Massachusetts-Dartmouth announced Friday the appointment of Erik Noack to serve as the fourth head coach of the Corsairs.
Noack joins UMass Dartmouth after spending the past 13 seasons as the head men’s coach at Johnson and Wales. Under his leadership, the Wildcats went 148-172-21 and Noack led them to the ECAC Northeast playoffs in 11 of his 13 seasons at the helm.
“Erik exuded a passion and love for the game throughout the interview process,” said UMass Dartmouth director of athletics Amanda Van Voorhis said in a statement. “His values are our values – community service, academic success, the whole development of student-athletes and competitive success. His approach mirrors the NCAA Division III philosophy and he epitomizes the mission through his actions on and off ice. A tremendous leader in his own right, he’s equipped with the skills of a mentor and well versed in the challenges student-athletes face. He’s a proponent of relationship building, communication, empowerment, and student-athlete leadership. I anticipate this will be a smooth transition and look forward to the future of UMass Dartmouth hockey.”
Prior to his time at JWU, Noack was an assistant coach at Fredonia during the 2001-02 season. He graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology (when RIT was a D-III hockey team) in 1998, serving as captain during his senior season, and then played five years of professional hockey in the East Coast Hockey League and Western Professional Hockey League before entering the coaching ranks.
Noack earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Johnson and Wales in 2004.
The 1996 U.S. team won the World Cup of Hockey after beating Canada twice in Montreal in the championship series (photo: USA Hockey).
When the United States won the first World Cup of Hockey nearly 20 years ago, it wasn’t nearly as stunning as the 1980 Olympic team’s upset of the Soviet Union, but it was definitely in the conversation.
After all, to rally and beat a stacked Canada team in the deciding Game 3 of the event — Team USA had its share of high-end talent, too — was a superb accomplishment for the Americans.
And the final two games were held in Montreal after Game 1 was played in Philadelphia. Team USA rallied from a 2-1 deficit in the third period by scoring four goals in the final 3:18 of the game.
After the glow wore off, even the casual observer nowadays may not remember that event. But earlier this week, it was announced that the entire U.S. team of 1996 will be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Many players from the team are already in as individuals.
Former Boston College standout Craig Janney and Bill Belisle, who is entering his 42nd season as head coach at Mount Saint Charles Academy in Woonsocket, R.I., in 2016-17, also will be enshrined.
The World Cup team had numerous NCAA alumni, including forwards Tony Amonte (Boston University), Bill Guerin (BC), Brett Hull (Minnesota-Duluth), John LeClair (Vermont), Shawn McEachern (BU), Joel Otto (Bemidji State), Brian Rolston (Lake Superior State), Bryan Smolinski (Michigan State), Keith Tkachuk (BU), Doug Weight (Lake Superior State) and Scott Young (BU), defensemen Shawn Chambers (Alaska), Chris Chelios (Wisconsin), Leetch (BC) and Gary Suter (Wisconsin) and goalies Jim Carey (Wisconsin), Guy Hebert (Hamilton) and Mike Richter (Wisconsin).
Richter was named MVP of the tournament.
All the Team USA coaches played in college as well — head coach Ron Wilson (Providence) and associate coaches John Cunniff (BC), Paul Holmgren (Minnesota) and current Yale coach Keith Allain (Yale).
“Just a strong group of characters,” said Leetch, who captained the World Cup squad. “Every one of those guys wanted to compete and we had great leadership with (team general manager) Lou Lamoriello (Providence), Paul Holmgren, John Cunniff and Coach Wilson. Everybody went into that tournament with belief and I think as the four, five games we played in exhibition before, the way we started the tournament, we really solidified the belief in ourselves. All the lines came together, the defense pairings came together and these guys went out and competed each game.
“We needed great performances from individuals, and we got that. We needed everybody to contribute, and we got that.”
Wilson said having the full World Cup team honored was “just tremendous.” He said he recently looked at that 1996 roster and didn’t remember one player having an off game during the event.
“From our goalie on out, all our defensemen, and we even had guys on the team that weren’t even playing,” said Wilson. “Guys like Phil Housley and guys like that. We decided during the event that guys were just going to have to sit out and we had a tremendous lineup. There was nobody on the team that any of the coaches were ever disappointed in. That was really the first time that I had ever been exposed to a national team of that ilk, and nobody let us down the whole time.”
Janney, who played against Leetch in the Connecticut high school circuit in the 1980s, skated 12 years in the NHL after being selected by the Boston Bruins in the first round (13th overall) of the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. In 760 career NHL games, the Hartford, Conn., native registered 188 goals and 563 assists for 751 points while playing for seven teams (Boston, St. Louis, San Jose, Winnipeg, Phoenix, Tampa Bay, New York Islanders).
“A playmaker is only as good as his finishers, and I played with some of the best of our generation,” Janney said. “Brett Hull. Brendan Shanahan. Cam Neely. Keith Tkachuk. My thought process in playing with guys of that caliber was that if you can get those guys three or four quality scoring chances a game, in the place where they like to get the puck, they’re going to score one or two goals. I went in every game thinking that.”
Janney admitted that he wasn’t sure if he’d ever see the U.S. Hockey Hall other than as a visitor.
“I kind of thought it passed me by,” said Janney. “A lot of the guys from the World Cup team had already gone in and that was kind of my generation. To get that phone call was an unbelievable honor and thrill and to be able to take part in this celebration in November with a lot of the guys that I played with and against with USA Hockey is really truly a thrill.”
In his second season at BC (1986-87), he was a Hobey Baker Award finalist after setting Hockey East single-season records in points (74) and assists (51). Overall that season, Janney recorded 81 points (26 goals, 55 assists) in 37 games, averaging better than two points per game.
Janney becomes the sixth Eagles player or coach to enter the U.S. Hall, joining Guerin (2013), Leetch (2008), Cunniff (2003), Len Ceglarski (1992) and John A. “Snooks” Kelley (1974).
The plans for the 2016 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony, as well as the presentation of the Lester Patrick Trophy, are being finalized and should be made public later in August.
Holy Cross assistant coach Brock Sheahan has been promoted to associate head coach.
Sheahan is entering his third year at Holy Cross and has served as an assistant coach for the past two seasons.
“[Sheahan] has done an outstanding job since his arrival at Holy Cross two years ago, and his exemplary leadership has helped our program take a big step forward,” said Holy Cross head coach David Berard in a statement. “Brock has done a phenomenal job in helping to develop our players, highlighted by his work with our defensemen. He is deeply committed to our culture and understands what it takes to build a championship-level program. Brock is one of the top young coaches in college hockey and we are fortunate to have him continue as a part of our coaching staff.”
“It is an unbelievable honor for Coach Berard to ask me to be his associate head coach,” added Sheahan. “Coach Berard is a great coach, mentor and person, and I look forward to continuing to work with him, Coach Roundy and our players to help move this program forward. We have made great steps over our first two years together at Holy Cross, and I am thrilled to continue the process. We are very excited about the group of players that are returning for the upcoming season and the freshmen coming in. I cannot wait to get the season started.”
Sheahan spent the 2013-14 season at Notre Dame as a volunteer assistant coach as his alma mater went 23-15-2 and earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
He played for the Fighting Irish from 2004 to 2008 and was part of Notre Dame’s first CCHA championship team in 2006-2007 and first Frozen Four team the following year as the Irish advanced to the 2008 national championship game.
Castleton head coach Steve Moffat has resigned his position after three seasons to take an assistant coaching position at Plattsburgh.
Moffat will replace Mike Coppola, who was the assistant coach at Plattsburgh for the past three seasons.
“I want to thank Steve for his work with our men’s hockey program over the past three seasons,” said Castleton associate dean for athletics and recreation Deanna Tyson in a statement. “Our student-athletes succeeded on the ice and in the classroom under his leadership, and I wish him the best at Plattsburgh.”
Over his three seasons at the helm of the program, Moffat led the Spartans to a 32-43-5 record and two appearances in the ECAC East semifinals.
A Plattsburgh alum and two-time All-American, Moffat spent 13 seasons coaching the Cardinals before coming to Castleton.
“I would like to thank Mike Coppola for the three years he gave to the hockey program here,” said Plattsburgh coach Bob Emery in a news release. “Mike had a tremendous work ethic and passion for the game. There is no doubt he will be successful in his future endeavors. We here at Plattsburgh State wish him the best.”
As a player, Moffat flourished in the Cardinal uniform. He was a two-time All-American, posting 205 career points on 106 goals and 99 assists in 125 games. Moffat was also enshrined into the Plattsburgh State Hall of Fame in 2010.
After graduating from Plattsburgh State in 1998, Moffat played professionally in the ECHL for the Northeast Division champion Columbus Chill in 1998-99. The following season, he helped the Florida Everblades clinch the ECHL’s best record and 2000 Southeast Division crown.
“Steve [Moffat] comes back with a ton of experience,” Emery added. “We are very fortunate that he was interested in coming back. He is very approachable and is a very good coach. I worked with him for years and we had some great teams. He is a very close friends with almost all of the former players he has coached during his time at Plattsburgh State. I am sure he will find the transition seamless.”
Jordan Ernst, who played the second half of the 2015-16 season on the Bowling Green blue line, has left school and signed with the Ontario Hockey League’s Sarnia Sting.
Originally selected fifth overall by the Madison Capitals in Phase II of the 2015 United States Hockey League Draft, Ernst played in 16 games with the club, tallying four assists last season.
He left the Capitals in December to join Bowling Green, where he registered two assists in 15 contests.
Ernst was not drafted by Sarnia and signed as a free agent.
Becker has announced the promotion of Michael Chartrand as the team’s new head coach.
Chartrand, who has been a Becker assistant since the 2011-12 season, takes over for Steve Hoar, who passed away on July 11.
“It has been a difficult three weeks for Becker athletics, particularly for our men’s ice hockey program,” said Becker director of athletics Frank Millerick in a statement. “Mike has done a terrific job as Steve Hoar’s assistant coach. He has earned the respect of his players and coaching staff and I have all the confidence in the world that he will continue to move the program forward.”
Chartrand is a graduate of Fitchburg State, where he lettered in hockey all four years.
King’s College announced Tuesday that Jen Kindret has been named the head coach of the school’s new Division III women’s program that will take the ice in 2017-18.
Kindret will begin her duties Aug. 15.
The 27-year old Kindret comes to King’s after spending the last two years as a graduate assistant coach at Lindenwood.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank [King’s director of athletics and recreation] Cheryl [Ish] and the rest of the search committee for believing in my vision and giving me this opportunity,” Kindret said in a news release. “It is any coaches’ dream to be a head coach, let alone start their own program. I feel extremely privileged and honored to have been selected to be the first ever women’s ice hockey coach at King’s College. I am excited to get back to the state of Pennsylvania and get things going. Any chance to be a part of growing the game of hockey, especially for girls, is remarkable and humbling.
“Everyone I met while on the King’s campus and touring the Revolution Ice Center was so excited about the new hockey programs. The family-like feel and the way people passionately talked about King’s made it feel like an instant home. The start of both the men’s and women’s hockey programs is an exciting time at King’s and having a shared enthusiasm about this new era is huge. Having the support of the school and athletics department will be an integral part of building this program.”
Kindret played at Robert Morris, where she was a member of the CHA All-Academic Team and Colonial Leadership Academy.
After concluding her playing career, Kindret served as an assistant coach at Chatham in 2013-14.
Aside from her time in collegiate coaching, Kindret worked as an instructor with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization from 2012 to 2014. She taught and demonstrated drills at camps and clinics, primarily focusing on skill development while using USA Hockey’s American Developmental Model guidelines.
In addition, she served as an instructor at the Edge of Excellence Skating Camps, where she taught and demonstrated David Roy skating techniques to boys and girls ages 8-16.
At King’s, Kindret has an agenda waiting for her.
“My top priorities in building the King’s ice hockey program from the ground up will be to recruit the right student athletes and have representation on campus and throughout Wilkes Barre,” she said. “I will look to build the culture of the program and have the team represented well at King’s and within the community. We will build King’s as a staple of a program to play at in Division III and by sticking to the process and developing these student athletes, we will find success in no time. I am looking to recruit student athletes that fit into the King’s culture. I want to bring in student-athletes that represent King’s College and the women’s hockey program in the highest form. I want them to be excited to be a part of history. They need to resonate with our team’s core values, have pride in being a Monarch, and want to get as much as they can out of their time at King’s.”
Kindret earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Robert Morris in 2013 and completed her Master’s degree in Business Administration in March.
“We are very excited to welcome Jen Kindret aboard as our first-ever women’s ice hockey coach,” Ish said in a statement. “We feel very fortunate we have found a coach who has the experience and passion for the sport that Jen has. Having played and coached at the Division I level as well as coaching in Division III, we feel Jen has an excellent overall knowledge of college ice hockey that will enable her to build the foundation of our women’s program from the ground up. She may look young on paper, but at 27 years of age, Jen is mature beyond her years. Having played and coaching ice hockey almost all of her life, she has a true love for the sport that players will appreciate and admire.
“Jen has the leadership skills and drive needed to create a program and we are lucky to have her. We will have just the fourth women’s Division III ice hockey program in the state and are confident we found a quality young coach who will work her very hard and has the vision to make our program successful. With our women’s and men’s head coaches now secured, we have taken a huge next step to our debut in 2017-18.”
Former Ferris State volunteer assistant coach Vince Pietrangelo was named Tuesday as an assistant coach at Canton.
Pietrangelo played 36 games at Finlandia from 2010 to 2013 and was an associate head coach for Big Rapids (Mich.) High School under former Ferris State assistant coach Tim Blashill from 2013 to 2015.
“Vince has great experience after spending three years playing at the Division III level with Finlandia University and starting his coaching career with Ferris State as a volunteer last year,” Canton head coach Alex Boak said in a news release. “Vince will bring a huge knowledge base of how to run a successful program as well as recruiting quality players after learning from Coach Bob Daniels this past year. In the interview process, Vince showed the passion and drive that I was looking for in an assistant coach to help with all aspects of the game and most importantly, recruiting.”
“Playing NCAA D-III hockey at Finlandia University gives me a good grasp of what to expect at the D-III level,” Pietrangelo added. “Being a student-athlete before, I am able to relate to the players and understand what they are going through both on and off the ice. My time at Ferris State last season has tremendously prepared me for this position as I was able to learn under one of most well-respected coaching staffs in all of college hockey.”
Pietrangelo is a 2015 graduate of Ferris State with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Services Administration.
American International announced Tuesday that the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass., will be the team’s new home rink for games and practices.
“I’d like to start by thanking the Olympia Ice Center (in West Springfield) for being a great partner for the past 18 years,” said AIC athletic director Matthew Johnson in a news release. “Today is a monumental day for the AIC athletic department and more specifically, our men’s Division I ice hockey program. This is just another example of our higher administration displaying their commitment to athletics and competing at the highest level.
“The MassMutual Center is a state-of-the-art facility which will significantly enhance AIC’s student athlete and spectator viewing experience while allowing the college to attract top level recruits. In addition, AIC feels that playing our games at the MassMutual Center will provide opportunities to host games against major Division I ice hockey programs.”
The Yellow Jackets’ season opener is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m. when new coach Eric Lang’s team takes on Union as part of AIC’s Homecoming festivities.
“What an amazing day for AIC hockey,” Lang said in a news release. “To be playing and practicing a mile away from AIC’s campus in the heart of downtown Springfield, and to be able to call the MassMutual Center our home is a surreal feeling. I am ecstatic for our student athletes, fans, and our alums. As our team is trying to build a new legacy, having a first-class facility like the MassMutual Center that we can call our own lets everyone know how serious AIC is about building a winning men’s ice hockey program. With only 60 Division I men’s ice hockey teams in the country, this new partnership promises to bring exciting, high-level college hockey to Springfield.”
AIC senior captain Austin Orszulak is also a Springfield native.
“Having the MassMutual center as AIC hockey’s home ice will be a fantastic change and turning point for the program,” he said. “We’re looking forward to starting off the season on Oct. 14 and playing in front of our home fans.”
Former Boston College standout Craig Janney and the 1996 World Cup of Hockey Team will be enshrined into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame as the Class of 2016.
USA Hockey made the announcement Monday night.
“This is a truly magnificent class,” said USA Hockey president Jim Smith in a news release. “Each member of the Class of 2016 has had an extraordinary impact on our sport and is most deserving to take their place among the hockey immortals in the United States.”
Janney skated 12 years in the NHL after being selected by the Boston Bruins in the first round (13th overall) of the 1986 NHL Entry Draft.
Among American-born skaters in the NHL, Janney ranks first in career assists per game (0.741) and fourth in points per game (0.988), while his 563 assists are 11th all-time. In 760 career NHL games, the Hartford, Conn., native registered 188 goals and 563 assists for 751 points while playing for seven teams (Boston, St. Louis, San Jose, Winnipeg, Phoenix, Tampa Bay, New York Islanders).
Prior to the NHL, Janney skated two seasons with the Eagles. In his second campaign (1986-87), he was a Hobey Baker finalist after setting Hockey East single-season records in points (74) and assists (51). In total that season, Janney recorded 81 points (26 goals, 55 assists) in 37 games.
Internationally, Janney represented the United States on six occasions, highlighted by helping the U.S. get to the finals of the Canada Cup in 1991 and also earn its first-ever medal (bronze) at the IIHF World Junior Championship in 1986.
The World Cup team, which won the inaugural event over Canada, had numerous NCAA alumni, including forwards Tony Amonte (Boston University), Bill Guerin (BC), Brett Hull (Minnesota-Duluth), John LeClair (Vermont), Shawn McEachern (BU), Joel Otto (Bemidji State), Brian Rolston (Lake Superior State), Bryan Smolinski (Michigan State), Keith Tkachuk (BU), Doug Weight (LSSU) and Scott Young (BU), defensemen Shawn Chambers (Alaska), Chris Chelios (Wisconsin), Brian Leetch (BC) and Gary Suter (Wisconsin) and goalies Jim Carey (Wisconsin), Guy Hebert (Hamilton) and Mike Richter (Wisconsin).
All the Team USA coaches played in college as well – head coach Ron Wilson (Providence) and associate coaches John Cunniff (BC), Paul Holmgren (Minnesota) and current Yale coach Keith Allain (Yale).
Normand “Bill” Belisle, who is entering his 42nd season as head coach at Mount Saint Charles Academy (Woonsocket, R.I.) in 2016-17, will also be inducted.
The date and location of the 2016 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame induction, as well as the presentation of the Lester Patrick Trophy, will be revealed later this month.
The 2016 National Junior Evaluation Camp in Plymouth, Mich., from July 30 to Aug. 6 helped players vie for spots on teams for the World Junior Championship. Here are photos of some college players and recruits:
Lake Superior State has announced the appointment of Jamie Henderson as the director of hockey operations, beginning with the 2016-17 season.
Henderson, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., most recently served as the general manager of the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League during 2015-16 after a season as the club’s assistant general manager during their 2015 Dudley Hewitt Cup-winning season. In four seasons with the Thunderbirds, Henderson helped claim three NOJHL championships and two RBC Cup appearances as the Dudley Hewitt Cup Champions.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to join the staff of the Lakers,” said Henderson in a news release. “I’m looking forward to getting started and for the opportunity to work with an NCAA Division I program with such a storied history.”
“We’re excited to welcome Jamie to Laker hockey,” added LSSU head coach Damon Whitten. “His experience, both as a coach and as a general manager, will add tremendous value to the director of hockey operations position.”
Henderson’s daily functions with the team will include travel preparation, film breakdown and analysis.
Sacred Heart assistant coach Joel Beal has been promoted to associate head coach.
“This is a very deserving promotion for Joel and we’re excited that he’s a part of our coaching staff,” said SHU head coach C.J. Marottolo in a news release. “Joel is a very valuable cog in what we’re building here with our hockey program. His passion, work ethic and knowledge are key ingredients in helping our student-athletes grow both on and off the ice.”
Beal will enter his fourth season at Sacred Heart with the 2016-17 season.
In an email to USCHO.com Thursday, a Robert Morris spokesperson said that RMU associate head coach Mark Workman “is no longer with Robert Morris Men’s Hockey.”
A search is underway for his replacement.
“I would like to thank Mark Workman for his seven years of service to Robert Morris hockey,” said Colonials coach Derek Schooley in a statement. “With his help, our program has improved every year and the RMU community wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
The College Hockey America tournament will return to Buffalo’s HarborCenter in 2017.
“We are thrilled to be able to return to the HarborCenter for a second straight year,” said CHA commissioner Robert DeGregorio in a statement. “All three games were highly competitive [in 2016], not to mention, we had nearly 2,500 people come out during the two days of the tournament, providing a fantastic atmosphere for our student-athletes.”
The first neutral-site tournament in CHA history had Mercyhurst winning its first tournament championship since 2013 as the Lakers defeated Syracuse 4-3 in overtime. It was the highest-attended CHA tournament with a combined 2,386 people entering the HarborCenter between the two days.
For 2017, all six teams will travel to Buffalo to compete for the CHA championship and the league’s auto-bid to the NCAA tournament. Teams seeded three through six will play on Thursday, March 2 in a pair of quarterfinal games, with the winners advancing to Friday’s semifinal games against the top two seeds. The championship game will take place on Saturday, March 4.
“We envision the new format to bring some of that win-or-go-home magic that the NCAA tournament possesses to our own tournament,” added DeGregorio. “And we hope, with that excitement, our tournament in Buffalo can become a destination for our teams and fans.”
Tournament game times will be determined later in the season. Ticket and tournament hotel information will also be available at a later date.
Bemidji State defenseman Ruslan Pedan played in 115 games over three seasons with the Beavers (photo: BSU Athletics).
Bemidji State defenseman Ruslan Pedan has signed a two-year contract with HC Sochi of the Kontinental Hockey League, forgoing his final year of collegiate eligibility, to stay home and begin his professional hockey career in Russia.
“Ruslan made an big impact on our team as a freshman and has been a consistent defensman for us since,” said BSU coach Tom Serratore in a news release. “He is a big, physical player who logged a lot of minutes for us the past three seasons. He will leave a hole on our blueline, but that also provides an opportunity for another player to step in, gain experience and play a more significant role for us in 2016-17.”
Pedan appeared in all 39 games for the Beavers in 2015-16, marking the third consecutive season he has seen action in every one of BSU’s games. He registered nine points (three goals, six assists) and led the team in plus/minus rating for the second straight season (plus-12).
Pedan accumulated 32 career points (nine goals, 23 assists) in 115 games with the Beavers.
In addition, Pedan was a two-time member of the WCHA All-Academic Team and earned honors as a WCHA Scholar-Athlete in 2015-16.
Niagara announced Tuesday the hiring of Michael Findorff as the team’s new assistant coach.
Findorff replaces Tim Madsen, who took a head coaching job with the NAHL’s Minnesota Wilderness earlier this summer.
“Michael is a perfect fit for Niagara hockey and my new staff,” Purple Eagles coach Dave Burkholder said in a statement. “I have found him to be very knowledgeable and passionate about college coaching. He played at Miami of Ohio during one of their most successful runs, including four NCAA tournament appearances and a Frozen Four in 2009. He comes highly regarded from former coaches that he has played and worked for, including Rico Blasi (Miami) and Gary Heenan (Utica). I am very excited for our team to meet Mike and to get him immersed and acclimated for the upcoming season. I welcome Michael and his wife Tara to the Niagara University community. We are lucky to have them.”
Findorff spent the 2015-16 as an assistant coach at Utica, where he assisted Heenan with all facets of the program, including day-to-day operations, scouting, recruiting and game and practice preparation. Findorff was involved with goalie training, power play and penalty kill strategy for the Pioneers, in addition to operations such as team travel and practice schedule.
Prior to Utica, Findorff was the general manager and coaching director for Tahoe Sports and Entertainment in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., from 2014 to 2015. He eventually became a co-founder, director and head coach of the Elevate Academy program for elite hockey training. His duties included leading all on- and off-ice practices and recruiting players to join the training program from across California and Nevada. His accomplishments included winning the 2015 Northern California High School Hockey League and placing six players in AAA hockey or into prep school programs.
A four-year defenseman for the RedHawks from 2005 to 2009, Findorff also coached the Miami University Youth Hockey team and ran summer camps at Colorado College during the summers. Findorff played professionally in the New York Islanders and Phoenix Coyotes organizations.
“I am very excited to get to work with the Niagara hockey program,” Findorff said in a statement. “Joining this coaching staff is a tremendous honor, and I would like to thank Coach Burkholder for the opportunity. Thank you to Coach Heenan and the Utica Pioneers as well for helping me begin my coaching career this past season.”
A native of Colorado Springs, Findorff graduated from Miami with a Bachelor of Arts in business-management information systems with a minor in world political history. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Utica.
Western Michigan announced Thursday the hiring of Todd Krygier as an assistant coach.
Most recently, Krygier was the head coach of the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks and led the team to the USHL Clark Cup finals during the 2014-15 season.
Current Broncos players Frederik Tiffels, Griffen Molino, Matheson Iacopelli and Corey Schueneman all played under Krygier in Muskegon.
“We’ve been very fortunate here at Western during my time to have outstanding coaches with our team,” said WMU head coach Andy Murray in a statement. “Previously, Rob Facca and Pat Ferschweiler and most recently, Dave Shyiak and Ben Barr. And with Ben returning to college hockey back East, we were looking for a strong person to replace him. Our search was based on three primary components: competence as a coach and a recruiter, compatibility with our players and our staff, and a high level of energy and enthusiasm for the game. In naming Todd Krygier as an assistant coach, we feel very fortunate to be able to capture all of these ingredients.
“Todd brings instant credibility to the position, having played close to 600 games in the NHL and multiple times on the US National team at the World Championships. He has a strong coaching background with experience at different levels, having coached youth AAA hockey, high school hockey and enjoyed success as the head coach of the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL, taking them to the league final in 2015. We welcome Todd and his wife Kim and his children to the Bronco hockey family.”
Krygier coached at Novi (Mich.) High School where he racked up a record of 102-51-15, winning a Division I state championship in 2011.
“I’m real excited and honored to join the Bronco family,” added Krygier. “It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to assist Coach Murray and Coach Shyiak and I look forward to being a part of the team.”
As a player, Krygier appeared in 543 games in the NHL, mostly with the Washington Capitals. He played in the Stanley Cup finals for the Capitals against the Detroit Red Wings in 1998. Prior to his time in the NHL, Krygier played his college hockey at Connecticut, scoring 99 goals and 101 assists for 200 points.
The 2018 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game is scheduled for Oct. 27, 2018, at Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena, and will feature Minnesota and North Dakota (photo: Jim Rosvold).
North Dakota will play host to the 2018 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game against Minnesota at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Las Vegas by officials representing UND, the Orleans Arena and a special appearance by the Lieutenant Governor for the State of Nevada, Mark Hutchison.
“It doesn’t get much better than this – a classic college hockey matchup between North Dakota and Minnesota in Las Vegas. What a great destination for our alumni and fans,” said UND athletics director Brian Faison in a news release. “And thank you to the Ralph Engelstad Arena and the Orleans Arena for their partnership with UND in bringing the 2018 Hall of Fame Game to Las Vegas. We couldn’t do it without their support.”
“We are extremely excited to be a part of a great college hockey marquee event,” added UND coach Brad Berry. “This showcase game will give our players and our loyal fans an unforgettable experience and will hopefully continue to grow Division I hockey in the western United States, growth we’ve most recently seen with the NHL’s expansion into the great city of Las Vegas.”
With 291 all-time meetings in a series that dates back to 1930, the Minnesota-North Dakota rivalry is one of the most prolific in college hockey. The Gophers boast a 146-130-15 all-time record against the Fighting Hawks, including the most recent meeting – a 2-1 victory in the 2014 Frozen Four semifinal at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
Also announced Wednesday was a four-year scheduling agreement between the two programs in which the two schools will host alternating nonconference series beginning in 2019-20.
Minnesota will host series at Mariucci Arena in both 2019-20 and 2021-22 and North Dakota will host two-game nonconference series at Ralph Engelstad Arena in 2020-21 and 2022-23.
“We are always interested in providing new and exciting experiences for our student-athletes and fans, and bringing one of college hockey’s best rivalries to Las Vegas certainly fits the bill,” said Minnesota AD Mark Coyle in a statement. “With these two programs facing off, you know you’re going to get a great game, and the University of Minnesota is excited to participate in a memorable event at Orleans Arena.”
“This is both a great experience for our student-athletes and an opportunity to grow the game in a non-traditional college hockey market,” added Minnesota coach Don Lucia. “Taking our rivalry with North Dakota to Las Vegas will be great for both programs, our fans and college hockey, and we are certainly looking forward to it.”
All tickets for the game are $79, plus applicable ticketing charges.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Feb. 10, 2017 at 2 p.m. CDT. A pre-sale will be available to North Dakota Champions Club members beginning at 10 a.m. CDT on Jan. 9, 2017 through Feb. 9, 2017. Minnesota will also be provided with a limited number of tickets to sell exclusively to their fans.
Orleans Arena, located just west of the Las Vegas Strip and part of The Orleans Hotel and Casino, seats more than 7,400 for hockey.
“This is another example of how college hockey continues to grow in our country, especially in the southwest,” said College Hockey, Inc. executive director Mike Snee in a statement. “From Arizona State adding NCAA D-I men’s hockey, the talented college players the southwestern states are now producing, and now Las Vegas hosting one of the most historic rivalries in the game, it’s exciting to think what might be next.”
Union associate head coach Joe Dumais is expected to be named assistant coach at Quinnipiac, according to the Daily Gazette.
Dumais will replace Reid Cashman, who is reported to be leaving for an assistant’s job with the AHL’s Hershey Bears.
“Joe and I met yesterday morning, and Joe informed me that he was leaving Union College and was going to take the assistant coach position at Quinnipiac,” Union coach Rick Bennett said in the article. “Joe’s a straight, honest guy [and has] high character, and he kept me in the loop. It happened fast, in a matter of a couple of days and he made a decision quickly.
“I’ll always be grateful to Joe Dumais and [assistant coach] Jason Tapp and [former volunteer assistant coach] John Ronan for what they did that national championship year [in 2014]. It goes a little more with Joe in the fact that it was five years and what he had started.”
Dumais will reunite with Quinnipiac coach Rand Pecknold, who coached Dumais from 2002 to 2006 at QU.
