Former Notre Dame defenseman Kyle Lawson has returned as the Fighting Irish volunteer assistant coach for the upcoming 2019-20 season, while Jack Ceglarski has been named the Compton Family Ice Arena programming and hockey intern.
“We’re excited to add two talented young hockey guys to our staff,” Notre Dame coach Jeff Jackson said in a statement. “Kyle was a key part of our program during the time our Irish hockey culture was being built. His character, communication skills and work ethic as an athlete will translate well into the coaching profession. Kyle’s presence will benefit all of our players but specifically our young defensemen.
“Jack brings a fresh perspective to our intern position. His college and pro playing experience along with his recent coaching experience will benefit our staff and operations team.”
Lawson graduated in 2010 after playing four seasons on the Irish blue line and serving as an alternate captain as a junior and senior. Named the CCHA’s Best Defensive Defenseman for the 2008-09 season, he also earned Second Team All-CCHA honors that season. He was an honorable mention All-CCHA selection in both 2007-08 and 2009-10.
In 161 career games at Notre Dame, Lawson scored 17 goals and added 73 assists for 90 points with 138 penalty minutes.
A 2005 draft choice of the Carolina Hurricanes (seventh round, 198th overall), Lawson signed with Carolina after his senior season and spent two years with the organization in Albany (AHL), Charlotte (AHL) and Florida (ECHL). He then played the 2012-13 season with the Gwinnett Gladiators (ECHL).
After retiring from professional hockey, Lawson joined College Hockey Inc. as a director of education and recruitment and most recently worked in the private sector.
Ceglarski comes to the Irish after serving as an assistant coach at the University of New England last season, where he helped the team claim the CCC conference championship and an appearance in the 2019 NCAA Division III tournament.
Ceglarski played four seasons at Geneseo, where he served as a team captain. He helped Geneseo to a SUNYAC championship and a pair of NCAA Division III Frozen Four appearances.
In 110 career games, Ceglarski scored 16 goals and added 57 assists for 73 career points.
After graduating in 2017, Ceglarski played professionally with the Indy Fuel (ECHL), Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), Reading Royals (ECHL) and the Wolfsburg Grizzly Adams (overseas).
