Pat McCadden has been named the new assistant coach at Lawrence.
McCadden, who also will serve as the assistant athletic performance coach, joins the Lawrence coaching staff after playing pro hockey for the past three seasons.
“Pat brings a wealth of knowledge about what it means to be a successful hockey student-athlete — in the classroom, on the ice and in the community,” said Lawrence director of athletics Christyn Abaray in a statement. “His recent stints as a professional hockey player and a youth hockey coach give him valuable perspective to share with our players. In addition, his assistance with our athletic performance program will continue to enhance the growth and development of our students’ athletics experience in a holistic way. What struck me the most was Pat’s enthusiasm and passion to coach young people, which is palpable.”
“I am honored to be named the new assistant hockey coach/assistant athletic performance coach for the Lawrence Vikings, and I would like to thank Coach Szkodzinski and Christyn Abaray for the opportunity,” McCadden added. “I look forward to using my past experiences as a student-athlete to help enhance the experience of all of our athletes. I will work tirelessly to make sure that I provide our players with the tools they need to be successful both on and off the ice. I also look forward to working closely with Coach Zemke and doing everything I can to help all other athletes in their athletic performance. I look forward to meeting the team and starting the season.”
McCadden is a 2014 graduate of St. Norbert where he was part of the Green Knights’ 2012 and 2014 NCAA Division III national championship teams. An Academic All-NCHA selection, McCadden earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Norbert. McCadden began his college career at Michigan Tech and played there before transferring to St. Norbert.
“Pat comes highly recommended from some of the best hockey minds in the business, including Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper,” Szkodzinski said. “He has already hit the ground running by making contacts throughout junior hockey. We know that his work ethic is extraordinary. We expect he will do a great job with our special teams and help to develop our forwards on a daily basis.”
After completing his career at St. Norbert, McCadden played for the Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League for the 2014-15 season. He then played for Columbus before having stints with the Toledo Walleye and the Fort Wayne Komets during the 2015-16 ECHL season. McCadden played the entire 2016-17 season with the ECHL’s Atlanta Gladiators.
