruz Lucius.

Chaz is 14 and Cruz a year younger.

Both are forwards and both currently play at the Gentry Academy in Vadnais Heights, Minn.

“Cruz is the best passer and Chaz is the best shooter,” said the brothers’ longtime coach Billy Hengen in the report. “Together, they are like peanut butter and jelly. They have amazing chemistry.

“So proud they were recognized for their talents. The Gophers are lucky to get them.”

Gentry athletic director Joe Jensen is equally impressed.

“It started from when they were eight, nine years old,” added Jensen.

Committing at an early age is not uncommon, as Oliver Wahlstrom, now in his second season with the U.S. NTDP, decided on Maine when he was 13, but later decommitted and has now decided on Harvard.

St. Lawrence goalie Hayton officially transfers to Wisconsin as graduate transfer

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March 18, 2016: St. Lawrence Saints goalie Kyle Hayton (27) makes save during 2016 ECAC Tournament Semifinal game between St. Lawrence University and Harvard University at Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, NY. (John Crouch/J. Alexander Imaging)
Kyle Hayton completed his bachelor’s degree at St. Lawrence in three years and will be a graduate transfer at Wisconsin for the 2017-18 season (photo: John Crouch/J. Alexander Imaging).

After first reported by the Wisconsin State Journal last month, St. Lawrence and Wisconsin made it official Friday by announcing that All-American goaltender Kyle Hayton has completed his bachelor’s degree at SLU and will continue his education by enrolling in a graduate MBA program at Wisconsin.

Hayton will also use his remaining NCAA eligibility as a graduate transfer to join the Badgers men’s team.

“Though we were aware earlier this summer of Kyle’s intentions to graduate with the class of 2017 and then enroll at Wisconsin, both privacy laws and university policy prohibited us from making any public statement until the university registrar had officially certified him for having satisfied all requirements for a St. Lawrence degree,” Saints coach Mark Morris said in a statement. “Kyle is obviously a very talented student-athlete and accomplished goaltender, and was a tough competitor for us the last three years. Our staff wants to congratulate him on completing his degree and thank him for being such a big part of our program.

“We’re looking forward to playing Wisconsin in October.”

Hayton finished his degree as he planned late this summer and was certified as having done so by the university this week, thus releasing him from the SLU hockey program. St. Lawrence does not offer an MBA program as part of its graduate studies.

“I think he’s a confident kid, a kid that looks at our program and the goalies we’ve produced and he wants to be one of those guys,” Wisconsin coach Tony Granato said in a news release.

“It’s definitely a long legacy to fill here,” Hayton added. “A lot of great goalies came through here. I have a lot of great hockey tradition to live up to here.

“It’s a tough task to live up to, but it’s an honor to get to do it.”

Sacred Heart announces transfers of Kenneally from Becker, Lee from Vermont

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Sacred Heart announced the addition of 11 players for the 2017-18 season on Thursday, including two transfers.

Redshirt sophomore Jason Cotton will also suit up for SHU after sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer regulations. He previously skated for Northeastern, playing in eight games in 2015-16 before going to the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms.

Goaltender Matt Kenneally transferred to SHU from Becker this past January, while defenseman Mike Lee is over from Vermont.

Lee will sit the 2017-18 season.

“Matt is a hard worker who loves to compete,” said Sacred Heart coach C.J. Marrotolo in a news release. “He has passion for the game and works at his craft.”

Lee appeared in 51 games as a defenseman over the last two seasons for the Catamounts.

“Mike is an offensively skilled defenseman who plays the game with great poise,” added Marrotolo.

Northeastern establishes Fernie Flaman Endowed Men’s Hockey Coach Fund

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Jim Madigan (Northeastern - Head Coach) - The Boston College Eagles defeated the Northeastern University Huskies 7-1 in the opening round of the 2012 Beanpot on Monday, February 6, 2012, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Melissa Wade)
Jim Madigan is entering his seventh season as head coach at Northeastern (photo: Melissa Wade).

Northeastern has announced the first endowed head coaching fund in university history with the creation of the Fernie Flaman Endowed Men’s Hockey Coach Fund.

Jim Madigan, the current Huskies coach, has been named the inaugural holder of the position.

“An endowed head coaching position is something we’ve been working towards for quite some time, and I’m thrilled to see it become a reality,” said Northeastern athletic director Peter Roby in a statement. “This would not be possible without the immense generosity of so many, and I am grateful for their incredible support of our men’s hockey program.

“The name attached to this position, Fernie Flaman, is one synonymous with Northeastern. Our head coach for 19 seasons, he was a tremendous ambassador for our university, and I can’t think of anyone better to hold this title than Jim Madigan. Northeastern holds both of these men in high esteem, and it is my honor to have Jim as the first-ever Fernie Flaman Men’s Hockey Coach at Northeastern.”

Flaman’s legendary coaching career at Northeastern, which spanned 19 seasons and a school-record 255 victories, also produced numerous championships and honors. Flaman led the Huskies to four Beanpot titles in the 1980s (1980, 1984, 1985 and 1988) and guided Northeastern to an ECAC championship (1982), a Hockey East championship (1988) and two NCAA tournament appearances (1982 and 1988).

“Fernie Flaman was a man who I greatly admired, and to have my name associated with his is truly an honor,” added Madigan. “I am so thankful to our university, its development team and the athletic department for its commitment to the men’s hockey program at Northeastern. I am very proud to be the first Fernie Flaman Men’s Hockey Coach, and grateful to everyone who has, through this fund, put our program in a position to succeed for years to come.”

Flaman’s 1981-82 club, Madigan’s freshman season, set the program record for wins in a season (25), which, though tied, has never been surpassed. In 1982, the American Hockey Coaches Association named Flaman national coach of the year after leading the Huskies to the Frozen Four.

Upon retirement from Northeastern, Flaman was inducted into the Northeastern Hall of Fame in 1989.

On May 17, 2012, the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation recognized Flaman’s collegiate and professional accomplishments at the Hobey Baker Award banquet in St. Paul, Minn., as the 2012 Hobey Baker Legend of Hockey.

“This is a great day for Northeastern University and the men’s ice hockey program,” said Bill Shea, a philanthropic supporter of the fund. “This will positively impact the program far into the future, and to honor the legacy of Coach Flaman in the process makes this even more special.”

Madigan, a Northeastern alumnus and three-time Beanpot champion, was named Northeastern hockey’s 10th head coach in program history on July 26, 2011, and enters his seventh season in 2017-18. During his tenure, Madigan has led Northeastern to its first Hockey East championship since 1988, first NCAA appearance since 2009, seen 11 of his players drafted by NHL teams and had 33 student-athletes named to the Hockey East All-Academic Team.

As a player at Northeastern, Madigan was a four-year letter-winner under Flaman (1981-85), leading the Huskies to a 67-59-5 record. Madigan was a key contributor to the Huskies’ 1982 Frozen Four run as well as Beanpot championships in 1984 and 1985. In 1998, Madigan was awarded the Friends of NU Hockey Fernie C. Flaman Award, presented annually to a benefactor of Northeastern hockey who has demonstrated the commitment and dedication of Coach Flaman to making NU hockey a success.

Former St. Norbert star McCadden selected new assistant coach at Lawrence

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mccaddenPat McCadden has been named the new assistant coach at Lawrence.

McCadden, who also will serve as the assistant athletic performance coach, joins the Lawrence coaching staff after playing pro hockey for the past three seasons.

“Pat brings a wealth of knowledge about what it means to be a successful hockey student-athlete — in the classroom, on the ice and in the community,” said Lawrence director of athletics Christyn Abaray in a statement. “His recent stints as a professional hockey player and a youth hockey coach give him valuable perspective to share with our players. In addition, his assistance with our athletic performance program will continue to enhance the growth and development of our students’ athletics experience in a holistic way. What struck me the most was Pat’s enthusiasm and passion to coach young people, which is palpable.”

“I am honored to be named the new assistant hockey coach/assistant athletic performance coach for the Lawrence Vikings, and I would like to thank Coach Szkodzinski and Christyn Abaray for the opportunity,” McCadden added. “I look forward to using my past experiences as a student-athlete to help enhance the experience of all of our athletes. I will work tirelessly to make sure that I provide our players with the tools they need to be successful both on and off the ice. I also look forward to working closely with Coach Zemke and doing everything I can to help all other athletes in their athletic performance. I look forward to meeting the team and starting the season.”

McCadden is a 2014 graduate of St. Norbert where he was part of the Green Knights’ 2012 and 2014 NCAA Division III national championship teams. An Academic All-NCHA selection, McCadden earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Norbert. McCadden began his college career at Michigan Tech and played there before transferring to St. Norbert.

“Pat comes highly recommended from some of the best hockey minds in the business, including Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper,” Szkodzinski said. “He has already hit the ground running by making contacts throughout junior hockey. We know that his work ethic is extraordinary. We expect he will do a great job with our special teams and help to develop our forwards on a daily basis.”

After completing his career at St. Norbert, McCadden played for the Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League for the 2014-15 season. He then played for Columbus before having stints with the Toledo Walleye and the Fort Wayne Komets during the 2015-16 ECHL season. McCadden played the entire 2016-17 season with the ECHL’s Atlanta Gladiators.

Former NAHL, USHL coach Upton named new assistant at Mercyhurst

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uptonMercyhurst announced Monday that Tom Upton has been hired as a new assistant coach.

Upton replaces former assistant coach Joe Mormina, who took a position with the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack.

“I would first like to thank coaches Rick Gotkin and Greg Gardner for this great opportunity,” said Upton in a statement. “I have always heard tremendous things about Mercyhurst, but most of all, I have heard of the great people that are involved in this program and athletic department. Since my first time on campus, I could feel that this was a special place.”

Upton spent his college career with Wisconsin-Stevens Point from 2006 to 2010. During his time with the Pointers, he appeared in 89 games while recording two goals and 11 assists for 13 points.

During his professional playing career, Upton played five games with the Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League.

He then began his coaching career during the 2010-11 season at UWSP. He served as an assistant coach for three seasons (2010-13).

During the 2013-14 season, he became an assistant coach for the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders of the United States Hockey League. He spent one season with the Rough Riders before becoming the general manager and head coach of the Minnesota Magicians of the North American Hockey League. After two seasons with the Magicians, he became the assistant coach for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL.

“I am extremely excited for my family and I to become part of the Laker family and I look forward to helping not only our hockey program achieve its goals, but also look forward to helping our student-athletes learn and grow athletically, academically and, most of all, as people,” noted Upton.

“I am amazed by how many qualified coaches applied for the position, but we are so happy to have Tommy Upton join our staff,” added Gotkin. “Tom has a diverse coaching background, starting at Wisconsin-Stevens Point, being a head coach in the North American Hockey League and most recently coaching in the USHL. He is going to provide so much to our program. We welcome Tom, his wife Sarah and his son Briggs to the Mercyhurst family.”

Colontino earns contract extension with Robert Morris women through ’21-22 season

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Paul Colontino of Robert Morris (Robert Morris Athletics)
Paul Colontino has led Robert Morris to two CHA championships, including the most recent one in 2017 (photo: Robert Morris Athletics).

Robert Morris announced Thursday that head women’s coach Paul Colontino has agreed to a four-year contract extension through the 2021-22 season.

Colontino is entering his seventh season leading the Colonials and has guided RMU to a 110-72-26 record since 2011-12, including a 58-38-16 mark in CHA play. He recorded his 100th career win with a 5-3 victory over Brown on Dec. 31, 2016 and guided the Colonials to the program’s first-ever appearance in the NCAA tournament a year ago.

“We are extremely excited to extend Paul’s contract,” RMU director of athletics Craig Coleman said in a statement. “He has accelerated the development of our women’s hockey program in recent years, and with Paul leading the program, it will be an exciting future for our young ladies.”

“I’m very grateful for the continued opportunity to be a part of such a great university and community,” added Colontino. “Pittsburgh is an extraordinary community with an abundance of opportunity. Christina and I have both grown to love the area and with the addition of our two boys, we know they will, too.

Under Colontino’s leadership, the Colonials have won two CHA championships (2012, 2017) and established program bests for wins in a season (24 in both 2013-14 and 2016-7). Colontino has guided RMU to a .500 or better record in five of his first six seasons, including 19 or more wins three times.

“RMU is a special place when it comes to academics and athletics because the university takes such pride in the high level of quality of the ‘student-athlete’ experience,” Colontino said. “As a coach and staff member, these values are in perfect alignment with the women hockey program thus making it a perfect fit.”

Union gives Bennett contract extension to stay behind bench through 2022-23

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Union coach Rick Bennett (Union Athletics)
Union coach Rick Bennett was a Spencer Penrose Award finalist in 2016-17 (photo: Union Athletics).

Union has extended the contract of head coach Rick Bennett through the 2022-23 season.

Bennett, who once again was tabbed as the ECAC Hockey Tim Taylor Coach of the Year for the second time in his career, guided the Dutchmen to a share of their fourth Cleary Cup title with a conference record of 16-4-2 last season. He was also a finalist for the 2016-17 Spencer Penrose Award, given annually to the NCAA Division I men’s coach of the year.

“We are very proud of Rick Bennett’s accomplishments at Union College,” said Union director of athletics Jim McLaughlin in a statement. “His tireless efforts have developed championship teams on the ice at the national level. Most importantly, he has developed fine young men who have succeeded in the classroom and as alumni in their chosen profession. Rick’s work speaks for itself and we are pleased that he will continue to be the leader of our men’s ice hockey program for years to come.”

“My family and I are extremely grateful for the support of president Ainlay, vice president Strom Thacker and athletic director Jim McLaughlin,” added Bennett. “It has been an honor to work with passionate coaches, players, and support staff during my time at Union College. I’d like to acknowledge again all the coaches and student-athletes who I’ve had the opportunity to work with. I cannot thank them enough for their contributions to this program. The current coaching staff made up of associate head coach Jason Tapp, assistant coach John Ronan and volunteer coach Matt Alvey are excellent coaches who make coming to the rink every day fun and challenging, which makes our student-athletes and staff better each day. This is certainly not about one person, it has been the hard work of many within the Union College men’s hockey family.”

Union was picked to finish seventh in last season’s ECAC Hockey preseason coaches poll and eighth in the media poll, but finished league play with a share of the Cleary Cup. The Dutchmen finished the regular season with an overall record of 25-10-3, marking Bennett’s program-record fourth 20-win season at the helm. Union competed in the NCAA tournament for the fourth time in Bennett’s tenure. Bennett is the second winningest coach in program history (137-69-30) and ranks fifth among active Division I coaches in winning percentage (.644).

Former Omaha standout Brisson added to team as volunteer assistant coach for ’17-18 season

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Omaha announced Friday that former Mavericks forward David Brisson will join the staff as a volunteer assistant coach.

“David has a great understanding of the game and the teaching ability along with the personality to connect with our players,” said UNO head coach Mike Gabinet in a statement. “I am excited for our players to learn from someone who had an outstanding career here and still has tremendous passion for the program and the university.”

Brisson played for the Mavericks from 1999 to 2003. A co-captain as a senior, he ranks third all-time in UNO history with 144 career points and 65 career goals. He also leads all Mavericks with a career plus-minus rating of plus-37 and is tied with Scott Parse for second all-time with seven shorthanded goals. He was the first UNO hockey player to be inducted into the UNO Athletics Hall of Fame.

“In addition to developing their hockey skills, our student athletes will now be spending time with one of Omaha’s outstanding young business and community leaders,” added Gabinet. “David is one of many former UNO hockey players who have settled in this great city and are raising families, contributing to business development and making their neighborhood communities good places to live. I believe it is important for our current student athletes to be aware of all of the support that we receive from our alumni and the Omaha community.”

Brisson and Gabinet played three seasons together for the Mavericks (2000-03).

MacDonald joins Penn State staff as team’s volunteer assistant coach

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Penn State has announced the hiring of Kyle MacDonald as volunteer assistant coach for the 2017-18 season.

MacDonald is a 2016 graduate of St. Lawrence, where he was a goaltender with the Saints.

“I want to thank Coach Gadowsky and the entire Penn State hockey staff for this tremendous opportunity,” said MacDonald in a news release. “I am honored to be joining a program of such high caliber and look forward to contributing to future successes.”

“Kyle played for a great program in St. Lawrence and is a very highly respected coach and goalie coach,” added Gadowsky. “He will be a great addition for both our goaltenders and our entire program.”

MacDonald spent last season as an assistant coach at Southern New Hampshire, where he served as the recruiting coordinator, planned practices and oversaw the day-to-day operations of NCAA eligibility.

Wisconsin women’s recruit Shirley not reporting, will play season in CWHL

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The Wisconsin women’s hockey team won’t have one of its freshmen this season as originally planned.

Forward Sophie Shirley will instead play the 2017-18 season with the professional Calgary Inferno, the team that drafted her in the third round of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League draft on Aug. 20.

In a report from the Wisconsin State Journal, Shirley will maintain her collegiate eligibility “by accepting only what the NCAA calls ‘actual and necessary expenses’ from the pro team,” according to Inferno GM Kristen Hagg.

The Badgers intend to have Shirley enroll for the 2018-19 season.

Beauvais joins Robert Morris as graduate transfer from Bemidji State

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9 Jan 15: Brett Beauvais (Bemidji State - 28). The Bemidji State University Beavers host the University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers in a WCHA conference matchup at the Sanford Center in Bemidji, MN. (Jim Rosvold/USCHO.com)
Brett Beauvais totaled 20 points in 101 games over three seasons on the Bemidji State back end (photo: Jim Rosvold).

Robert Morris has added a graduate transfer and two players that skated with the Colonials in practice last season to the 2017-18 roster.

Defenseman Brett Beauvais played three seasons at Bemidji State and will play for RMU as a graduate transfer who is eligible immediately.

Beauvais appeared in 28 games for the Beavers last season, recording two goals and six assists with 29 blocked shots. He played in a total of 101 games at Bemidji State, posting four goals and 16 assists along with 117 blocked shots.

Forward Michael Louria, a transfer from UMass Lowell prior to last season, begins his first active season with the Colonials after scoring 10 goals and 14 assists in his 51 games played in two seasons with the River Hawks.

Defenseman Nick Jenny joined the Colonials mid-season last year, but did not play in a game and will officially begin his freshman year in the 2017-18 season. Jenny played in 27 games in the fall of 2016 for the Aberdeen Wings in the NAHL, posting two goals and five points.

Denver announces longtime administrator, former player Grahame as new athletic director

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grahameDenver vice chancellor for athletics and recreation Peg Bradley-Doppes announced a shift in roles in her division, appointing longtime DU administrator Ron Grahame to his new role as the day-to-day athletic director, effective immediately.

Bradley-Doppes announced her plans to retire June 30, 2018. She will continue her role as vice chancellor for athletics, recreation and Ritchie Center operations until then, but will shift her focus to high-end fundraising, coaching endowments, raising money for the Denver Tennis Park and other capital projects.

DU chancellor Rebecca Chopp announced that DU will begin a search for a new vice chancellor later this fall to replace Bradley-Doppes following her retirement.

Grahame, who was promoted in Dec. 2016 to deputy director of athletics, has contributed over three decades worth of service to DU, performing a plethora of athletics duties at a high level. The DU alum was instrumental in the transition of DU athletics to NCAA Division I in 1998 and has played an integral role in the various conference affiliation shifts for the Pioneers over the years.

“The appointment of Ron Grahame as DU’s athletic director reflects the value that Ron’s leadership continues to provide for our DU community,” Bradley-Doppes said in a statement. “Ron has proudly represented DU at every level over the last 40 years. In his time as a stand-out student-athlete, coach and administrator, Ron’s passion for Denver has had a positive and powerful impact in making our DU athletic program what it is today.”

As an administrator, Grahame has chaired and served on many NCAA committees as well as local, regional and national organizing committees. Grahame has also served as the tournament director for numerous events, league championships and NCAA tournaments.

Grahame’s journey at Denver began as a student-athlete with the men’s hockey program in 1969. As a goaltender for the Pioneers, Grahame was an All-American, earned WCHA Player of the Year honors and was named Denver’s Student-Athlete of the Year his senior year. Following his illustrious collegiate career, Grahame played professional hockey for eight seasons in the World Hockey Association (Houston), American Hockey League (Binghamton) and National Hockey League (Boston, L.A. and Quebec). Upon retiring from playing, he served as an assistant/associate hockey coach at DU from 1982 to 1990.

In 1997, Grahame was inducted into the University of Denver Athletic Department Hall of Fame. In 2002, he was honored as a member of the 50th Anniversary All-WCHA Team.

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Former Post goalie, men’s hockey assistant coach Brown tabbed interim head coach for Eagles women’s hockey team

USCHO Staff -

‘Perfect fit’ Strand leaves Wisconsin-Eau Claire after 10 seasons, named new assistant coach for Vermont women’s hockey team

USCHO Staff -

Stonehill announces record $15 million gift for athletics to support construction of Tom & Kathleen Bogan Arena

USCHO Staff -

Women’s Division I College Hockey: The PodKaz Offseason interview – Building a new program with Delaware coach Allison Coomey

Nicole Haase -

St. Catherine women’s hockey team elevates Chilstrom from assistant coach to head coach of Wildcats

USCHO Staff -

Brown assistant coach Simpson hired as new head coach for Norwich women’s hockey team

USCHO Staff -

Norwich women’s hockey assistant Willard steps down, takes same role at Delaware

USCHO Staff -

Former Utica assistant Ardoin named first head coach for Roger Williams women’s hockey team

USCHO Staff -

King’s tabs former Cortland assistant La Rock as new coach for Monarchs women’s hockey team

USCHO Staff -

MAC adding Neumann starting with 2026-27 season as conference’s 17th member

USCHO Staff -
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