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Veteran USHL, NAHL coach Leivermann selected as new assistant coach for Cornell men’s hockey team

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August 29, 2024

Corey Leivermann spent the 2023-24 season helping the USHL’s Fargo Force win a Clark Cup title (photo: Marissa Shiock/Fargo Force).

Corey Leivermann has joined the Cornell men’s hockey coaching staff as an assistant coach.

In addition to his assistant coaching duties, Leivermann will also oversee the Big Red’s video and hockey operations for the upcoming season.

“I’m really excited to add Corey to our coaching staff with his experience coming from leagues that are vital to our recruiting,” Cornell head coach Mike Schafer said in a statement. “He has vast experience and connections with the USHL and NAHL, and I’m looking forward to him connecting with our players. He comes highly recommended.”

“I’m excited and honored for this tremendous opportunity to work with Coach Schafer in his last year at Cornell and with Casey Jones and Sean Flanagan,” added Leivermann. “I’m really excited and ready to hit the ground running with hockey season right around the corner.”

Leivermann joins the Big Red after spending the 2023-24 season as an associate head coach with the USHL’s Fargo Force. Fargo had a successful 2023-24 campaign, highlighted by its 50-10-2 regular-season record that set the USHL’s single-season record for wins and concluding the year by claiming its second-ever Clark Cup title.

Before his time in Fargo, Leivermann was an associate head coach with the USHL’s Madison Capitols for two years before being elevated to general manager and head coach of the Capitols for the 2022-23 campaign.

Following his one season of playing professional hockey with the Mississippi RiverKings in the SPHL in 2014-15, Leivermann joined the NAHL’s Wichita Falls Wildcats as a scout for the 2015-16 season. He spent the next season as the general manager and head coach of the NA3HL’s Jersey Shore Wildcats before returning to Wichita Falls to serve as an assistant coach for the remainder of the season upon the conclusion of the NA3HL season.

He remained in the NAHL for the next three seasons, working with the Janesville Jets, where he assumed the role of assistant coach for the entire 2017-18 season and the first half of the 2018-19 campaign before being elevated to head coach on Jan. 2, 2019, a role he held for a year and a half. He also served as the Jets’ director of scouting for two years (2018-20).

Following his time as a player with Fargo, Leivermann played at Minnesota State for parts of three seasons, registering eight points (four goals, four assists) in 42 games with the Mavericks.

A mid-year transfer to Gustavus Adolphus in 2012-13, Leivermann averaged a point per game over his 40 career games with the Gusties. He registered 20 goals and 20 assists, highlighted by his 30-point season (18 goals, 12 assists) in 2013-14, where he earned second team West AHCA All-American honors while serving as team captain.

Former Wilkes women’s hockey player Guzdek named winner of fifth annual College Hockey Inc. scholarship

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August 28, 2024

Emma Guzdek skated in 49 games over three seasons for Wilkes (photo: Steve Finkernagel).

Former Wilkes forward/defender Emma Guzdek has been named the 2024 recipient of the annual College Hockey Inc. scholarship, presented by JLG Architects.

Guzdek will receive a $2,500 postgraduate scholarship that was created to celebrate an NCAA hockey student-athlete who helps build the game through their support of the next generation of hockey players.

The scholarship is given in honor of JLG founder Lonnie Laffen, a passionate college hockey supporter who passed away in 2020.

A native of Amherst, N.Y., Guzdek skated at Wilkes from 2021 through 2024 and graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

She appeared in 49 collegiate games during her three seasons – collecting five goals and six assists – and helped lead the Colonels to the program’s first conference playoff berth in 2023-24.

In 2023, Guzdek and the New York State Amateur Hockey Association co-founded the NYSAHA House League Skills Clinic, a grassroots program that focuses on player development and growing the game within the state, providing players with an affordable opportunity to develop their individual skills during on-ice training sessions.

“Seeing the smiles on these kids’ faces as they step out on the ice, often for the first time, is incredibly rewarding,” said Guzdek in a statement. “Initiatives like this are so vital for bringing new families into the hockey community and strengthening the foundation of the sport.”

Guzdek has served as a coach for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Jr. Knights program and the NYSAAHA Girls Development Camp. She has also been a team leader for USA Hockey’s Girls 15 Player Development Camp and recently worked at the USA Hockey Girls 16/17s Camp.

Guzdek became a published author this summer, having written The Ultimate 101 Guide to Recruiting for Female Hockey Players, and launched her own business at www.thehockeyparty.com.

“Congratulations to Emma on a job well done,” said College Hockey Inc. executive director Sean Hogan. “Her efforts to grow hockey and make it more accessible stood out to us in a great group of candidates. Thanks to Emma for all her hard work.”

“JLG looks for strong student-athlete leaders on and off the ice, and Emma Guzdek truly embodies the spirit and values that founded our firm and the CHI scholarship,” added Michelle Mongeon Allen, FAIA, LEED AP, CEO – JLG Architects. “We are thrilled to recognize and celebrate Emma’s outstanding dedication to growing the sport, empowering youth, and ensuring the joy of hockey is attainable for every family.”

Guzdek is currently enrolled in graduate school at the Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies, where she is pursuing her master’s degree in public policy. She is also serving as an assistant coach locally with the Cherry Creek Hockey Association.

“I feel immensely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to make a positive impact on the next generation of hockey players,” said Guzdek. “Hockey has given me so much over the years, and I feel tremendous pride in playing a hands-on role in helping the sport continue to thrive and grow. As I embark on the next chapter of my career, I look forward to finding new ways to support youth hockey and raise the next generation of players.

“The game has the power to shape lives, and I will always be passionate about using my platform in hockey to uplift young people.”

The College Hockey Inc. scholarship, presented by JLG Architects, was first awarded in 2020 and is open to any NCAA hockey player (men’s or women’s, any division) who has exhausted their collegiate eligibility. Applications required a written essay on the student-athlete’s contributions to the youth hockey community, which could be accompanied by videos, photos, or other supplemental information. The winner is selected by a committee made up of representatives from College Hockey Inc. and JLG Architects.

College Hockey Inc. Scholarship Recipients:
2020: Breanna Scarpaci, Boston University
2021: Michael Korol, Norwich
2022: Brooke Leone, Augsburg
2023: Stephanie Martin, Wisconsin-Eau Claire
2024: Emma Guzdek, Wilkes

After NHL rights traded to Pittsburgh from Winnipeg, McGroarty leaves Michigan following sophomore season, signs contract with Penguins

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August 26, 2024

Rutger McGroarty was a top offensive player in his two seasons with Michigan (photo: Michigan Photography).

After two seasons playing for Michigan, forward Rutger McGroarty has signed an entry-level contract with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, forgoing his last two seasons of NCAA eligibility.

The Penguins acquired McGroarty’s rights on Aug. 22 from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for forward Brayden Yager.

“We had a difficult decision to make with this trade because we hold Brayden Yager in such a high regard as a person and prospect. After much consideration, we decided that the opportunity to add Rutger McGroarty was ultimately in the best interest of the Penguins,” said Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas in a statement. “Rutger possesses the combination of ability, leadership and competitiveness that the Penguins need to achieve our goals in the short and long run. We look forward to welcoming Rutger and his family to the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins.”

McGroarty, 20, played at Michigan from 2022 to 2024, tallying 34 goals, 57 assists and 91 points in 75 games. Last season, he ranked second on the team with 36 assists and 52 points.

The Lincoln, Neb., native captained Team USA to the gold medal at the 2024 World Junior Championship, tallying five goals and nine points in seven games. McGroarty captured a bronze medal at the 2023 World Junior Championship.

McGroarty was originally drafted by the Jets in the first round (14th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft.

Former Minnesota State, Northern Michigan staffer, St. Thomas grad Synstegaard named CCHA, WCHA assistant commissioner of operations

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August 26, 2024

SYNSTEGAARD

The CCHA and WCHA announced today the hiring of Byron Synstegaard as assistant commissioner of operations.

He joins the respective conference offices bringing six years of administrative experience in sport and event operations.

“To borrow a hockey term, Byron’s hiring puts our staffing plan back at ‘full strength’ in the WCHA and CCHA,” said Minnesota State director of athletics and CCHA management council chair Kevin Buisman in a statement. “He brings a tremendous level of operational, event management, budget and administrative experience that will prove valuable in this role. He has a real passion for the game that will be more than evident to the coaches, student-athletes and staff he will serve. I am confident that he will acclimate quickly and make immediate, high-impact contributions across both leagues.”

Synstegaard spent the last four years with the Mavericks as an assistant athletic director for sport operations, overseeing all aspects of sport operations, including event management, at the university. He worked in facility management, business and financial management, department scheduling, and corporate partnerships.

“I want to thank (CCHA commissioner) Don Lucia, (WCHA commissioner) Michelle McAteer, Kevin Buisman, and the CCHA and WCHA staff for this opportunity,” said Synstegaard. “I am excited to continue to advance the renowned brand of both the CCHA and the WCHA in this role, and am honored to serve the prestigious institutions that make up both leagues.”

“I am very excited to welcome Byron to the WCHA,” said McAteer. “Throughout the application process, it was clear that he is experienced, qualified, and possesses a skill set that will add tremendous value to our organization. Bryon has advanced in sports administration roles throughout his career and came highly recommended. He has a lot to offer and will do a tremendous job managing the operations of our league and supporting our outstanding member institutions.”

Prior to his time at Minnesota State, Synstegaard was an event operations manager at Northern Michigan, where he served from 2018 to 2020, handling operations, marketing and promotions for all 16 programs.

“Byron has the unique skill set we were looking for and has previous experience at Northern Michigan and Minnesota State,” added Lucia. “He came highly recommended and his passion for college hockey was clear through the interview process. I look forward to working with Byron and welcome him to the CCHA.”

Synstegaard will oversee all league operations for both the CCHA and WCHA, including managing payroll for all employees (including officials), budgeting for all league activities and postseason tournament management, among other fiscal and operational duties.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in Geography/Environmental Studies from St. Thomas in 2015, he completed his master’s in Sports Management from Minnesota State in 2018.

Former Bowling Green goalie, Marian goalie coach Nell named new assistant coach, director of hockey operations for Colgate men’s hockey team

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August 25, 2024

NELL

Colgate has announced Chris Nell as the men’s hockey team’s newest assistant coach and director of hockey operations.

Nell will serve as the Raiders’ goalie coach.

“Chris has rapidly ascended through the goalie coaching ranks, and we are so excited to have him join our staff,” Colgate head coach Mike Harder said in a statement. “His ability to teach the position, think through the game, and push our student-athletes to get better every day will be an enormous asset to our Colgate hockey community. His passion is both evident and contagious.”

Nell arrives in Hamilton after serving as the assistant/goalie coach with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers in 2023-24.

He got his start in collegiate coaching at Marian, where he spent the last two years as the goalie coach for both the men’s and women’s programs.

Nell played professional hockey from 2017 to 2022. He spent 110 games between the pipes in the ECHL, posting a 3.33 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage. Nell also recorded a 3.18 GAA and a .893 save percentage in 31 AHL games.

He played college hockey at Bowling Green. As a sophomore, Nell earned first team all-WCHA honors after recording one of the best seasons in program history. He set the Bowling Green record in goals-against average (1.91) and save percentage (.930) while posting an 18-11-6 record.

As a junior, Nell totaled 807 saves and logged a 2.15 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. He finished atop the Bowling Green record book in career shutouts (11), career save percentage (.922), and career GAA (2.07).

Nell graduated from Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2022 with a BA in organizational leadership.

Former Gustavus Adolphus women’s hockey player Gasparini charged with reckless driving for 2023 crash that killed teammate Jones

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August 22, 2024

Jori Jones was a goaltender on the 2023 Gustavus Adolphus national championship team (photo: Gustavus Adolphus Athletics).

Gianna Gasparini, the Gustavus Adolphus hockey player who was driving the car during the 2023 crash that killed teammate Jori Jones, was charged with reckless driving, a misdemeanor, on Aug. 16, 2024.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both. Gasparini did not play during the 2023-24 hockey season.

Gasparini, Jones and GAC teammates Kayla Bluhm and Lily Mortenson were returning home from a North Dakota team bonding trip when the car crashed into a van at a four-way intersection in western Minnesota. All four women were freshmen on the Gustavus Adolphus hockey team that won the NCAA Division III championship in 2023.

Only Mortenson played the 2023-24 season.

Jones died at the hospital following the crash. Her three teammates and the driver of the van, Brandi Rasmussen, suffered minor injuries.

Gasparini gave a statement to police saying that she “didn’t notice that it was a four-way intersection until way too late,” according to reports. She took a preliminary breath test that showed no trace of alcohol.

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

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

Adrian promotes current assistant, former Bulldogs player Thompson to associate head coach for men’s hockey team

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August 21, 2024

Mathew Thompson has played and coached at Adrian (photo: Adrian Athletics).

Adrian announced on Tuesday that Mathew Thompson will be elevated to associate head coach for the men’s hockey team.

Thompson is a 2018 graduate of Adrian where he was a member of the hockey team and spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach.

During his time as a player at Adrian, Thompson played in 105 games where he scored 61 goals to go with 67 assists for 128 total points. He served as captain of the team for his junior and senior season and was a four-time NCHA champion and a two-time NCAA tournament semifinalist. Thompson was also named to the NCHA all-freshman team during his career, was a three-time Harris Cup all-tournament team honoree, and a two-time NCHA all-conference selection.

Thompson then went on to pursue a professional career starting in the ECHL with the Indy Fuel before being promoted to the Rockford Ice Hogs in the AHL. After the 2019-20 season, Thompson returned to the Fuel where he served as captain before playing with the Coventry Blaze in the EIHL.

Army West Point hockey coach Riley announces ’24-25 will be his last with Black Knights; current associate head coach McKelvie to take over with ’25-26 season

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August 21, 2024

Zach McKelvie and Brian Riley talk strategy for Army West Point during a game last season (photo: Army West Point Athletics).

Army West Point head hockey coach Brian Riley has announced that the upcoming 2024-25 season will be his final following 21 years at the helm of the program.

Associate head coach Zach McKelvie will take the reins as head coach in 2025-26 as Riley passes the torch to an Army Hockey legend both on and off the ice. McKelvie now enters his 11th season on staff with the Black Knights and ninth as associate head coach.

This upcoming season will mark the 75th consecutive campaign with the Riley family leading the program, with Brian’s father Jack taking over in 1951 before passing the torch to Brian’s brother Rob from 1986 to 2004. The trio has combined for 1041 wins during the span, accounting for over 83% of the program’s victories.

“I would like to thank our athletic director Mike Buddie and our deputy athletic director Dan McCarthy for their guidance during this process,” said Riley in a statement. “The opportunity to grow up at West Point, raise our children here, and be a coach here at West Point has been both rewarding and humbling. West Point has provided not only me but the Riley family with so many great memories and we are all so grateful. Growing up at West Point, I always wondered why my dad stayed here as long as he did but having sat where he sat, I now know why he stayed. The chance to be around all the amazing people, Cadets and others makes this the best coaching opportunity in all of sports. Saying all of this, the staff is excited about preparing our cadet-athletes for the upcoming season.”

Riley has amassed 242 wins across his 20 seasons, currently ranking fifth on Atlantic Hockey America’s all-time wins list and 20th among active college hockey coaches. He has collected Atlantic Hockey coach of the year a record four times during his tenure including three straight from 2006 to 2008 before receiving the honor again in 2021. He has led 21 cadet-athletes to receive all-conference recognition along with Atlantic Hockey’s first-ever two-time All-American in Colin Bilek.

McKelvie first arrived at West Point as a plebe in 2005 before going on to have one of the most successful playing careers in Army Hockey history. A native of New Brighton, Minn., McKelvie was a two-time Atlantic Hockey first team selection for the Black Knights on the blue line. He was a team captain as a senior and an alternate captain as a junior. He finished his career with 56 points on 14 goals and 42 assists.

McKelvie was honored in 2008 as the league’s defenseman of the year along with receiving the AAA Award from the Army West Point Athletic Association, the most recent winner of the prestigious award from the program. Following the season, he also received team MVP honors along with another significant off-ice award from the academy – the Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character Through Sport Award. The award is presented annually to “West Point athletes and coaches for their outstanding commitment to the development of noble character through athletic participation and leadership.”

“I am honored to be named the next head coach of this historic program,” said McKelvie. “As a former player and a grad, West Point holds a special place in my heart. I want to thank LTG Gilland, Mike Buddie, and Dan McCarthy for their support and trust in me. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Coach Riley and his family for their unwavering commitment to this school and the Army hockey program. His belief in me has been a cornerstone of my journey, and for that, I will be forever grateful. I am excited to embark on this next chapter and am confident we have a program capable of winning at the highest level and continuing to produce leaders of character ready to serve our nation. Go Army.”

McKelvie was originally signed by the Boston Bruins organization after his senior season in 2009. He then served two years of active duty as an infantry officer before officially starting his professional career in the Calgary Flames organization in 2011. McKelvie went on to appear in over 100 games in the AHL between the Providence Bruins and Abbotsford Heat. He was honored as a member of the AHA 10th Anniversary Team, which was announced in 2013. McKelvie eventually returned to West Point in 2014 to join Riley’s staff as an assistant coach and was promoted to associate head coach in 2016.

In 2022, McKelvie was inducted into the Atlantic Hockey Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class and is one of two Black Knights along with Bilek to receive the honor.

“This is an exciting time for the Army hockey program knowing that Zach McKelvie will be the next head coach,” Riley said. “Zach has given so much to this program both as a player and a coach. I will be forever grateful to Zach for all that he’s done for me and the Army hockey program. There’s nobody better suited than Zach to take over this program. He’s one of the finest young coaches in the country and I have no doubt that he’s going to do a great job leading this program in the coming years.”

McKelvie will become the 21st head coach in program history and just the fourth since 1956. He will join sprint football’s Mark West and golf’s Chad Bagley as current head coaches at Army to have graduated from the academy.

“It is with mixed emotions that I celebrate what Brian Riley, and the entire Riley family, has meant to Army hockey for decades,” said Buddie. “I am thrilled for Brian to embark on his next chapter, but I also know that his presence in our department will be missed on many levels. It is extremely heartening to have someone of Zach McKelvie’s experience, expertise and character waiting in the wings to continue to build on what the Riley’s have devoted their careers to establishing.”

The Riley family legacy began at West Point in 1951 with eventual USA and International Hockey Hall of Famer Jack Riley taking the reins. He went on to guide Army to 29 winning seasons and earned a pair of NCAA coach of the year awards in both 1957 and 1960. Riley served as head coach of the United States Olympic team in 1960 and directed the squad to its first gold medal. His 542 wins ranks second in Army athletics history for a head coach and was second in NCAA hockey history at the time of his retirement, with the mark currently standing 19th all-time.

With Rob and Brian succeeding their father’s head coaching position for the last 39 seasons and the upcoming 40th, the Riley family will continue to have its fingerprints on the program with current assistant coach Jack Riley entering his third campaign with the program and second on the bench.

Alaska Anchorage names former Lake Superior State assistant hockey coach Pietrangelo to same role with Seawolves

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August 21, 2024

PIETRANGELO

Alaska Anchorage has announced the addition of Vincent Pietrangelo as the team’s new assistant coach.

Pietrangelo is no stranger to college hockey having served as an assistant and head coach in the college ranks since 2015. He spent the 2023-24 season as an assistant coach at Lake Superior State.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be adding Vinnie to our team,” said UAA head coach Matt Shasby in a news release. “He brings a significant amount of experience at the collegiate level that will make us better immediately. His passion for coaching and desire to be a Seawolf was second to none during the hiring process.”

Pietrangelo served as an assistant coach at Ferris State in 2015-16, helping the Bulldogs to a 201-15-6 overall record and the WCHA Final Five championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament.

He served as an assistant coach at Canton, helping the Kangaroos to a 14-9-2 overall record that included a pair of wins over nationally ranked opponents.

Pietrangelo was also the head coach at Arcadia for two seasons (2021-23), leading the Knights to an 11-37-3 record.

He played three seasons of collegiate hockey at Finlandia, appearing in 36 games as a defenseman.

Pietrangelo earned a bachelor’s degree in healthcare services administration from Ferris State and a master’s degree in sport management from Cortland.

Miami assistant coach Elliott leaves RedHawks bench, moves to ECHL as new assistant coach for Kalamazoo

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August 19, 2024

ELLIOTT

The ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings have announced that Jonathon Elliott has been named a new assistant coach.

Elliott comes to Kalamazoo after two years with Miami as director of hockey operations in 2022-23 and an assistant coach last season.

Prior to his time with the RedHawks, he spent four seasons as an assistant coach for Saint Mary’s.

“It’s an honor to be chosen as the next assistant coach of the Kalamazoo Wings,” Elliott said in a statement. “I would like to thank (head coach) Joel Martin, along with owners Bill Johnston and Ronda Stryker, for their belief in me and for trusting me with this incredible opportunity with such a storied franchise.

“Kalamazoo is a special place, and I am very excited to be back in my home state surrounded by such a passionate fan base. I look forward to contributing to the team’s success and being involved in the community.”

Before coaching, Elliott played four seasons (2012-16) at Saint Mary’s.

Trinity men’s hockey assistant coach, former Bantams women’s hockey star Weiss makes jump to pro hockey, named new video coach for AHL’s Eagles

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August 19, 2024

WEISS

The NHL’s Colorado Avalanche has announced today that the organization has named Kim Weiss the video coach of the organization’s AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.

Weiss was a guest coach for the Avalanche in 2023-24 where she assisted in the last two Avalanche development camps, part of the 2023 training camp and periodically throughout the 2023-24 regular season.

She most recently served as an assistant coach for the Trinity men’s hockey team in 2023-24.

Prior to coaching at her alma matter, Weiss’ coaching career included stints with the NAHL’s Maryland Black Bears and Washington Pride AAA programs in various capacities.

Weiss is a member of the NHL Coaches Association Female Coaches Program and has been a featured speaker in the organization’s mentorship program. She is involved with USA Hockey’s player development camps in the summer as well as the coaching education program. Weiss is a USA Hockey Level 5 certified coach and graduated from Georgetown Visitation School in Washington, DC.

She played college hockey at Trinity from 2007 to 2011, serving as team captain as a junior and senior. She was a first team All-American and NESCAC player of the year as a senior in 2010-11. As a junior, she helped guide the Bantams to an NCAA tournament bid for the first time in program history.

Weiss was a four-time All-NESCAC honoree and remains Trinity’s all-time leading scorer.

Former Western New England player Radina stays with Golden Bears as men’s hockey team’s new assistant coach

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August 18, 2024

RADINA

Former Western New England player Lukas Radina has been named an assistant coach at his alma mater.

“Transitioning from a player to a coach at WNEU is exciting,” Radina told USPHLPremier.com. “I’m eager to leverage my on-ice experience and contribute to the team’s development from a new perspective. My NCAA years were a great learning experience. They taught me a lot about playing at a high level and gave me a strong foundation in teamwork and discipline.”

Radina played for two seasons with Anna Maria, before transferring in 2022 to WNEU.

“I learned a lot about game strategy, how to stay in top shape, and what it takes to improve as a player,” said Radina. “These lessons will help me teach and guide players more effectively. Our first official practice is scheduled for early September. This summer, the WNEU coaching staff and I are focusing on team-building exercises, conditioning, and reviewing game strategies to ensure a strong start.”

After two seasons behind Lawrence men’s hockey bench, Wall leaves for head coaching job with NAHL’s Jets

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August 18, 2024

Brett Wall goes through the handshake line last season after Lawrence defeated MSOE (photo: Paul Wilke).

While not officially announced by the school, Lawrence men’s hockey coach Brett Wall has been named head coach of the NAHL’s Janesville Jets.

Wall, who played at Lake Superior State, had been with the Vikings since the 2022-23 season. He graduated with a BS in Sports Recreation and Management from LSSU in 2013.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to coach one of the top organizations in junior hockey with Janesville Jets,” said Wall in a statement. “The Jets have a proud history of developing and advancing players to the next level while teaching players the value of giving back through community service that I plan to continue. The future of the Jets is very bright as the team gets ready to play in the new Woodman’s Center in a year. I’m grateful to the ownership for entrusting me to lead this group of young athletes as they seek to achieve their dream of playing Division 1 college hockey. Being an alum of the NAHL, I know firsthand what the league meant to me as a player and a person and want to make sure our players have the same great experience.

“My goal is to bring a Robertson Cup to Janesville.”

At Lawrence, Wall guided the team to a 12-36-4 mark over his two seasons behind the bench.

Sacred Heart hires former Army West Point, Colgate, SUNYAC coach Azzano as new assistant coach for Pioneers men’s hockey team

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August 18, 2024

Chris Azzano will work with goaltenders at SHU (photo: Sacred Heart Athletics).

Chris Azzano, who has eight seasons of college hockey coaching experience as well as two in the USHL, has been named assistant coach for the Sacred Heart men’s hockey team.

Azzano oversaw goalies at Army West Point in 2023-24 after three seasons on the staff at Colgate. He became a full-time Raiders assistant coach for the 2022-23 season, helping Colgate win the ECAC Hockey tournament championship.

“I am thrilled to be part of a talented staff working in an amazing arena,” said Azzano, who will lead the Pioneer goalies, in a statement. “I am excited to begin working with a young goaltending group that has great potential.”

Azzano worked as an assistant coach at Morrisville from 2019 to 2022. He also spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the USHL’s Lincoln Stars, where he assisted with on-ice instruction and practice planning.

“We are pleased to add Chris Azzano to our staff as an assistant coach. First and foremost, Chris is a passionate coach who will work hard to foster relationships with our student-athletes,” said SHU head coach C.J. Marottolo. “He is very familiar with our league from his time at West Point and won a championship at Colgate. His experience will have a positive impact on our program.”

Azzano spent two seasons on the bench with Cortland, serving as an assistant coach and the recruiting coordinator. He also coordinated academic efforts for the Red Dragons. Azzano got his collegiate coaching start at Canton, where he was the assistant coach for the men’s program during the 2014-15 season. He coordinated recruiting efforts and was responsible for in-game management of the defensive unit.

Before coaching, Azzano spent three seasons with the Mustangs as a goaltender, where he was a three-time SUNYAC all-academic team and two-time SUNYAC Commissioner’s List recipient for excellence in academics and athletics. Azzano also spent six years as an instructor with the Salt City Prospects in Syracuse.

“Chris will be heavily involved in all facets of our program from recruiting, practice planning, video work and will also implement and oversee our goalie development plan,” said Marottolo. “We are happy to welcome Chris and his wife Amy to our SHU hockey family. We look forward to him progressing in the profession while raising the bar for our netminders.”

Azzano earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Morrisville in 2014, before earning his Master of Science in Sports Management from Cortland in 2017.

Clarkson adds Ragno as new men’s hockey assistant coach, Basarab women’s hockey assistant, Clougherty men’s hockey video coach

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August 17, 2024

RAGNO, BASARAB

Clarkson has announced the addition of Sebastian Ragno to the men’s hockey coaching staff as a new assistant coach.

In addition, Cam Basarab has been named an assistant for the Clarkson women’s hockey team.

In the summer of 2023, the NCAA expanded the size allowable for college hockey programs from two paid assistants to three full-time assistants. In the 2023-24 season, both the men and women shared Basarab as that third assistant. This season, Basarab has been named the assistant exclusively with the women’s hockey staff.

Ragno comes to the Knights after spending last season with Stonehill, where he worked with goaltenders and assisted in skill sessions and recruiting. Ragno will work with goaltenders and run on-ice skill sessions along with help with recruiting for Clarkson

Mike Clougherty has also been named video coach/hockey operations. He will be a graduate assistant as he will enroll in the Master of Business Administration program at the Reh School of Business. Clougherty graduated from Boston College in May 2024 with a Corporate Systems Major. While at BC, Clougherty was the associate head coach with the EHL’s Valley Jr. Warriors and ran his own hockey skill development program, Claw Hockey.

Lake Forest women’s hockey coach Wilson departing after six seasons, taking job as NCAA Division I assistant

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August 16, 2024

Jennifer Wilson spent six seasons as Lake Forest women’s hockey head coach (photo: Oto Bauman).

Lake Forest women’s hockey coach Jennifer Wilson announced Thursday that she will be resigning to accept an opportunity as an NCAA Division I assistant at an unnamed school.

Wilson has coached the Foresters for six seasons and compiled an overall record of 77-57-10 and an NCHA mark of 56-25-7. Lake Forest qualified for the NCHA Slaats Cup playoffs each season and advanced to the semifinal round of the league’s postseason tournament five times.

“We greatly appreciate everything Coach Wilson has done for Forester women’s hockey, as well as our department and the campus community, since she came to the college,” said LFC director of athletics Nicki Pieart in a statement. “We also wish her nothing but the best as she moves on to the next phase of her coaching career.”

“While I am excited and honored to take the next step in my career, it is not without mixed emotions to depart from Forester hockey,” added Wilson. “The last six years have greatly and positively impacted my growth as a coach, and I want to thank Jackie Slaats, Blake Theisen, and Nicki Pieart for their support and guidance while providing me with the opportunity to make an impact on the college, its student-athletes, and the program. I have had the privilege to work with phenomenal student-athletes over the years and will cherish those connections. I want to express a sincere thank you to the Forester staff, both past and present, who made Lake Forest the wonderful place that it is.”

Wilson’s final day at LFC will be Aug. 30.

A national search for Lake Forest’s next head women’s hockey coach will begin immediately.

Former Franklin Pierce, UMass Boston men’s hockey player Foley named new assistant coach at Fredonia

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August 15, 2024

Conor Foley played the first part of his NCAA career for Franklin Pierce (photo: Franklin Pierce Athletics).

Fredonia has announced the addition of Conor Foley as an assistant coach for the men’s hockey team.

Foley played 115 games over five seasons with Franklin Pierce and UMass Boston, finishing his career with 113 points from 2019 to 2024.

He was a captain his senior year at Franklin Pierce while also winning the league’s highest honor as the player of the year in 2023.

Foley also spent 18 games playing professionally with the FPHL’s Port Huron Prowlers.

Northland tabs coaching veteran Bobrowski new head coach for women’s hockey team

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August 15, 2024

Jake Bobrowski is the new Northland women’s hockey head coach (photo: Northland Athletics).

Jake Bobrowski has been named the new head coach for the Northland women’s hockey team.

Bobrowski, who becomes the fourth head coach of the program, takes over for Natasha Hawkins, who left the program in July.

“Northland women’s hockey is excited for a new era, with new leadership in Jake Bobrowski,” said Northland athletic director Dan Schumacher in a statement. “He has coaching experience at all levels of women’s hockey, and we are excited to have him at Northland College.”

In the inaugural PWHL season, Bobrowski was an assistant coach to the Walter Cup champion Minnesota Professional Hockey Team. The prior year, he was the head coach at Elmira, where he led the Soaring Eagles to a conference championship and finished the year ranked 10th in the nation.

“I want to thank director Schumacher for this opportunity,” said Bobrowski. “I am excited to showcase the beautiful campus and all the breathtaking shores of Lake Superior have to offer. I also look forward to the opportunity to build NC into a national contender.”

Bobrowski has spent time at the Division I level as an assistant with Minnesota.

Bobrowski’s collegiate coaching career started at Hamline. During his tenure, he helped the Pipers reach their first NCAA tournament. Hamline reached the NCAA Frozen Four twice, ending in a second- and third-place finish.

Before coaching, Bobrowski spent 22 years in law enforcement with the Saint Paul Police Department.

The Frozen Confines: Big Ten Hockey Series to feature outdoor weekend at Chicago’s Wrigley Field Jan. 3-4, 2025

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August 15, 2024

The Big Ten and Chicago Cubs announced Thursday plans to host a pair of college hockey doubleheaders at Wrigley Field in Jan. 2025.

The event will be known as The Frozen Confines: Big Ten Hockey Series.

The Frozen Confines will feature three Big Ten men’s hockey games, plus a WCHA women’s game, the weekend of Jan. 3-4, 2025 at Wrigley Field. Big Ten Network will carry all four games live. While the order of games is pending, start times are set for 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. CT on Jan. 3 and for 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. CT on Jan. 4.

The game pairings are:

Friday, Jan. 3, 2025
Penn State vs. Notre Dame, BTN
Ohio State vs. Michigan, BTN

Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin, BTN
Wisconsin vs. Michigan State, BTN

Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin each spent time in the national polls last season with four of the teams finishing in the top 10. Since 2022, all six schools have seen NCAA tournament action with Michigan advancing to three straight Frozen Fours.

On the women’s side, Ohio State and Wisconsin have combined to win the last five national championships and have met in the last two NCAA championship games.

The weekend of college hockey follows the NHL Winter Classic between the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks on Dec. 31, 2024, the second NHL Winter Classic to be held at Wrigley Field.

Tickets for the Frozen Confines go on sale to the general public on Friday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. CT and are available at Cubs.com/BigTenHockey.

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