Boston University announced Thursday the hiring of three new staff members.
On coach David Quinn’s staff, Brittany Miller has been hired as the director of hockey operations, Brian Eklund is the new volunteer assistant coach working the team’s goaltenders and Kyle Czech has been named the program’s strength and conditioning coach.
After spending the last five seasons serving as a team manager, Miller becomes the first female to be hired in a full-time role on an NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey staff. Miller replaces Chris Dyment, who moved on to pursue other opportunities in hockey after spending one season in the role
“We have known Brittany for a long time and she has really helped this program run efficiently over the last five years,” said Quinn in a statement. “When the director of hockey operations job opened up, it was an easy decision to make. She is incredibly smart and driven, and she gets along well with people. Brittany loves BU and we’re very fortunate to keep her here with our program.”
Eklund joins the Terriers after three seasons in the same role at Harvard. After playing his college hockey at Brown, Eklund signed a two-year deal with the Tamba Bay Lighting, earning a ring with the Lightning as the team’s third goaltender during their run to the 2004 Stanley Cup. He went on to make his NHL debut with the Lightning during the 2005-06 campaign and played two seasons in the AHL with the Springfield Falcons and Providence Bruins.
“Brian brings a lot of experience to our staff as our volunteer goaltending coach,” added Quinn. “He has a great reputation as one of the best goalie coaches around and will be a valuable addition to our staff. Based on his coaching experience and his professional hockey career, we are looking forward to having him work with our three talented goaltenders.”
Eklund takes the spot previously held by Mike Geragosian, who spent 17 seasons as the goaltending coach for the Terriers.
Czech, who comes from Prentiss Hockey Performance in Connecticut, will serve as the strength and conditioning coach for the Terriers’ field hockey and men’s ice hockey programs. He holds two degrees from Winona State University in Minnesota and has worked at two BCS schools (Clemson, Wisconsin).
“Kyle brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our program,” noted Quinn. “He has some great experience working with Ben Prentiss and at Wisconsin over the last few years. In the short period of time he has been here, our players have found him to be incredibly smart and personable. He works incredibly hard and will be a great addition to our staff.”
Czech takes over for Sean Skahan, who spent one year at BU, after he was named the head strength and conditioning coach for the Minnesota Wild.
