Niko Kovachis has been named an assistant coach with the Cortland men’s hockey team for the 2023-24 season.
Kovachis joins Cortland from Chatham, where he served as a men’s hockey assistant coach for two seasons.
A 2019 graduate and four-year player at Niagara, Kovachis was named an alternate captain in his senior year. He was also named to the all-academic team four years in a row.
Penn State has announced the hiring and return of former Nittany Lions forward Andrew Sturtz as assistant coach for the men’s hockey team.
Sturtz will join head coach Guy Gadowsky, associate head coach Keith Fisher and assistant coach Juliano Pagliero in Hockey Valley. He will be involved in all aspects of coaching and recruiting with a strong focus on skill development.
“I am extremely honored and excited to be returning to Penn State as an assistant coach for the men’s ice hockey program,” said Sturtz in a statement. “My time as a student-athlete in Happy Valley truly changed my life and I look forward to working with Coach Gadowsky and his staff to give that same experience to our current and future Nittany Lions. I will embrace the challenges that my new role is going to bring and do my very best to make all Penn Staters proud. WE ARE…”
“We are thrilled to add Andrew Sturtz to our staff,” added Gadowsky. “His statistics at Penn State are extremely impressive: Sturtzy won a B1G championship, is second in plus/minus, second all-time in goals scored, game winning goals, and goals in a season, and as a three-time academic all-B1G member, he was able to complete his degree in three years and sign an NHL contract after his junior season.
“As impressive as that is, Sturtzy’s most important contributions by far occurred off the ice; his infectious personality made a very positive and very big impression on everyone he interacted with at Penn State. I never get tired of hearing teammates, students, professors, and fans alike tell me how much they enjoyed Andrew Sturtz and we are extremely happy to have him back.”
Sturtz, a fan favorite during his time in Hockey Valley from 2015 to 2018, helped lead Penn State to the 2017 Big Ten tournament championship, its first in program history, and its first two NCAA tournament appearances in 2017 and 2018 before signing a two-year, entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators following his junior season.
The Buffalo, N.Y., native battled multiple injuries during the majority of his five-year professional career and officially announced his retirement this spring. Over parts of three seasons in the AHL, Sturtz played in just 35 games with the Belleville Senators, scoring four goals while adding seven assists for 11 points.
Rejuvenated entering the 2020-21 season with the ECHL’s Rapid City Rush, Sturtz was off to a fast start with 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 33 games before suffering another injury that sidelined him for nearly 18 months before he made yet another comeback this past season.
Sturtz began the year with the Orlando Solar Bears before a trade sent him to the Toledo Walleye, leading the Walleye on a deep playoff run. In 64 total games during the 2022-23 season, Sturtz scored 27 goals while adding 14 assists for 41 points.
Sturtz left Hockey Valley in 2018 as Penn State’s all-time leading goal scorer and just the second Nittany Lion ever to eclipse 100 career points. He currently ranks first all-time in shorthanded goals (9), second in goals (54), seventh in points (104) and 10th in assists (50) while his 0.94 points per game in 111 total games played is good for fourth all-time.
Prior to signing his NHL entry-level contract at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season, he registered 40 points on 14 goals and 26 assists as a junior making him one of just seven players all-time to register a 40-point season as a Nittany Lion. His 22-goal sophomore campaign remains tied for the second-most goals in a single-season all-time while his 26 assists from 2017-18 are tied for the seventh-most in a single-season.
Sturtz completed his bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management in the summer of 2020 while playing professionally in the ECHL.
Andrew Oglevie, an assistant hockey coach at Notre Dame and former player for the Fighting Irish, has been named an assistant coach at Colorado College.
Oglevie spent the 2022-23 season on the Notre Dame bench working for longtime Irish head coach Jeff Jackson. Prior to that, he played 95 games with the AHL’s Rochester Americans, amassing 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists). He served as an alternate captain during the 2020-21 season, then as an assistant to the Rochester coaching staff during his final year under contract in 2021-22.
“I am excited to welcome Andrew and his wife, Kalleigh, to our Tiger family,” CC head coach Kris Mayotte said in a statement. “Andrew stood out among several incredible candidates. His ability to connect, attention to detail and passion for player development were all qualities we were looking for and are strengths of his. He has a great hockey mind having just finished playing and is hungry to make an impact as a coach.
“Our program got better today.”
Oglevie played three years at Notre Dame from 2015 to 2018, collecting 89 points (41 goals, 48 assists) in 107 career games, including a team-best 15 goals while serving as an alternate captain as a junior in 2017-18. He was selected to the NCAA Frozen Four all-tournament team after helping the Fighting Irish advance to the NCAA title game.
As a sophomore, he was named to the 2017 NCAA Northeast Regional all-tournament team after scoring the overtime game-winner in a 3-2 victory over UMass Lowell, sending Notre Dame to the Frozen Four.
Following his junior season at Notre Dame, Oglevie signed two-year, entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Notre Dame in 2020.
“I am excited and grateful to join the storied Tiger Hockey program,” Oglevie said. “I would like to thank Kris Mayotte and (Colorado College VP and director of athletics) Lesley Irvine for the opportunity to be a part of the renowned Colorado College community. I am eager to start working with the coaching staff and student-athletes as we continue the upward trajectory of the program.”
With two degrees already completed, former St. Cloud State forward Aidan Spellacy has been selected the recipient of the 2023 NCHC postgraduate scholarship as he embarks on a third.
Spellacy, who plans to attend law school next, is the first Husky to win the scholarship in its eight-year existence.
Spellacy completed his MBA from St. Cloud State this past May. He earned his MBA in management and leadership, finishing with a 3.93 GPA. Prior to attending and playing hockey for St. Cloud State, Spellacy started his college career at Robert Morris, where he received his undergraduate degree in August of 2021. Spellacy finished his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at RMU with a 3.88 GPA while majoring in marketing.
“The NCHC is proud to present Aidan with this year’s postgraduate scholarship. Having already completed two degrees with plans for a Juris Doctorate is quite impressive,” said NCHC commissioner Heather Weems in a statement. “Aidan’s commitment to education and his interest in being a voice for social justice shows he’s a more-than-deserving recipient. Knowing Aidan from my time at St. Cloud State, I am confident he will be a great asset to the legal profession.”
Spellacy has already been accepted to Cleveland State University’s College of Law, where he will begin working toward his Juris Doctorate in the fall of 2023 or fall of 2024.
“I am committed to attending graduate school, specifically law school, because I believe this is the necessary path to set myself up to achieve my goals. I am passionate about social justice and believe that the legal profession is one of the most powerful options to affect real change in our society,” Spellacy wrote in his scholarship nomination. “Through law school, I will have the opportunity to learn from veteran legal professionals who come from all different walks of life. Law school is also a time for me to find my legal niche and explore which type of law I am most passionate about, whether it be in public offices, criminal justice reform, or environmental law. A law degree will give me the credibility and confidence to bring about real change.”
Spellacy was named an NCHC distinguished scholar-athlete this season with a GPA north of 3.5. On the ice in 2022-23, he served as an alternate captain for the Huskies, scoring four goals and tallying 12 points in 35 games, while helping lead SCSU to the Frozen Faceoff title. In his first season with the Huskies in 2021-22, Spellacy dished out an assist in 19 games, with SCSU making the NCAA tournament in both of his seasons.
In three seasons at Robert Morris, he tallied 33 points in 91 games, also serving as an alternate captain as a junior.
Off the ice, Spellacy volunteered with the Frost Bites Special Olympics floor hockey team in St. Cloud, helping coach practices on a weekly basis throughout the 2022-23 season. In the summer of 2022, he served as a marketing intern for ReadySet Surgical in Cleveland, Ohio, while in the summer of 2021, he worked as a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual in Ann Arbor, Mich.
“It’s an honor to receive the NCHC postgraduate scholarship. The NCHC is not only a top-tier conference on the ice, but off it as well,” Spellacy said. “They give their student-athletes the opportunity to succeed on the ice, but also in their post-hockey careers.”
The NCHC’s postgraduate scholarship is funded by a grant from the El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs, which has also supported the NCHC by providing its office headquarters on the grounds of the Penrose House and helping cover the cost of the Penrose Cup. Spellacy’s scholarship award amount will be $7,500.
“The NCHC membership is thankful for the continued support of the El Pomar Foundation and its Board of Directors.” Weems said. “Along with our successes on the ice, it is equally as important to celebrate our student-athletes’ successes in the classroom. We are happy to share in this honor with El Pomar.”
To be eligible for the NCHC’s postgraduate scholarship, the student-athlete must be a senior or grad student on the official NCAA hockey roster with at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, who plans to continue his academic studies beyond his undergraduate degree. The recipient must enroll in a postgraduate degree program within three years of receiving the scholarship to collect the financial aid. The winner is chosen by a vote of the NCHC’s faculty athletics representatives from among the nominees submitted by each school’s FAR.
PREVIOUS NCHC POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
2016 – Gabe Levin, Denver
2017 – Aaron Hadley, WMU and Kirk Thompson, Omaha
2018 – Joel Messner, Omaha
2019 – Ryan Galt, Omaha
2020 – Erich Fear, Denver
2021 – Kale Bennett, Western Michigan
2022 – Jason Smallidge, Omaha
Michigan freshman center and Hobey Baker Award winner Adam Fantilli has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, forgoing the remainder of his NCAA eligibility. Columbus announced the deal late Saturday morning.
The Blue Jackets selected Fantilli with the third overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft on June 28. He became the fourth Wolverine to be drafted by Columbus and was later joined in the next round by teammate Gavin Brindley to make it five draft picks.
In Columbus, Fantilli will join fellow Michigan alumni defensemen Zach Werenski and Nick Blankenburg and forward Kent Johnson.
Fantilli was the third freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award and led the nation in scoring in 2022-23 averaging 1.81 points per game. A first-team All-American and Tim Taylor National Rookie of the Year, he finished the season with 30 goals and 35 assists in 36 games.
Fantilli was also named USCHO’s player of the year for 2022-23 and first-team All-USCHO.
Fantilli helped Canada win the gold medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2023 IIHF World Championship.
Arizona State has announced the hiring of Albie O’Connell as associate coach and recruiting coordinator for the men’s hockey team.
O’Connell begins his role with the Sun Devils on July 3.
O’Connell spent a combined eight years at Boston University, working his way up from assistant coach to associate head coach and finally, head coach. While at BU, he was part of seven NCAA tournament appearances, seven Hockey East titles (four regular season, three tournament), five Beanpot titles, three Frozen Fours, and two national championship games.
“The addition of Albie to our staff is a monumental piece for Sun Devil hockey,” Arizona State head coach Greg Powers said in a statement. “In my opinion, Albie is the best recruiter college hockey has seen over the past decade, and his track record of not only evaluating elite talent, but also recruiting and retaining that talent, speaks for itself. He is a guy that could have gone and worked a lot of places in both college and professional hockey, and I am thrilled that he chose to come help take our program to another level.
“In addition to his world-class ability to recruit, he’s a tremendous coach and will bring fresh ideas and energy to our staff and program. We are fired up to get started.”
As a skater at BU, O’Connell played in two Frozen Fours (1996, 1997) and helped the Terriers reach the national championship game and claim a Hockey East title as a sophomore. He and his fellow members of the Class of 1999 are one of only four BU classes to win four Beanpots.
In 149 career games, O’Connell totaled 108 points (42 goals, 66 assists) during his four years playing for Jack Parker. As a senior captain, he led the team in scoring with 39 points (9 goals, 30 assists).
“ASU has it all,” said O’Connell. “I look forward to working together with Greg and his entire staff to build a championship product on and off the ice.
“The high-level operating athletic department has great leadership and a want to support its programs and coaches to be successful. The men’s hockey program also has great leadership under Greg Powers. He started the program and built it to where it is today. The most impressive and attractive motivation to join the staff was his vision for the program. ASU has a campus that is second to none and arguably the best facilities in all of NCAA hockey that will allow elite athletes to continue development in front of an incredible fan base. Mullett Arena is amazing. I am grateful and appreciative to Greg for giving my family the opportunity to join ASU and its hockey program.”
In the last year, O’Connell worked with the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens as an amateur scout. Before Montreal, O’Connell spent five years as the head coach of BU and, before that, was the associate head coach for four seasons.
Before his return to BU, O’Connell spent a decade as a Division I assistant coach throughout the Northeast and established himself as one of the sport’s premier recruiters. Following three-year stints at both Northeastern and Harvard, he spent one season each at Holy Cross and Merrimack after a two-year appointment at Niagara.
The Watertown, Mass., native’s coaching career began at Berkshire Prep School in 2002 before he joined the collegiate coaching ranks the following year at Colby College.
At Harvard, O’Connell worked primarily with the Crimson’s defensemen and special teams. In his first season there, he directed the nation’s top power-play unit, which operated at a 27.3-percent success rate, and helped the Crimson advance to the ECAC championship game.
A fifth-round draft pick of the New York Islanders in 1994, O’Connell played professional hockey for the Pensacola Ice Pilots (ECHL) in 1999-2000, the Basingstoke Bison (British National League) in 2000-01, the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies (ECHL) in 2001-02 and the Cardiff Devils (BNL) in 2001-02. In 127 pro games, O’Connell posted 54 goals and 78 assists for 132 points.
O’Connell graduated from BU in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in history.
Players from 30 NCAA schools were selected in the 2023 NHL Draft after Thursday’s second day produced 59 picks of returning players, incoming freshmen or recruits.
Michigan forward Gavin Brindley was the first of eight second-round picks, No. 34 overall by Columbus, when things kicked off on the second day in Nashville, Tenn.
Boston College finished with six players selected to lead NCAA schools. Boston University and Wisconsin had five each.
See all 68 players from NCAA teams selected in the 2023 NHL Draft here.
It may have taken one more pick than expected, but when Michigan center Adam Fantilli, the NCAA’s reigning point leader and the 2023 Hobey Baker Award winner, heard his name called from the stage at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, he knew his future home will be in that of his school’s infamous rival.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, home of Michigan’s biggest athletic foe, Ohio State, selected Fantilli third overall, one spot lower than many pundits had him ranked entering the draft. Fantilli led the NCAA with 65 points (30 goals, 35 assists) for Michigan and helped Canada capture gold at both the World Junior and World Championships this year.
Secret to no one, Connor Bedard of the WHL’s Regina Pats was taken No. 1 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks, while Leo Carlsson of Sweden was selected second by the Anaheim Ducks.
College players, though, represented four of the top 10 selections in the first round and nine of the 32 picks overall.
Fantilli was immediately followed to the stage by Boston College incoming freshman Will Smith, selected fourth by the San Jose Sharks. The U.S. National Team Development Program product notched 51 goals and 127 points last season in 60 games for the NTDP and added nine goals and 20 points in the World Under-18 Championship, where Team USA took home gold.
Smith is the highest NHL Draft selection in the storied history of Boston College.
Here’s where NCAA players were ranked, picked in NHL Draft
The Washington Capitals, with the eighth overall selection, stuck with both the NTDP and Boston College, selecting right wing Ryan Leonard. Leonard, who will head to the Heights this fall, scored 51 goals and 94 points in 57 games for the NTDP and added eight goals and 17 points in seven games at the World Under-18s.
The college prospects shifted to Europe at the 11th selection as Vancouver selected Tom Willander, a defenseman from Rogle BK in Sweden who is headed to Boston University. In international play, Willander registered three goals and 12 points in 19 games for Team Sweden.
The NHL Draft host Nashville Predators went the college route in selecting Connecticut’s Matthew Wood 15th overall. It is the highest NHL Draft selection in Huskies program history. In his freshman season, Wood notched 11 goals and 34 points in 35 games for the Huskies. It is reported that Wood, college hockey’s younger player last season, will return to Storrs for his sophomore season.
The NTDP continued its strong representation when Oliver Moore, an incoming freshman at Minnesota, was taken 19th overall by Chicago. Moore scored five goals and nine points in seven games at World Under-18s and 75 points in 61 games for the NTDP.
Wisconsin’s Charlie Stramel was the third current collegian selected, heading to the Minnesota Wild with the 21st overall pick. Stramel’s stock dropped over the course of the season when he notched just three goals and 12 points in 33 games for the Badgers. But his draft position, 21 after being ranked the 30th overall North American skater, indicates the Wild have higher hopes for the prospect.
Gabriel Perreault, who last season shattered the NTDP points mark for a single season with 132, was the 23rd overall pick of the New York Rangers. Perreault will head to Boston College in the fall. He is the son of former NHLer Yanic Perreault.
Bradly Nadeau, one of the top offensive players in Canadian junior hockey last season, registering 113 points in 54 games for Penticton in the BCHL, was the final college player selected in the first round, taken 30th overall by Carolina. Nadeau is headed to Maine this season.
The 2023 NHL Draft continues on Thursday beginning at 11 a.m. ET. Rounds 2-7 will be televised in the U.S. on NHL Network and ESPN+.
Tennessee State University is set to make history by becoming the first historically black college or university (HBCU) to offer men’s hockey at the collegiate level.
TSU made this groundbreaking announcement at Bridgestone Arena prior to the 2023 NHL Draft on Wednesday. The addition of ice hockey highlights the university’s dedication to fostering diversity, inclusion, and expanding athletic opportunities for students.
“Bringing ice hockey to Tennessee State University is a part of our continued commitment to provide our students with new opportunities and to broaden new interests in areas where they have traditionally had limited or no access,” said TSU president Glenda Glover in a statement. “We appreciate our ongoing partnership with the Nashville Predators which has played a pivotal role in our decision to pursue this historic undertaking, of starting an ice hockey program at TSU, and the first for an HBCU. TSU has a tremendous legacy in athletics. Adding ice hockey to our programs will start a new chapter and build upon that legacy.”
TSU Hockey will commence its inaugural season in 2024, signaling a new era for the university. The team will begin as an ACHA program but aspires to achieve NCAA Division I status for both men’s and women’s sides in the near future. While no specific timeline exists for achieving varsity NCAA status, TSU is committed to building a solid foundation for long-term success.
“Today is a historic day as Tennessee State University, a prestigious HBCU, collaborates with the National Hockey League and the Nashville Predators in an unprecedented partnership,” stated Dr. Mikki Allen, TSU director of athletics. “TSU had been a great partner of the Predators for some time, and we are excited to help them work toward the goal of becoming the first HBCU to field a NCAA Division I college hockey team. President Glover and Dr. Allen are visionaries in their respective positions and should be lauded for continuing to build Nashville into the ultimate hockey town.”
The club hockey program will receive comprehensive oversight under the guidance of the department of athletics, ensuring a well-structured and successful implementation. TSU is currently in the process of hiring a director of club hockey operations, who will be responsible for fundraising, seeking corporate partnerships, recruiting student-athletes, and managing day-to-day operations. In the interim, Assistant AD Nick Guerriero will handle all inquiries related to TSU hockey.
“I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Dr. Allen to promote diversity and excellence in collegiate hockey,” said Guerriero. “We will strive to elevate the program to new heights, establishing a legacy that will inspire future generations. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the program on and off the ice, and I eagerly anticipate the challenges and successes that await us.”
The foray into collegiate ice hockey represents a significant milestone for Tennessee State University and the broader HBCU community. By breaking barriers and creating fresh opportunities, TSU hockey aims to establish a lasting legacy of inclusion, excellence, and athletic accomplishment.
“Together, we celebrate the power of collaboration as we dismantle barriers, diversify the game, and propel hockey into a new era of inclusivity,” Allen remarked. “This partnership serves as a catalyst, driving change and ensuring that the game we love embraces the beauty of diversity. With Tennessee State University, the NHL, and the Nashville Predators working hand in hand, we have the potential to reshape the future of hockey and inspire generations to come. Together, we will forge a path towards a more inclusive and united hockey community.”
To support this initiative, the NHL, NHL Players Association, Nashville Predators, and College Hockey Inc. will play integral roles in the lead-up to the announcement. College Hockey Inc. conducted a feasibility study in 2021, emphasizing the significance of introducing ice hockey at an HBCU to promote diversity and inclusion in sports.
“Introducing hockey at the collegiate level is always exciting but Club Hockey at Tennessee State University is truly special,” said Kevin Westgarth, VP hockey development and strategic collaboration. “Welcoming club hockey at a storied HBCU is a meaningful step in the right direction for the sport and will undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant hockey community and inspire future generations of players.”
The Predators organization has maintained a strong relationship with TSU and began the partnership by joining the university in its Feb. 2020 ‘One Million in One Month’ fundraising campaign as a major contributor. The Nashville-based NHL team has continued to donate to the TSU’s scholarship programs and provide internship and job opportunities through the TSU Career Development Center.
Furthermore, during Black History Month in Feb. 2022, the NHL hosted the Black Hockey History Tour at Hale Stadium, a pivotal step in bringing the sport of hockey to the TSU campus.
Andy Jones, most recently the associate head coach at UMass Lowell, has been named the head hockey coach at Bentley.
Jones takes over for Ryan Soderquist, who departed in April after 21 seasons with the Falcons.
Jones, a 2000 graduate of Amherst, has spent the last eight years on the River Hawks staff, including the last five as associate head coach. His time at UMass Lowell included three NCAA tournament bids, five Hockey East semifinal appearances, three Hockey East championship games and a championship win over Boston College in 2017.
All told, Jones has more than 20 years of coaching experience at various levels. Eighteen of his former players have gone on to compete in the NHL.
“I am honored and excited to be named the next head coach at Bentley University,” said Jones in a statement. “I believe there is tremendous opportunity here for the ice hockey program to grow into a formidable force in Atlantic Hockey and NCAA Division I. The energy and vision of director of athletics Vaughn Williams and president E. LaBrent Chrite, coupled with the support of the diverse and dynamic Bentley community and the state-of-the-art Bentley Arena, demonstrate a clear commitment to the success of Bentley ice hockey.
“I am deeply appreciative that I have been entrusted with the task of leading the Bentley ice hockey program into its next chapter. I look forward to building a program centered on positivity, intensity and determination that will reflect the high standards of excellence and innovation that represent Bentley University.”
“As we prepare for our 25th season of Division I hockey, we’re looking for our program to move to the next level,” added Williams. “Coach Jones is the right man to help us build a championship program as he brings enthusiasm, energy and experience to Bentley. I can’t wait to see us get started.”
At UMass Lowell, Jones was involved in both player and leadership development. He oversaw the defense and worked with the penalty kill unit. Last winter, the River Hawks were eighth nationally in scoring defense and 11th best in penalty killing percentage.
“UMass Lowell hockey is proud that Andy Jones will be the next head coach of Bentley University,” said River Hawks coach Norm Bazin. “He has worked extremely hard to earn this opportunity and Bentley will be adding a terrific person/coach to their athletic department. He was a valuable part of our staff for eight years and we wish he and his family the best as they start a new chapter in their lives.”
“Playing for Andy Jones is playing with structure and competing. Andy doesn’t care if you have 15 goals or no goals, if you compete and show up every day to work, you put yourself in a situation to be successful,” said Lucas Condotta, UMass Lowell’s 2021-22 captain now with the Montreal Canadiens organization. “Playing for Andy through college, he helped me so much personally. If I wanted to shoot pucks, work on something, do extra video or had any questions, he was always there for me and for his players. I know he’s going to be an amazing head coach, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Before joining the River Hawks, Jones spent four years as an assistant coach at Clarkson (2011-15) and five seasons as an assistant coach with the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede.
The Golden Knights had 21 wins during the 2013-14 season, their most wins in seven years, and the Stampede had a .620 winning percentage during his tenure and brought home the Clark Cup in 2007. Jones also helped create a unique leadership development program that produced college captains at twice the rate of other teams in the USHL.
Jones represented his country in 2009 as an assistant coach on the gold medal-winning team during the World Junior A Challenge in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
Jones was a two-sport athlete (hockey, baseball) and a hockey team captain at Amherst. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 2000 and his MBA from UMass in 2004.
A native of Excelsior, Minn., Jones resides in Nashua, N.H., with his wife Tracy and their daughters Acadia and Maya.
Holy Cross has announced the addition of Drew Michals as an assistant coach for the men’s hockey team.
Michals most recently served as the director of hockey operations at Vermont. In that role, Michals was responsible for pre-scouting opponents, post-scouting games, running team video sessions, and managing the team budget.
As a volunteer assistant coach at Vermont the year before, Michals assisted in practice planning and recruiting efforts for the Catamounts.
“We are excited to have Drew Michals join our program as an assistant coach,” said Holy Cross head coach Bill Riga in a statement. “He has a passion and energy for the game that, when combined with his knowledge and experience at the college level, will be a great asset to our program. We look forward to getting him here and welcome him and his fiancé Annie to Worcester.”
Prior to his time in Burlington, Michals served as a skills coordinator and director of goaltending at Elev802, assistant coach at Franklin Pierce, and assistant varsity hockey coach at The Winchendon School.
A 2018 graduate of UMass Dartmouth, Michals was a goaltender for the Corsair men’s hockey team.
Brian Troy has been named the new assistant men’s hockey coach at Albertus Magnus.
Most recently, Troy was the boys varsity hockey head coach at the Winchendon School in Massachusetts. He first joined the staff at Winchendon as an assistant in 2014 until his appointment as head coach in 2018.
“I’m extremely excited to join coach Kyle Wallack and the Albertus Magnus hockey family,” Troy said in a statement. “I look forward to being a part of the continuously growing tradition of success here in New Haven.”
In addition to coaching hockey at Winchendon, Troy was the boys varsity baseball head coach (2014-18) and the boys varsity soccer assistant coach (2014-18).
Troy also held numerous administrative roles at the Winchendon School throughout his tenure, having experience as a college counselor, admissions officer, dorm head, advisor, sports information director, and assistant dean of students.
As a player, Troy was a four-year student-athlete and two-year captain at Southern New Hampshire, appearing in 89 games for the Penmen and recording 22 points on 11 goals and 11 assists.
Troy earned a B.S. in Sport Management from Southern New Hampshire.
According to the Telegraph Herald, defenseman Seamus Powell is leaving Boston College after one season to return to junior hockey with the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints.
During the 2022-23 season with the Eagles, Powell collected one goal and was minus-3 in 21 games.
“It’s a really good opportunity to play a lot more, get stronger and develop as a player,” Powell said in the report. “Obviously, Ryan St. Louis did the same thing this last year (after leaving Northeastern) and had a ton of success. It’ll give me a chance to play my game and gain confidence, and only good things will follow.
“I talked to Dubuque quite a bit after they drafted me two years ago and again after my first year at Boston College, and I always thought it was a really good option. And Coach (Greg) Brown said it would be a really good spot for me, so I’m very grateful to be here.”
Powell joins a Dubuque team that went 32-24-5-1 last season, advancing to the second round of the Clark Cup playoffs.
“I’m excited,” Powell said. “Obviously, they had a pretty good run in the playoffs and they were always a tough team to play against when I was with the NTDP. It helps to have a lot of returners with that year under your belt. Having that experience is definitely helpful when you’re trying to make a run in the playoffs.”
The USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms have added Minnesota goaltender Owen Bartoszkiewicz to their roster for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
Bartoszkiewicz played for Youngstown in the first half of the 2021-22 season before departing to play for the Gophers.
In six games with Minnesota, Bartoszkiewicz compiled a 3-0-0 record with a 3.72 GAA and a .883 save percentage.
Former Irish hockey standout Brock Sheahan will return to the Notre Dame bench as an associate head coach.
A 2008 graduate from Notre Dame, Sheahan returns to his alma mater following a decade away in various coaching roles at the junior, collegiate and professional levels.
“We are very excited to welcome Brock back to the Irish hockey family,” Notre Dame head coach Jeff Jackson said in a statement. “He has developed into a tremendous coach over the last several years and is a rising star in our profession. Brock is a perfect fit for our staff, which was evident when he first started coaching here 10 years ago. For me, it’s also awesome to welcome back an alumnus that played on my very first team at Notre Dame.”
“When Coach Jackson first approached me with the possibility of coming back to Notre Dame to be a member of this great staff, it was an opportunity that my family and I have dreamt about – an opportunity to come home,” Sheahan added. “The University of Notre Dame is a place like no other and I feel that I am uniquely prepared to help the program move forward. My experience at the highest level of junior hockey with the (USHL’s) Chicago Steel, and then professionally with the (AHL’s) Chicago Wolves, will help me develop our student-athletes to the best of my ability both on and off the ice. “
Sheahan most recently served as the head coach for the Wolves in 2022-23. In one season with the team, he led the Carolina Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate to a 35-29-5 regular-season record.
“I would like to thank the Carolina Hurricanes for the opportunity to be a head coach at the AHL level last season,” Sheahan said. “It was an incredible experience and a year that helped me get better as a coach in all areas.”
Prior to his stint with the Wolves, Sheahan spent four seasons with the Steel, winning two Anderson Cups, awarded to the league’s regular-season champions (2019-20 and 2020-21), as well as capturing the 2021 Clark Cup playoff championship. Assuming the role of head coach midway through the 2019-20 season, Sheahan posted a 100-27-12-3 regular-season record at the helm of the Steel while adding an 8-3 record in the playoffs.
Sheahan also has experience coaching at the collegiate level, having spent four seasons at Holy Cross following a year as a volunteer assistant for the Irish (2013-14).
A defenseman for the Irish from 2004 to 2008, Sheahan was a sophomore during Jackson’s inaugural season behind the bench at Notre Dame. He appeared in 161 games over his collegiate career and tallied 33 points off four goals and 29 assists. Serving as alternate captain his senior year, Sheahan was named the William Donald Nyrop Award winner, presented annually to the team’s top defenseman.
“As an Irish alum, I am passionate about Notre Dame hockey,” Sheahan said. “I cannot wait to start building relationships with our young men and help them get better every day.”
Sheahan will join the Irish on July 1.
Robert Morris announced Tuesday that Ryan Durocher has been named an assistant coach for the Colonials men’s hockey team.
Durocher, who spent the 2020-21 season as an assistant coach with the Colonials, is returning to the program after spending a season as director of hockey operations at Colorado College and a year as an assistant at Sacred Heart.
“We are excited that Ryan is returning to Robert Morris,” said RMU head coach Derek Schooley in a statement. “Ryan has an excellent hockey mind, relates very well to the players, and is very detailed in everything he does. We had a very good year when Ryan was here, and I am looking forward to continuing what we started.”
Durocher was an assistant coach with the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers for two seasons (2018-20). Previously, he had stints as the video coach for the AHL’s Binghamton Devils (2017-18) and St. Lawrence (2015-17).
Prior to his coaching career, Durocher played at Cortland, where he graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. He then earned his master’s in Sports Management in 2014 from Southern New Hampshire University, where he began his coaching career before moving on to join the EHL’s New England Wolves staff in 2014.
“I really believe with Ryan and Matt Nicholson, we have established one of the top staffs in Atlantic Hockey,” Schooley said.
Minnesota State has announced the hiring of Keith Paulsen as an assistant coach for the men’s hockey team.
“Keith is a real workhorse,” said Minnesota State head coach Luke Strand in a statement. “His multifaceted background will bring so many qualities for our players and staff. His recent stay in the American Hockey League (with the Iowa Wild) teaching both on and off the ice will drive player development to another level.”
“Our staff is dynamic, not only in their prior experiences in hockey, but also in their abilities to teach both on a personal and player developmental level. As our staff continues to take shape over the next several months, we are excited for the future of Maverick hockey.”
During his time with the Wild (2016-23), Paulsen coordinated live in-game and post-game video analysis and breakdown. He also prepared scout video for opponent tendencies, video for team meetings and assisted with daily practice planning and implementation.
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to join Luke Strand’s staff,” said Paulsen. “I understand the rich traditions of Maverick Hockey and look forward to working with these young men in our program. My family and I are excited to relocate to the Mankato area.”
Prior to his time with the Wild, Paulson served as the assistant general manager and associate head coach with the USHL’s Madison Capitols from Dec. 2013 to May 2016.
In 2014, Paulsen was selected as an assistant coach with team USA World Junior A Challenge where the Americans defeated Denmark 3-2 in the gold medal game.
Paulsen was also on staff with the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers from July 2010-Dec. 2013 and worked with Strand for a season during that stint.
Paulsen also served as the head coach at Rice Lake High School in Rice Lake, Wis., from 2003 to 2010.
Collegiately, Paulsen competed at UW-Eau Claire from 1996 to 2000 and was a four-year letter winner, playing with Strand for one year.
Renovations are underway to modernize Merrimack’s Lawler Rink in time for the 2023-24 season.
Thanks to a transformative multi million-dollar gift from Richard and Susanna Gallant, the college’s board of trustees approved significant renovations that will update several aspects of the storied facility, including a new luxury pavilion with premium seating at the north end of the rink, enhanced luxury suites, modernized game day club experience, and new designated areas for media, broadcasts and the Merrimack Marching Band.
In recognition of the Gallant’s generosity, the project also includes the naming of the new Gallant Pavilion, which will feature premium club seating and viewing areas to provide an elevated fan experience. The college held a celebration event on June 9 in the DiCroce Family Lobby of the Merrimack Athletics Complex. More than 100 people were in attendance to recognize the Gallant’s gift.
“This is just the first domino,” Gallant said of Lawler Rink. “Hold on, because we’re all going to see some enormous changes.”
Gallant and his wife Susanna have been valued partners of Merrimack for more than a decade. He serves on the college’s athletics board of advisors and is president of the USPHL’s Islanders Hockey Club, one of the premier development and competitive junior hockey programs in New England.
In March 2012, the Gallants gave a multi million-dollar gift, one of the largest gifts in the history of Merrimack, to support the Agenda for Distinction. Later that year, Gallant and Merrimack president Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D, announced a partnership between the Islanders Ice Hockey Program and Merrimack College, which in part led to the construction of a second rink on campus, Gallant Arena.
Through this partnership, Gallant Arena and Merrimack’s campus have become a premier destination for competitive hockey development. It provides a state-of-the-art facility to communities in Merrimack Valley and New England and has seen millions of visitors for hockey games and events over the years.
“These renovations will be game-changing for Merrimack College,” said Hopey. “Hosting Division I competitions, and winning Division I competitions, will strengthen our value proposition and competitive position nationally. It will help us achieve our research goals, our graduate goals, our enrollment goals and our mission goals. Projects like the Lawler renovation will contribute to advancing our aspirations, vision and mission.”
Lawler Arena is home to Merrimack’s women’s and men’s basketball and hockey teams. The 2022-23 season was one of the most successful in the history of the men’s hockey program. Twelve of the men’s team’s 23 wins on the season came at Lawler, and the Warriors went on to play in the Hockey East tournament finals and the NCAA men’s hockey tournament.
“This venue is going to become a space where we can celebrate our community, the success of our athletic programs, the achievements of our student-athletes, and the enthusiasm that comes with it,” said Merrimack director of athletics Jeremy Gibson.
According to a news release, “The Gallants’ generosity over the years has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Merrimack community, its students, employees and alumni. They helped to establish one of the College’s most fruitful community partnerships and continue to provide Merrimack with resources and support for student-athlete and fan experiences.”
UMass Lowell has tabbed Eric Sorenson as the men’s hockey team’s newest assistant coach.
Sorenson comes to Lowell after spending two years as an assistant hockey coach at Holy Cross.
“Eric was organized and very prepared for this process,” said UMass Lowell head coach Norm Bazin in a statement. “Throughout our discussions, he came across as very intelligent and articulate. He is someone who has acquired a great deal of knowledge in his six years of coaching at the lower levels. He will work with our goaltenders and act as our recruiting coordinator. We welcome him and his wife Julia to the UMass Lowell hockey family.”
During his time on staff in Worcester, Sorenson focused specifically on skill development for the defensemen and goaltenders, in addition to managing the penalty kill unit.
“I am extremely excited to join the hockey staff and community here at UMass Lowell,” said Sorenson. “It is a tremendous opportunity to join a great group of coaches and players, and I look forward to helping build on the successes Coach Bazin and company have had here. I am grateful for this opportunity and eager to get to work.”
Before heading to Holy Cross, Sorenson spent time working with a pair of NCAA Division III institutions. He served as the first head coach at Rivier, responsible for leading the launch of the young program in 2020. Prior to Rivier, he served as an assistant coach at Williams from 2018 to 2020. Sorenson has also made stops at Nazareth and the junior-level Rochester Jr. Americans, as both the assistant and goaltending coach.
Throughout his eight-year coaching tenure, Sorenson has been responsible for a multitude of tasks, including pre-scouting of opponents, game day lineup preparation, in-game adjustments and post-game analysis. He has also helped facilitate player skill development, resulting in 17 all-conference players, one rookie of the year, a conference player of the year and an All-American selection.
Having played college hockey at Western New England from 2010 to 2014, Sorenson served as the team’s starting goaltender and holds the program records for career wins, saves and shutouts.
Sorenson earned his bachelor of science in business administration and sport management from Western New England in 2014. He went onto earn his masters in sport administration from Canisius in 2017.
