Tori Sullivan helped Boston College to the 2016 national championship game where the Eagles fell to Minnesota (photo: Melissa Wade).
Northeastern announced Thursday that forward Tori Sullivan will join the team for the 2017-18 season as a transfer student after playing the past two seasons at Boston College.
In 81 career games with the Eagles, Sullivan racked up 55 points on 20 goals and 35 assists. She was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team in 2015 and earned Hockey East All-Academic Team accolades (2014-16), ACC Academic Honor Roll laurels (2014-16), and BC’s Athletic Director’s Award for Academic Achievement (2015-16).
“Tori is a high-quality, two-way forward with fantastic playmaking abilities,” Northeastern coach Dave Flint said in a news release. “She has already proven to be a top forward in Hockey East and we expect her to make a significant contribution to our team right away.”
Sullivan will have two seasons of collegiate eligibility remaining.
“I am very pleased Lance West has accepted our offer to become the next head coach of the Alaska Nanooks hockey team,” Alaska director of athletics Dr. Gary Gray said in a statement. “I am equally confident his many years of experience as one of our assistant coaches, along with his outstanding recruiting skills over those past several years, will serve us well as he takes on his new leadership responsibilities. Lance will work hard to advance Nanook hockey within the WCHA.”
“I am humbled and honored to be named the hockey head coach for the University of Alaska Fairbanks,” West added. “I want to thank Dr. Gray and rest of the athletic administration for this opportunity and want to extend a special thank you to Dallas Ferguson for everything he has done for my family and I over the last nine years. Dallas has been nothing but a great role model, mentor and friend.
“Over the past nine seasons, I have seen the passion and love the alumni, boosters, fans and the community of Fairbanks has for the Nanook hockey program. I look forward to trying to challenge myself to exceed expectations and know we have the foundation in place to be successful.”
A four-year letter-winner as a forward at Alabama Huntsville, West was hired in Ferguson’s inaugural year as head coach prior to the 2008-09 season. West also served as a volunteer assistant coach and video coordinator for the Nanooks throughout the 2007-08 season, while also working full-time at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ student recreation center as the facility manager.
Prior to moving to Fairbanks, West served as an assistant coach to his alma mater for seven seasons (2000-07), helping the Chargers to win two College Hockey America regular-season championships, four conference tournament appearances and one NCAA tournament appearance in his final season (2006-07). West had previously served as the volunteer assistant coach for UAH from 1995 to 1998, helping the Chargers capture two NCAA Division II national championships in 1996 and 1998.
As a player, West was considered an offensive-minded centerman who amassed 43 goals and 65 assists for 108 points in 106 career games. As a senior, West served as team captain and received the UAH hockey team’s Coaches Award.
West graduated from Huntsville with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry and also earned a Class B teaching certification from UAH.
Canisius has announced that former Ferris State All-American goaltender Taylor Nelson will join the staff as an assistant coach for the 2017-18 season.
Nelson spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL under former head coach and now-Michigan associate head coach Bill Muckalt.
“We are very excited to add Taylor to our staff,” Canisius head coach Trevor Large said in a statement. “He has won a number of championships at the junior and collegiate level and his positive energy is a great fit with our culture here at Canisius.
“Goaltending is a vital position with a specific skill set and our goalies will thrive under Taylor’s direction. In addition, his experience is the USHL will help us recruit and coach top players. I believe our staff has been built to provide our players with a first-class experience.”
Nelson helped Tri-City capture the Clark Cup in 2016.
“My family and I are very excited for the next chapter of our hockey story at Canisius College,” Nelson added. “We cannot wait to get to Buffalo. I look forward to guarding and growing the culture that has been created with Coach Large, Coach Moser and the entire athletic department at Canisius. I am eager to meet the student-athletes and begin our quest.”
Nelson began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant coach at Ferris State in 2014-15, helping with the team’s video preparation, goaltenders, and scouting reports.
A goaltender during his four-year collegiate career with the Bulldogs, Nelson backstopped the school to its only Frozen Four appearance in 2011-12, garnering AHCA/CCM Hockey All-American First Team honors in 2012.
Following his collegiate career, Nelson played 73 professional games over two seasons, spending time with the ECHL’s San Francisco Bulls in 2012-13 before going to the Wichita Thunder of the CHL the following season.
Salve Regina has announced the hiring of Zech Klann as head coach for the Seahawk men’s hockey program.
“We are so excited to have Zech join us at Salve Regina,” said Salve Regina director of athletics Jody Mooradian in a statement. “His strong ties in the community and ice hockey connections will help us grow and continue our strong success. He brings a great deal of energy and knowledge to this position and is a great addition to the Seahawks.”
Klann played at UMass from 2004 to 2007 and was later an assistant coach with the Rhode Island Storm, St. George’s Prep School and the Islanders Premier Hockey Club while serving as head coach with Rogers High School and Yankee Conference Team New England.
“It is a rare occasion to coach college hockey in my hometown,” added Klann. “I am grateful for the opportunity to become a member of the Seahawk family and I am very excited to be a part of the strong tradition of hockey at Salve.”
Mike York has joined the Lake Superior State hockey coaching staff.
He’ll join head coach Damon Whitten, who was his teammate at Michigan State for two seasons in the 1990s.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mike, Aimee and Ivy to Sault Ste. Marie and to Lake Superior State University,” said Whitten in a news release. “Mike’s experience as a two-time NCAA All-American, Olympian and NHL all-star will be a tremendous asset in the development of our players. Along with his accomplishments on the ice, Mike brings a work ethic and humility that will aid us in our continued growth as a program. As a coach, we are always fighting to provide our student athletes with the best resources and any edge that helps them grow. We’re excited for our current and future players to have Mike bring his experiences and over 550 NHL games to Laker hockey.”
York, who played for the Spartans from 1995 to 1999, was a two-time Hobey Baker Award finalist and the CCHA Player of the Year and Best Defensive Forward following the 1998-99 season. He ranks 12th in MSU career scoring with 79 goals and 201 points and was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.
A sixth-round draft pick of the New York Rangers in the 1997 NHL Draft, York played 579 NHL games with the Rangers, New York Islanders, Edmonton, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Columbus. He totaled 127 goals and 322 points during his decade in the NHL. He played his final five professional seasons with Germany’s Iserlohn Roosters, who eventually retired his number.
York teamed with former Lakers standouts Doug Weight and Brian Rolston and earned a silver medal while playing for Team USA in the 2002 Olympics.
“I am extremely excited to join the coaching staff at Lake State – the Laker program has always had a great tradition,” York added. “The players, the campus and Sault St. Marie community are passionate about hockey, and I am eager to get started.”
Kelly Nash has been hired as Princeton women’s hockey assistant coach.
“We are so excited to have Kelly joining our staff at Princeton,” said Princeton head coach Cara Morey in a statement. “Kelly was an excellent player and her experience will translate well to our athletes. Kelly is one of the best player-development coaches I have seen in women’s hockey and together with Ashley Kilstein, our players are in great hands.”
Nash won two national titles at Wisconsin, in 2009 and 2011, as the Badgers made three Frozen Four appearances during her career. In 153 career games, Nash totaled 69 points on 22 goals and 47 assists. Her most notable performance was scoring the overtime game-winning goal against Minnesota in the WCHA championship, as the team overcame a two-goal third-period deficit to win its fourth consecutive league championship.
“I’m extremely excited and honored to join the Princeton women’s hockey staff,” Nash added. “Thank you to Cara Morey and the athletic department for the opportunity to work with such an experienced and knowledgeable staff, as well as a talented group of student-athletes. I am eager to get started and help contribute to another strong season for the Princeton Tigers.”
Following graduation, Nash continued to play professionally with the Vienna (Austria) Sabres of the European Hockey League.
Nash’s coaching career began with the Middlesex (Massachusetts) Islanders before she earned her first collegiate coaching position at Vermont in 2013.
A native of Bonita, Calif., Nash earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 2011 and is currently working towards her master’s in education in interdisciplinary studies from Vermont.
RIT announced Monday that Melissa Piacentini will join the women’s hockey staff as an assistant coach for the 2017-18 season.
“Melissa has a great passion for the game along with a high hockey IQ,” said RIT head coach Scott McDonald in a statement. “Her playing career speaks for itself, as she played at a high level and was a proven leader. I am confident she will make a seamless transition from player to coach. Myself along with (current RIT assistant coach) Shane Madolora are excited to work with her as we get ready to start the season.”
Last season, Piacentini played for EV Bozen 84 in Bolzano, Italy, helping lead the team to the Italian League and European Women’s Hockey League championships.
Piacentini played four seasons at College Hockey America rival Syracuse from 2012 to 2016. Named the CHA Player of the Year in 2016, Piacentini finished her Syracuse career as the program’s all-time leader in points (112), goals (53), assists (59), plus/minus (+60) and multi-point games (27). She was a CHA First Team selection in 2015 and earned second team honors in 2016, as Syracuse advanced to CHA Championship game three times.
Piacentini, who also served as an assistant captain for the Orange in 2015-16, earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and was a two-time CHA All-Academic Team selection. In 2016, she won the Syracuse University Courage 8 Award, ‘Cuse Cares Team Award and was a nominee for the Doris Soladay Award.
“I’m excited for this great opportunity to join the RIT community,” added Piacentini. “RIT hockey has a bright future and I am very excited to be a part of it. With its high level of education and state-of-the-art facilities, RIT has the ability to be a top competitor in women’s hockey.”
Elmira has announced the appointment of Mike Zannella as assistant men’s hockey coach for the upcoming 2017-18 season.
Zannella, who was also named head golf coach, takes over coaching duties from former assistant Tim Crowley, who has assumed head coaching responsibilities for EC’s women’s hockey program.
“We are excited to have Coach Zannella join Elmira College and look forward to him bringing a renewed energy to both the men’s golf and men’s ice hockey programs,” said Elmira VP of athletics Pat Thompson in a news release.
Zannella comes to Elmira after a one-year coaching stint with Skidmore.
He spent two years playing professional hockey in both the Federal Hockey League and the Southern Professional Hockey League after four years playing at Buffalo State, graduating in 2014.
“I am extremely excited to join the Elmira College family,” Zannella added. “It is a great privilege to serve and represent an institution with such strong history and tradition as Elmira College. My biggest priority this year is to do everything in my power to help assist the current and incoming student-athletes maximize their potential while enjoying the sports they love.”
New Hampshire assistant director of athletic communications Alex Comeau has accepted the communications coordinator position at The Guild for Human Wellness in Concord, Mass. Comeau, who was the school’s contact for the UNH hockey program, will leave UNH after his last day on Tuesday, July 18.
Former Northern Michigan goalie Michael Doan died in a single-car accident on Saturday morning (July 15) in Minnesota, according to the Mining Journal.
He was just 25.
According to the report, Doan was driving a 2013 Nissan Altima on Highway 14 just outside Rochester when his car reportedly went into a ditch, struck a utility pole and landed on its top.
Doan played for the Wildcats from 2012 to 2015, and was named to the WCHA All-Academic Team for the 2014-15 season. He posted a 5-13-2 record at NMU before transferring to the University of Windsor for the 2015-16 season.
Last season, Doan played for the Knoxville Ice Bears and the Evansville Thunderbolts of the Southern Professional Hockey League, playing in a total of 20 games.
A GoFundMe account has been created to help with funeral expenses.
Hockey East announced Monday Brian Smith has been promoted to the position of associate commissioner.
Smith has spent the past three seasons as director of communications where he oversaw all public and media relations operations for the conference.
“Brian has earned this promotion by engaging his duties to the fullest and by becoming someone I can trust to take on increasingly more complex assignments,” said Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna in a statement. “Not only is he thorough and competent in his work, he represents the conference very well outside of the confines of the office.”
Prior to joining the conference in July 2014, Smith spent two years with USA Hockey as the Brian Fishman Intern, a prestigious program that develops young professionals in the athletic communications business.
Smith also spent time working with the Boston Bruins and New England Revolution in various roles.
A former high school hockey player at Woburn Memorial (Mass.) High School, Smith is a 2012 graduate of Boston College with a degree in English and Communications and earned four varsity letters in track and field while competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The annual Comm Ave Charity Classic once again brought back familiar faces from both Boston College and Boston University (photo: Boston College Athletics).
BOSTON — During the season, Boston College and Boston University are ancient rivals willing to do whatever it takes to defeat one another.
It’s good, clean hate blossoming out of the parochial neighborhoods of Massachusetts.
Its roots run into the very fabric of the early morning alarm clocks of parents shuffling young children to practice.
But it’s a rivalry also bringing out the best in both sides. On Friday, alumni from both the Terriers and Eagles took to the ice for the third annual Comm Ave Charity Classic, a summer exhibition raising money for both Compassionate Care ALS and the Travis Roy Foundation.
Led by a pair of first-period goals, the BU alumni won 8-6, earning proverbial bragging rights on a night where over an event raised over $64,000 for those two charities at historic Walter Brown Arena.
“It was great to get back on the ice,” former Eagles defenseman and Hobey Baker Award winner Mike Mottau said. “There were some great players and so many fans in the stands. Everyone was there to raise money for some great causes, and it was just a great overall night.”
The game is the brainchild of Boston College alumni Pat Mullane. Along with Andrew Orpik and Justin Murphy, the trio hatched the idea in 2014 following the death of longtime Eagles sports information director Dick Kelley. Having battled valiantly against ALS, his legacy took on a whole new meaning when Pete Frates, a 2007 graduate of the Boston College baseball program, received his own diagnosis.
Following its first year, the game grew a second partner in the Travis Roy Foundation. A former Boston University Terrier hockey player, Roy was paralyzed following an injury just 11 seconds into his first shift of his freshman year in 1995. His life forever changed, he remained an active member of the Boston University community and committed himself through his foundation to helping people afflicted with severe spinal cord injuries.
Now in its third year, the game itself draws some of the biggest names in both program’s recent history. Mottau won the Hobey Baker Award in 2000 before enjoying a career in the professional ranks with the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders, among others. He teamed up with a star-studded maroon and gold roster that included Johnny Gaudreau, Kevin Hayes, Brian Dumoulin, Noah Hanifin and Cory Schneider.
For BU, Jack Eichel returned with teammates like Charlie McAvoy and Charlie Coyle. They joined Dave Warsofsky, Danny O’Regan and Doyle Somerby along with Brian Strait and John McCarthy. Keith Yandle, a former Phoenix Coyote now with the Florida Panthers, didn’t play for either school during his tenure, but joined the Terriers side as a Massachusetts native and “free agent.”
Behind the bench, current head coach David Quinn found himself joined by a BU legend and his former head coach, Jack Parker.
They understand how the emotion of the BC-BU series runs deep within the blood of their respective fan bases. But they also understand that it stems from a mutual respect, something of a family feud. While wins and losses matters, it’s equally important to work with one another for a common goal. This year, the game raised the aforementioned money, bringing a three-year total to nearly $175,000 for both ALS research and spinal injury support.
“I am blown away by the generosity of the hockey community,” Mullane said. “There’s a great hockey culture, and it really shines through and delivers all the time (for others). It’s amazing to see the caliber of players, the number of fans in the stands, and the amount of money that can be raised year after year. I couldn’t be more grateful to the college hockey community specifically in Boston.”
Former Boston College standout Brian Boyle (right) was all smiles during the Comm Ave Charity Classic on July 14 (photo: Boston College Athletics).
As for the game itself, a light-hearted early skate turned into a 2-1 BU advantage after the first period behind an offense powered by Eichel. The 2015 Hobey Baker Award winner lit the lamp eight minutes into the 15 minute period by deflecting a McAvoy shot past goaltender Schneider.
BC tied the game shortly thereafter when Joe Whitney found Paul Carey in the center slot for a ripper to beat Matt O’Connor. But Eichel and Freddy Meyer set up Mike Moran for a wrist shot on Schneider’s short side, giving BU a 2-1 edge after the first period.
In the second, BU poured on the BC net, scoring twice within a minute as part of a four goal explosion. Both Eichel and Moran notched their respective second goals before Gaudreau scored his first of the game. Sean Sullivan responded to give BU a 6-2 lead, but Gaudreau scored his second before the end of the period.
“It was great from the start,” Mottau said. “The fans were into it from the start, and when you have that many people, with a low ceiling and the bands from both schools playing, it felt like there were so many more [in the arena].”
Kevin Hayes opened up the third period with an ice burner past Sean Maguire in the first minute to cut the Terrier lead to 6-4. But Garrett Noonan scored a minute later for the Terriers’ seventh goal.
With 8:20 left in the period, a BC breakout allowed Ryan Fitzgerald and Brian Boyle a two-on-none scoring opportunity. Fitzgerald put the puck on Boyle’s stick, and a deke and backhand lit the lamp to once again make it a two-goal, 7-5 game. The teams continued trading goals, piling on offensive opportunities for the fans in attendance before ending with an 8-6 BU win.
“It was great to revisit that rivalry with these guys,” Mottau said. “It was like being back in college. There were a lot of good guys on both squads, and the caliber of hockey player on the ice was great.”
The BU alumni toppled the BC alumni 8-6 on the ice during the annual Comm Ave Charity Classic at Walter Brown Arena (photo: Boston College Athletics).
The night brought a fun atmosphere indicative of days gone by at Walter Brown Arena. With a near-capacity crowd brimming to the low-hung ceiling, the noise factor brought back memories of college hockey’s younger days and an era before facilities and realignment discussions. It packed the tight concourses with bodies, and it allowed fathers and grandfathers to share memories with young children.
“There were some of the same chants from when I was playing,” said Mottau said with a smile.
Though it was a charity game, the BU faithful peppered the Boston College alumni with the same derisive chants as during a regular season game, while the Boston College fight song sang out both before and after Eagle goals.
“We didn’t even think we would get 25 people to show up that first year,” Mullane said. “For us to grow it into $175,000 is beyond our wildest dreams. All the credit should go to the players, the fans and the volunteers. They make this game what it is. We’re very grateful and fortunate to have the support of this community.”
Overall, the game allowed fans to break up their summer by putting on the same colors they wear during wintertime, and it gave them a chance to chant and sing with their respective pep bands on a July night with a backdrop of uniting for charity.
“In anything you do, you want to play a part [in a success],” Mottau said. “We can do our part by coming back in playing. It helps raise awareness, and it helps raise funds for ALS and the Travis Roy Foundation. It’s really easy because it only takes us coming to play hockey.
“Everyone did it for the right reason, and we will continue to hopefully raise money together.”
Mason Appleton recorded 53 points in 72 career games at Michigan State (photo: Michael Dubicki).
Michigan State forward Mason Appleton has signed an entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets.
Appleton, who will give up his final two years of eligibility, was selected in the sixth round (168th overall) by Winnipeg in the 2015 NHL Draft.
In two years at Michigan State, Appleton compiled 53 points (17 goals, 36 assists) in 72 games and had previously been named the Spartans’ captain for the 2017-18 season.
As a sophomore in 2016-17, Appleton led the Spartans goals (12), assists (19) and points (31).
Leon Hayward has been named an assistant coach at Colorado College.
Hayward, who was an assistant with the USHL’s Bloomington Thunder, replaces Gene Reilly.
“I am thrilled to join the Colorado College staff,” Hayward said in a statement. “The opportunity to coach at the collegiate level has been a goal of mine for a long time. I look forward to helping this program achieve great things in the years to come.”
Hayward will begin his duties at the school immediately.
“We are excited that Leon has agreed to join our program,” added Tigers head coach Mike Haviland. “Having known him for a long time, I am confident that his knowledge of the junior player pool and recruiting experience will greatly benefit our team.”
Prior to joining the Thunder, Hayward spent three years as an assistant at Avon Old Farms School, a prep school located in Avon, Conn. He also served as the dean of enrollment at Avon Old Farms during that time.
Hayward played four seasons as a forward at Northeastern from 1998 to 2002, scoring 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) in 132 career games. He then spent six years playing professionally, including four in the American Hockey League, collecting 85 goals and 88 assists for 173 points.
One of the crowning achievements of his professional career came in 2004-05 when he led the Trenton Titans, coached by Haviland, to the ECHL’s Kelly Cup championship. Hayward was named the finals MVP and had 11 points in 20 playoff games that season.
From 2011-14, Hayward served as head hockey coach at The Governor’s Academy, a prep school in Newbury, Mass. Prior to that, he was an assistant coach at the Taft School for three seasons before taking the top job at The Governor’s Academy and also has coaching experience outside of hockey in both lacrosse and football.
Hayward graduated from the D’Amore McKim School of Business at Northeastern with a concentration in entrepreneurship and earned a master’s degree in leadership with a concentration in nonprofit management from Northeastern in 2014.
Middlebury has announced the hiring of Brian Phinney as the assistant men’s coach.
He returns to Middlebury from the Salisbury School in Connecticut, where he was the director of financial aid and an assistant varsity coach in various sports for the past seven years.
A four-year player from Middlebury from 2001 to 2005, Phinney graduated with a degree in history. He was also a four-year member of the men’s lacrosse program.
“I am excited to have Brian join the coaching staff,” said Middlebury head coach Neil Sinclair in a statement. “His experience with and passion for Middlebury hockey and the community was obvious during our conversations. His role as an educator, working closely with student-athletes, and his commitment to excellence, both on and off the ice, offer further reinforcement that he is the right person to help us write the next chapter for Middlebury hockey.”
“I am thrilled about, and grateful for this opportunity,” added Phinney. “I have an enthusiasm for Middlebury hockey that was ignited when I was a young local fan watching the Alcindor brothers, Kent Hughes, Brent Truchon and all the other greats at The Duke. The support from the town, and all the great people within the community who make Middlebury Athletics such a unique experience is truly a great thing. Coach Sinclair has always been one of my mentors, so I am excited to work closely with him for the upcoming years.”
While on the ice, Phinney served as captain during his senior season and earned All-American laurels and Second-Team All-NESCAC accolades. He was a finalist for the Joe Concannon Award, given annually to New England’s best American-born Division II/III college hockey player and concluded his career with 76 points (28 goals, 48 assists) in 113 games.
On the lacrosse field, Phinney was a long-stick midfielder for the Panthers, who claimed the 2002 NCAA championship as well as four NESCAC titles during his four years.
Following graduation from Middlebury, Phinney played two seasons of professional hockey for Hammarby IF and one year for the Nybro Vikings in Sweden.
He earned his master’s degree in sport management in 2010 from the Isensberg School of Management at UMass.
Alaska announced Tuesday that head coach Dallas Ferguson will be resigning from the program after serving at the helm for the past nine seasons.
His last official day with the Nanooks will be on August 17 before he assumes the role of head coach for the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL.
“On behalf of my family and me, we want to thank the University of Alaska Fairbanks for the opportunity they have given us,” Ferguson said in a statement. “This journey started in 1992 and I feel very fortunate to have been able to play, work and coach with such wonderful people throughout the years. Fairbanks is an amazing community that is made up of some of the most passionate and caring people I have ever surrounded myself with. As we move into the next chapter in our lives, we will always keep Fairbanks close to our hearts.”
Ferguson was named the program’s eighth head coach on May 15, 2008 following four years of service as an assistant coach for the Nanooks under then-head coaches Tavis MacMillan (2004-07) and Doc Delcastillo (2007-08).
“We’re excited for Dallas since this opportunity in Calgary brings him one step closer to coaching in the NHL, a life-long goal of his,” added Alaska director of athletics Dr. Gary Gra. “However, we are sad to see him leave the Alaska Nanooks, as he has been a fixture in our program for so many years. Certainly, Dallas will be greatly missed.
“We plan to name an interim head coach as soon as possible so that the program can continue its positive, sustained growth. We are confident our Alaska Nanooks hockey program will continue to be a major component of the WCHA, America’s premier NCAA Division I hockey conference.”
In nine seasons as the Nanooks’ head coach, Ferguson oversaw six seasons with winning records and led Alaska to the program’s first-ever NCAA tournament appearance. He also led the Nanooks to six Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup titles and nine nonconference tournament championships, while also being a part of Alaska squads that have defeated No. 1-ranked teams on five separate occasions.
After his inaugural year as bench boss, Ferguson was named the CCHA Coach of the Year after leading Alaska to a 17-16-6 record in 2008-09. Ferguson and the Nanooks played host to four CCHA home playoff series before overseeing the program’s transition to the WCHA in 2013-14.
Ferguson has coached over 40 Nanooks who have gone on to pursue professional hockey careers, including St. Louis Blues standout Colton Parayko, Buffalo Sabres goaltender Chad Johnson and 2010 Stanley Cup champion Jordan Hendry.
“One of my joys of coaching is the relationships you develop with the student-athletes [and] it’s been amazing to build these relationships and to see how they grow after their playing days have expired,” Ferguson added. “We have always focused on recruiting great people that will come in, make a difference and embrace Alaska. I’d like to thank all of the student-athletes who have come to play for me and the program. It’s a large commitment and I have always been grateful to those who chose UAF to pursue their academic and athletic goals.
“I have so many people to thank but there are two groups of people that really make this program what it is: the Nanook Hockey Alumni and the Face-Off Club. I can’t say enough about the positive impact these people make for the program and our student-athletes.”
Ferguson was a defenseman with the Nanooks from 1992 to 1996 and served as the team’s captain in his senior season. Ferguson still ranks within the top 25 on Alaska hockey’s all-time scoring list.
“When I first started coaching here, I never knew where it would take me,” Ferguson said. “The last 13 years has truly defined me as a coach, a husband, a father and as a person. I can’t begin to describe all of the lessons I have learned about myself and how living in Alaska and coaching at this university has impacted me. I will always be a Nanook and can’t wait to see what this group of players will accomplish this season.”
First-year head coach Jeff Kampersal announced the addition of three members to the Penn State women’s hockey coaching staff Friday.
Celeste Brown and Allison Coomey join the Nittany Lions as assistant coaches, while Chris Demczuk has been named the director of operations. The trio have begun their duties earlier this month.
“I am eager to work alongside Allison and Celeste,” Kampersal said in a statement. “They are both humble and genuine people. Allison has a ton of experience and has worked with terrific mentors. I expect her to have a huge impact on decision-making and developing relationships. Celeste was heart and soul player in the CHA and played for a first-rate coach at RIT. She is full of energy and will be a culture changer.”
“Chris has a very sharp mind and is motivated,” said Kampersal. “He demonstrates initiative, is going to work hard for the team, and will be a great representative of Penn State women’s hockey.”
An alumna of Rochester Institute of Technology, Brown returns to the CHA after serving as an assistant coach at Connecticut College during the 2016-17 season.
“I am beyond excited to be joining Penn State,” Brown said. “During my short time spent at PSU thus far I have got a glimpse of the strong sense of community and passion everyone has for the university.”
“Back as a student-athlete, the first time I set foot in Pegula Ice Arena I knew that Penn State had the ability to push the limits of women’s hockey,” Brown added. “Now, I am fortunate to be part of an unbelievable team of coaches and staff to help develop well-rounded female student athletes and fierce competitors. I look forward to the bright future Penn State women’s hockey holds and cannot wait until puck drop.”
Prior to her time at Connecticut College, Brown played for the New York Riveters during the inaugural season of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) in 2015-16. Along with coaching at Connecticut College last year, Brown spent the 2016-17 NWHL season playing for the Connecticut Whale.
While at RIT, Brown’s class tallied a 15-2 record in postseason play, which included an NCAA Division III National Championship in 2012, and back-to-back CHA titles in 2014 and 2015. Individually, she was a two-time captain, with a career 70 points on 42 goals and 28 assists. Brown closed out her collegiate career as RIT’s Division I career leader with 30 career goals.
A native of Great Falls, Montana, Brown graduated from RIT in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology.
Coomey joins the Nittany Lions after serving as an assistant coach with Boston University for nine seasons.
“I would like to thank Mike Cross and Jeff Kampersal for the opportunity to help guide the Penn State women’s hockey program,” Coomey said. “Jeff is a highly respected coach in women’s hockey and I am excited to work with him.”
During her time as an assistant coach with BU from 2008-17, the Terriers captured five Hockey East titles, qualified for the NCAA Tournament six times, which included a pair of NCAA Championship appearances in 2011 and 2013. While at BU, Coomey had the opportunity to coach four Olympians that combined for six gold medals for the Canadian National Team at the 2010 and 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
A four-year letterwinner at Niagara in her collegiate playing days, Coomey returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach from 2004-08, helping the Purple Eagles reach the CHA title game twice.
Before joining the staff at Niagara, Coomey served as an assistant coach at Plattsburgh, where she helped guide the Cardinals to the 2004 ECAC West Division III regular season title and the NCAA Division III semifinals.
Prior to her work at Plattsburgh, Coomey completed an internship as the assistant women’s hockey coach at Connecticut College and was also a volunteer lacrosse coach for the 2002-03 season. She has also worked numerous hockey camps, including the USA Hockey Development Camp.
As a student-athlete at Niagara, Coomey played hockey and lacrosse from 1998-2002. On the ice, she served as an alternate captain during her senior season and helped the team to its most successful season in program history, as the Purple Eagles reached the 2002 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four and finished tied for third in the final national poll. On the lacrosse field, she earned the team’s rookie of the year award in 1999 and went on to tally 69 goals and 37 assists in her four-year career.
A native of Baldwinsville, N.Y., Coomey earned two degrees from Niagara, a bachelor’s degree in education in 2002 and a master’s degree in school counseling in 2008. She was a two-time ECAC All-Academic Team member and earned a spot on the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.
Demczuk joins the Penn State women’s hockey staff full-time after being a member of the staff for the past four seasons as a student worker in different capacities.
“I’d like to thank Jeff Kampersal and Michael Cross for giving me this exciting opportunity to transition from student to full-time employee at Penn State with its young, growing hockey program,” Demczuk said. “I’m looking forward to working with the team’s new staff and helping Penn State women’s hockey achieve new milestones.”
As the director of operations, Demczuk will help with travel and meal coordination, leading team video operations, assisting opponents with video needs, and assisting coaching staff with pre-game and post-game preparation.
A native of Gillette, N.J., Demczuk graduated from Penn State in the spring of 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
Ohio State men’s hockey has named Steve Miller associate head coach, Buckeyes head coach Steve Rohlik announced Friday.
Miller, who has coached three NCAA Championship teams, was an assistant coach for Team USA when it won the gold medal at the 2017 World Junior Championships.
Miller served as the director of hockey at Air Force the last two seasons. In 2017 the Falcons won the Atlantic Hockey Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals.
“Steve is one of the most respected coaches in college hockey,” Rohlik said in a statement. “He is outstanding at developing players and brings a great deal of championship experience to our team. We are thrilled to have him as a Buckeye. We can’t wait for the season to start.”
“I am honored and humbled to join such a prestigious institution and build on what Coach Rohlik and the student-athletes have achieved,” Miller said. “There are great things on the horizon for this program. I am excited to get going.”
Miller spent the 2014-15 season at Providence as associate head coach, as the Friars claimed the NCAA Championship. He was the first general manager and head coach of the Madison Capitols in the USHL after a long career at Denver.
Miller spent 19 and a half years as an assistant and associate head coach at Denver, helping the Pioneers win back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2004 and in Columbus in 2005. During his time with DU, the team won three WCHA regular season championships and claimed the WCHA Final Five title four times. With the Pioneers, Miller coached and recruited 41 NHL draft choices and 55 All-WCHA selections, with 15 All-Americans and two Hobey Baker Memorial Award winners.
In 2009, Miller was honored with the American Hockey Coaches Association’s Terry Flanagan Award, which recognizes an assistant coach’s career body of work.
Miller began his coaching career at his alma mater, St. Mary’s. The squad won the 1989 MIAC playoff championship and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament. He moved from there to Miami University, where he spent two seasons as a graduate assistant coach under head coach George Gwozdecky, winning the program’s first CCHA title in 1993. Miller moved with Gwozdecky to Denver in 1994.
At St. Mary’s, Miller played three years of varsity hockey. He was named the team’s Most Inspirational Player as both a sophomore and senior and earned Most Improved Player honors as a sophomore. In 1988 he helped St. Mary’s to its first MIAC championship in 23 years and the team set the school record for victories in a season (22), a mark that still stands.
Miller, who was inducted into the Sun Prairie High School Wall of Success in 2008, and his wife, Heidi, have three children, a daughter, Alexis, and sons, Cole and Connor.
Miller, who has coached three NCAA Championship teams, was an assistant coach for Team USA when it won the gold medal at the 2017 World Junior Championships.