Michael Kuruc has been named head coach of the Finlandia women’s hockey team.
He is set to begin his duties Sept. 1.
“We are excited to announce Mike as the next head coach of our women’s hockey program,” said Finlandia athletic director Curtis Wittenberg in a statement. “Mike brings tremendous passion, which we will turn into great energy within the program. With his strong work ethic, we see a bright future for Finlandia women’s hockey under his leadership.”
Kuruc was the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Potsdam in 2021-22.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to be the next head coach of the Finlandia Lions,” said Kuruc. “It is my hope that I can use my previous experience to provide an enriching experience for our student athletes on the ice, in the classroom and in the community”
Kuruc got his start as an undergrad at Syracuse where he was a goaltender and team manager for the ACHA Division I program from 2015 to 2019. Kuruc helped the Orange win three conference championships and earn two national appearances (2015-16, 2016-17). As team manager, he was in charge of promotions as well as being the official scorer and public address announcer.
From 2016 to 2019, Kuruc had additional duties as he was video coordinator and a member of the operations staff of the NCAA Division I women’s hockey team. Among his duties was creating pre-scout and in-game footage, uploading game video and assisting in scheduling team travel and meals. Kuruc saw the team win the CHA championship and earn their first NCAA appearance in 2018-19.
In 2019-20, Kuruc joined the men’s hockey program at King’s, where he was the graduate assistant for hockey operations. He was responsible for creating pre-scout and in-game footage, uploading game video and assisting in the hockey operations and equipment management duties. Kuruc was also responsible for coaching the goalies.
In 2020-21, he returned to Syracuse serving as a volunteer assistant coach for the women’s hockey team.
Kuruc has a B.S. in sports management with a minor in event and facilities management from Syracuse and a M.S. in organizational leadership from Robert Morris.
