North Dakota rounded out its coaching staff Wednesday by announcing the hiring of assistant coach Matt Shaw.
Shaw, who will work primarily with UND’s defensemen and the power play, boasts more than 20 years of coaching experience at a variety of levels, including stints with three different NHL franchises.
“We are extremely pleased to have Matt join our staff at North Dakota,” said UND head coach Brad Berry in a statement. “His vast coaching experience throughout professional, college and junior hockey will greatly benefit our players and our program. His coaching success throughout his career is due to his attention to detail, work ethic, and great knowledge of the game. Matt’s communication skills and ability to develop young players make him a perfect fit for our family here at UND.”
Shaw comes to Grand Forks after having spent the past two seasons as head coach and general manager of the United States Hockey League’s Dubuque Fighting Saints. Prior to his time in Dubuque, Shaw was an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils (2012-13), San Jose Sharks (2009-12) and Minnesota Wild (2007-09).
“I am excited and grateful to be involved with an elite hockey program and institution like North Dakota,” added Shaw. “The synergies of this opportunity made it very compelling for me to pursue. I would like to thank [athletics director] Brian Faison, Brad Berry, [assistant coach] Dane Jackson and the entire athletics department for making myself and my family feel welcome during this process.”
Shaw, whose coaching background also includes stops in the American Hockey League, International Hockey League, United Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League and Colonial Hockey League, played three seasons at United States International University (1985-88) and one season at Colorado College (1988-89).
Shaw’s son, Hayden, who will join North Dakota as a freshman defenseman in 2015-16.
