“Whitney emerged from the talented pool of candidates as someone who shared a vision for Hamline hockey to sustain success now and in the future,” said Hamline associate VP/athletic director Jason Verdugo in a statement. “We look forward to having her lead the program.”
Colbert arrives to the Pipers following a one-season stint as the head women’s hockey coach at Blake School in Hopkins, Minn.
The Ithaca, N.Y., native was previously the assistant women’s hockey coach at Union for three seasons and began her coaching career at Connecticut College, where she served as an assistant women’s hockey coach during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.
Colbert’s coaching career also includes the international stage, as she served as the Team China assistant women’s hockey coach at the 2020 IIHF World Championship. She currently serves as a USA Hockey national team evaluator.
During her playing days, Colbert was a four-year member of the Trinity women’s hockey team and led the Bantams to two NESCAC tournament Final Four appearances in 2011 and 2012.
“I’m beyond excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Hamline Community,” said Colbert. “The Hamline women’s hockey program has a great track record of success both athletically and academically. I am honored to help lead this group of strong and talented young women.”
Colbert obtained her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Trinity in 2014, and earned a master’s degree in sports leadership from Northeastern in 2017.
The NCAA announced Friday that teams advancing in the regional rounds of the Division I men’s NCAA tournament will have a day off before the regional final, starting with the 2022 tournament.
The Division I Competition Oversight Committee approved the change recommended by the Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Committee.
The rationale for making the modification includes the need for additional time for the student-athletes to rest and recover as the season comes to its conclusion.
Along with the necessary rest, this provides more equity for all the teams when it comes to the game times. With the day off, a team playing the later game on the first day of the regionals has additional time to recover instead of turning around and playing again the next day, which it did under the previous format.
From left, John Hynes, David Quinn, Todd Reirden and Ryan Miller (photos: USA Hockey).
The four assistant coaches for the 2022 men’s hockey Olympic team all come with NCAA connections.
John Hynes, David Quinn, Todd Reirden and Ryan Miller will serve as assistant coaches to head coach Mike Sullivan.
“We’ve got a great coaching staff in place,” said Stan Bowman, general manager of the 2022 U.S. Olympic hockey team, in a statement. “It’s a group that knows what it takes to be successful, and through their unique and varied backgrounds will help put our team in the best position to win the gold medal.”
Hynes, head coach of the NHL’s Nashville Predators, also spent time coaching at the college level, serving as an assistant coach at UMass Lowell in 2000-01 and at Wisconsin in 2002-03 after beginning his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Boston University.
As a player, Hynes played four seasons (1993-97) at BU where he competed in four straight NCAA Frozen Fours, winning the NCAA title in 1995.
Quinn served as the head coach for his alma mater, Boston University, from 2013 to 2018 and guided the Terriers to four NCAA tournament appearances, two Hockey East regular-season titles and two Hockey East tournament championships.
He also spent five seasons (2004-09) as the associate head coach at BU, where he helped the Terriers to the NCAA national title in 2009. Quinn’s other collegiate coaching positions have been at Northeastern (1995-96) and Omaha (1996-2002).
Quinn was an All-Hockey East and All-New England defenseman at Boston University and served as co-captain during his senior year in 1987-88.
Reirden, currently an assistant coach with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, was an assistant coach in 2007-08 for his alma mater, Bowling Green, where he played from 1990 to 1994.
Miller retired from a distinguished 18-year NHL career in 2021, one that included stops with four teams (Buffalo, St. Louis, Vancouver, Anaheim) and 391 regular-season wins, the most for a U.S.-born netminder in NHL history.
Miller, who earned the NHL’s Vezina Trophy in 2010, recorded a career 391-289-88 regular-season record with a 2.64 GAA and .914 save percentage. He also competed in 57 playoff games with a 2.52 goals against average and .913 save percentage.
His international career was highlighted by leading the U.S. to the gold-medal game of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and ultimately a silver-medal finish after an overtime loss to Canada in the final game of the Olympic tournament. Miller, who recorded a 1.35 GAA and .946 save percentage, earned MVP honors at the games.
He also had a notable collegiate career at Michigan State where he won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award in 2001. Miller today still holds the NCAA record for career shutouts with 26.
Sullivan, the current head coach in Pittsburgh, played at BU from 1986 to 1990.
Wisconsin’s Daryl Watts collected 36 points during the 2020-21 season on 19 goals and 17 assists in 21 games (photo: David Stluka).
Wisconsin has been picked among the WCHA head coaches to win the 2021-22 regular=season title.
The Badgers, who have won the last two league titles and the last two national championships, totaled 49 points and seven first place votes in preseason polling among the WCHA’s eight coaches. Ohio State received one first place vote and tallied 40 points in the poll.
2021-22 WCHA Preseason Coaches’ Poll Rank-Team-(First-Place Votes)-Points
1. Wisconsin (7) 49
2. Ohio State (1) 40
3. Minnesota 37
4. Minnesota Duluth 34
5. Minnesota State 25
6. (tie) Bemidji State 16
6. (tie) St. Cloud State 16
8. St. Thomas 7
Coaches could not vote for their own team.
Preseason awards were also announced as fifth-year Wisconsin forward Daryl Watts was tabbed preseason player of the year and three forwards in Minnesota’s Peyton Hemp and Wisconsin’s Marianne Picard and Sara Wozniewicz were selected as preseason rookie of the year.
Preseason All-WCHA Team
F: Gabbie Hughes, Sr., Minnesota Duluth
F: Daryl Watts, RSr., Wisconsin
F: Sophie Shirley, Sr., Wisconsin
D: Grace Bowlby, RSr., Wisconsin
D: Emily Brown, RSr., Minnesota
G: Andrea Braendli, Sr., Ohio State
The WCHA opens its 23rd season Sept. 24-25 as St. Thomas drops the puck on its first Division I game and first in the WCHA at Ohio State. Two nonconference matchups are also slated for opening weekend as Minnesota State travels to Merrimack and Wisconsin takes on Lindenwood.
Paul Holmgren and Peter McNab are the newest members of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.
Former NCAA hockey players Paul Holmgren and Peter McNab will be enshrined into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2021.
Journalist and broadcaster Stan Fischler will also be inducted.
The class of 2021 will be enshrined together with the class of 2020 at a formal induction celebration in December of 2021.
Holmgren’s career in hockey is highlighted by more than 40 years with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers over parts of six decades, in addition to major contributions to American hockey on other stages, including serving as an original member of the U.S. Men’s National Team Advisory Group and helping guide Team USA to the 1996 World Cup of Hockey championship.
The St. Paul, Minn., native, is the only person ever to serve as a player, assistant coach, head coach, general manager and president of the Flyers and today serves as senior advisor for the club.
Drafted from Minnesota in the sixth round of the 1975 NHL Draft, Holmgren’s NHL playing career began with the Flyers on March 25, 1975. It was the first of 500 games he played for Philadelphia in parts of nine seasons. He helped the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final in 1976, and again in 1980 when he became the first American-born player in NHL history to record a hat trick during the Stanley Cup Final. He earned a spot in the 1981 NHL All-Star Game and was the lone American on the Campbell Conference entry.
Holmgren retired following the 1984-85 season.
In 10 NHL campaigns, he played in 527 regular-season games and recorded 323 points (144 goals, 179 assists). Holmgren helped his teams to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of his nine full seasons in the league and contributed 51 points (19 goals, 32 assists) in 82 playoff appearances.
Holmgren has been involved with U.S. teams on the international stage on multiple occasions, including serving as an assistant coach for Team USA at the inaugural World Cup of Hockey in 1996 when the U.S. secured the tournament title, and also in the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. He also was the assistant general manager of the 2006 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, general manager of the 2006 U.S Men’s National Team and assistant general manager for Team USA in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
In addition, Holmgren was a founding member of the U.S. Men’s National Team Advisory Group in 2007 and served for eight seasons in helping select U.S. Men’s National Teams. As a player, Holmgren represented Team USA at the inaugural World Junior Ice Hockey Championship in 1974.
During his remarkable NHL playing career, which spanned parts of 14 seasons (1973-87) with four teams, McNab had seven straight seasons with 70 or more points and six straight with 35-plus goals and helped his teams to Stanley Cup Playoff appearances 10 times, including a trip to the 1975 Stanley Cup Final with Buffalo. He ranks 19th among Americans in NHL history with 813 points in 995 regular-season games, including 363 goals and 450 assists.
Drafted 85th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1972 NHL Draft, McNab played three seasons (1970-73) of college hockey at Denver and helped the Pioneers to three top-four NCAA finishes. His final season, the Vancouver, B.C., native led the Pioneers to an NCAA runner-up finish and was not only named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team, but also earned First-Team All-WCHA honors after a team-leading 72-point season which included 32 goals and 40 assists. All total, McNab averaged 1.61 points per game in 105 total games and his 170 (78 goals, 92 assists) career points rank 10th best in program history.
Following his collegiate career, McNab led the Cincinnati Swords of the AHL with 73 points (34 goals, 39 assists), despite playing in just 49 of the team’s 76 games. He also debuted with the Sabres that season, competing in 22 contests.
McNab solidified a spot on the Sabres roster for the next two years where he tallied 99 points in 132 regular-season games. He helped Buffalo to the Stanley Cup Final in 1974-75 and also to regular-season titles in both the Adams Division and Prince of Wales Conference.
The center spent the next eight years (1976-84) of his NHL career with the Boston Bruins where he helped the team to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in seven of his eight campaigns.
McNab concluded his NHL career playing 78 games over two seasons in Vancouver and 117 contests in two seasons with New Jersey.
On the international stage, McNab played for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 1986 IIHF Men’s World Championship.
McNab transitioned to a career in broadcasting following his playing days, including eight years as a color analyst for the Devils. He was hired by the Colorado Avalanche in a similar role in their inaugural season in 1995 and will enter his 26th campaign with the Avs in 2021-22.
St. Cloud State announced Thursday the addition of R.J. Enga to the Huskies’ coaching staff as director of operations and video coordinator.
Enga replaces Nick Tomczyk, who was named head coach for Purdue Northwest’s ACHA team this week.
Joining the SCSU coaching staff with 17 years of coaching experience at the collegiate, amateur and professional levels, Enga most recently served a seven-year stint as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Colorado College.
“We are very fortunate to add a highly-accomplished collegiate coach of R.J.’s caliber to our St. Cloud State hockey program,” said Huskies head coach Brett Larson in a statement. “His experience as a player and a coach at nearly every level of hockey will be a valuable commodity in the ever-important role he will play within our program. We can’t wait to welcome R.J. and his family to the St. Cloud community.”
“I’m so excited to join the St. Cloud State staff and be part of this great program,” Enga added. “I am truly honored and humbled to be with this staff and team. Coach Larson is an incredible coach and an even better person, and has built an amazing staff and culture here at St. Cloud. I will do whatever I can from my position to help this team attain the goals they have set out to accomplish. Coach Larson and I go way back and to be able to work together again is amazing.”
Prior to his time in Colorado Springs, Enga spent three seasons (2011-14) as an assistant coach and director of player development with the USHL’s Chicago Steel.
Enga joined Larson on the coaching staff of the 2012 USA National Team at the World Junior A Challenge, where the pair helped lead Team USA to a gold medal. Enga led all video operations for the team, collaborated to select the team’s roster, and assisted with all on-ice practice planning and execution.
He also spent time as an assistant coach with the NAHL’s Topeka RoadRunners (2009-11), as a volunteer assistant at Colorado College (2008-09) and as the director of hockey for the Colorado Springs Amateur Hockey Association (2004-09).
Before entering the coaching profession, Enga was a 10th-round selection by the New York Islanders in the 1990 NHL Draft and enjoyed a 10-year professional hockey career at virtually every level. He totaled 779 points in his playing career (324 goals, 455 assists), was named to the East Coast Hockey League All-Rookie Team in 1996, won the West Coast Hockey League’s Taylor Cup as a member of the San Diego Gulls in 2003, and became the Colorado Gold Kings all-time leading scorer with 387 points (165 goals, 222 assists) in just four seasons.
Enga played in 158 games for Colorado College from 1991-95 where he was a member of back-to-back WCHA champion teams (1994-95) and one NCAA tournament team (1995). He was a two-time WCHA All-Academic selection (1994-95), an All-WCHA Team selection in 1994 and a member of Colorado College’s Century Club with 142 points.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in International Political Economy from Colorado College in 1995.
Niagara announced Tuesday that the 2021 athletics hall of fame class will include the 2001-02 women’s hockey team.
The ceremony will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4.
The Purple Eagles advanced to the semifinals of the Frozen Four and tied Minnesota 2-2 in the third-place game after finishing 26-8-2 overall and 19-2-0 in conference play in winning the ECAC regular-season championship. Niagara had an impressive home record, going 15-2 overall and 11-0 in conference in games played at Dwyer Arena.
On the season, Niagara averaged 3.82 goals per game and allowed just 1.41 goals per game.
More information about the ceremony and how to purchase tickets will be released soon.
Derek Schooley has been with the Robert Morris men’s hockey program since 2003 (photo: RMU Athletics).
Robert Morris announced Tuesday that Derek Schooley has been named head coach and director of men’s and women’s hockey operations.
“Naming Derek as the head coach and director of operations for both teams adds stability as we continue to work with the Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation in the goal of reinstating both teams,” RMU vice president and director of athletics Chris King said in a statement. “Derek is synonymous with hockey at Robert Morris and is well-respected in the Pittsburgh hockey community and beyond. Having him in charge of both programs this fall is crucial as we strive for viable solutions and a sustainable financial model to support both programs.”
Schooley was named to lead the RMU men’s program August 21, 2003, and is the only head coach in program history. He guided the Colonials to six conference tournament championship games and helped RMU earn its first NCAA tournament berth in 2014.
If the RMU men’s and women’s hockey programs are reinstated, a national search for a women’s coach will be conducted.
“This is another big step in the process of reinstatement of the RMU hockey teams,” Schooley said. “I look forward to working with hockey alumni, the RMU administration, donors, corporations and the Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation toward returning Robert Morris hockey to the pinnacle of their respective conferences.”
McLAUGHLIN-BITTLE
In addition to announcing the hiring of Schooley as head coach and director of hockey operations at RMU, King announced that Brianne McLaughlin-Bittle will serve as a special assistant for hockey operations. In her role, McLaughlin-Bittle will continue to assist both the Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation and RMU in their roles of raising funds and help ensure the programs remain financially sustainable for the long term.
“I’m excited to work more closely with the Robert Morris athletic department in an effort to get these teams back,” said McLaughlin-Bittle. “They mean so much to us and the hockey community, and I’m hopeful we can get them back on the ice.”
McLaughlin-Bittle established the NCAA record for career saves with 3,809 during her four years as the starting goaltender for the Colonials from 2005 to 2009. She also won silver medals for Team USA during both the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics and currently serves as the goaltending coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team.
RMU is looking to raise a total of $1.4 million in immediate contributions and another $1.4 million in pledges by Dec. 15, 2021, in order for the university to reinstate both programs in time for the 2022-23 seasons. That goal represents enough money to cover operating expenses for two seasons.
A hockey reinstatement fund page has been created for pledges and gifts and can be used via the following platform. Gifts and pledges can also be made directly by contacting RMU associate athletic director for development TJ Brown at (412) 397-5960 or via email at [email protected]. Stock gifts, corporate matches and gifts in other forms will also be considered and accepted. Those interested in reserving season tickets for the 2022-23 season should a reinstatement of the programs occur are encouraged to use this link.
Alan Haller has been involved with Michigan State athletics for 11 years (photo: MSU Athletics).
Michigan State has appointed Alan Haller, current MSU assistant vice president and deputy athletic director, as vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics.
The announcement comes after the MSU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the president’s selection during a special meeting.
“Alan has been a leader in developing athlete administrators and broadening the depth and breadth of our diverse talent within MSU athletics,” Michigan State president Samuel Stanley said in a statement. “His professional accomplishments, integrity and leadership make him the best choice to move our programs forward during a constantly evolving college athletics landscape. And his understanding and perspective as a former student-athlete will benefit Spartan athletes for generations.”
Former athletic director Bill Beekman announced in early August he was taking on a new role at MSU as vice president for strategic initiatives to assist with strategic planning implementation. A national search for a new athletic director began immediately, assisted by Collegiate Sports Associates.
“Alan is a remarkable leader and an accomplished and well-rounded administrator who has been instrumental in setting up MSU Athletics for continued success,” said Dianne Byrum, chairperson of the MSU Board of Trustees. “Our nationwide search led us back home to a leader who is steadfastly committed to the success of our institution and its student-athletes. I have full confidence that Alan will continue to move MSU athletics forward with a vision that focuses on student success, competitive excellence and integrity in all that we do.”
A former MSU football player and member of the track and field team as well as a former cornerback in the NFL, Haller joined MSU athletics in 2010, following a 13-year career with the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety. He is credited with being part of the successful efforts to recruit MSU’s all-time winningest coach Mark Dantonio and current MSU head football coach Mel Tucker. He also championed the addition of the department’s inaugural chief diversity officer, Ashley Baker.
Haller has held several roles in MSU athletics, including senior associate athletic director and chief of staff. Most recently, as deputy athletic director he was responsible for coordination of external relations, capital projects, athletics facilities and event management. He assisted with the department’s financial planning and management of the budget, led the facilities planning team and oversaw coordination and completion of a facility master plan while supervising all athletics construction projects.
Haller has extensive experience working directly with teams as a sport administrator and currently serves as the sport administrator for football. He leads the senior staff/sport administrator group responsible for administration of all varsity sports and provides leadership, direction and supervision to sport supervisors, who are responsible for oversight of all sport programs.
“Being a student-athlete at Michigan State was a transformational experience in my life. My time as a member of the Spartan football and track and field teams laid the groundwork for everything that’s followed,” Haller said. “To this day, with every major decision and event, I rely on the principles that were forged as a student-athlete. It’s my job to make sure our current and future student-athletes experience the same transformation, reaching their highest potential both academically and athletically. The phrase ‘Spartan for Life’ signifies our commitment to our student-athletes does not end when they leave MSU.
“Spartan athletics is filled with amazing student-athletes, talented coaches and dedicated staff. Together, we will work to ensure that MSU Athletics adds value to Michigan State University and the surrounding community. It’s our commitment as a university partner. This is an exciting time in our department’s history, full of limitless possibilities. Only together can we realize those dreams.”
“Student success is a keen focus of the university, both in competition and in the classroom. An unwavering commitment to student-athlete success, combined with a mission to ensure MSU athletics is representative of the student-athletes it serves, made Haller the ideal candidate for the position,” according to the school’s news release.
“Alan Haller is intelligent, hardworking, a person of high integrity and a proven leader,” said Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren. “Alan has made a positive impact in East Lansing since he arrived on campus as a student-athlete. Prior to his tenure as a professional football player, a member of law enforcement and as an administrator at MSU, Alan had a transformational experience as a Spartan student-athlete. This experience and his dedication will empower Alan to serve the needs of all Spartan student-athletes. We look forward to working closely with Alan as he leads MSU athletics.”
A four-year letterman as a cornerback under coach George Perles from 1988 to 1991, Haller earned All-Big Ten honors as both a junior and senior and made three postseason bowl appearances with the Spartans (1989 Gator, 1989 Aloha and 1990 John Hancock). He was a fifth-round NFL draft pick in 1992 by the Pittsburgh Steelers and spent three seasons in the NFL, playing for Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Carolina.
Haller holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from MSU and a master’s degree in human resources from Central Michigan.
He will be introduced to the Spartan community during a celebration at Breslin Student Events Center at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7. The event will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.
The newest additions to Todd Woodcroft’s staff at Vermont include Patrick Dooley, Max Gavin, Drew Michals and Patrick Sharp.
Vermont has announced coaching and support staff additions ahead of the 2021-22 men’s hockey season.
Patrick Dooley has been named men’s hockey equipment manager, Max Gavin will serve as director of hockey operations and Drew Michals will be a volunteer goaltending coach.
In addition, Patrick Sharp is returning to the Catamounts as an advisor to the coaching staff.
Dooley most recently served as the head equipment manager for the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks. He has participated in several USA Hockey Events, most recently at the Biosteel All-American Prospects Game and the USA vs CAN Rivalry Series.
“To lose someone like Brandon Guidotti to the next level is both rewarding and difficult at the same time,” said UVM coach Todd Woodcroft in a statement. “How can you replace someone who was so dedicated to their job like Brandon was? For us, fortune smiled and we were able to find an experienced equipment manager from the USHL. Patrick knows his craft and is meticulous in his work. Our players will want for nothing from the equipment side with a person like Patrick in the locker room.”
Gavin enters his first year on the UVM staff after an accomplished coaching career at Adrian, his alma mater, as well as two years of junior hockey in Ontario. Gavin played professionally in the ECHL after his four years at Adrian and comes from a strong hockey pedigree. His father Stew played 13 NHL seasons and his mom Phyllis competed for Team Canada in field at the 1988 Olympic Games.
“Hockey operations is such a vital piece to a coaching staff,” said Woodcroft. “Max’s hockey pedigree, his coaching experience and playing background have made him an immediate asset to our coaching group.”
Michals comes to UVM from Franklin Pierce where he was an assistant coach/goalie coach. Michals earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UMass where he was also the starting goalie. He is currently pursuing his MBA in Leadership from Franklin Pierce with an expected graduation in the spring of 2022.
“The other coaches are smart enough to know that we are not smart enough about elite goalies,” Woodcroft said. “Drew has a wealth of experience playing, developing and coaching goalies from young players to professionals. Our goaltending trio is crucial to the success of UVM hockey, and Drew is an excellent addition to our team.”
Sharp wore the green and gold for the Catamounts from 2000 to 2002, finishing with 53 points in 65 games. A 2001 third-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, he turned pro following his sophomore campaign. Sharp is the only Catamount alum in program history to win the Stanley Cup three times. He was a key factor in the Chicago Blackhawks three Stanley Cup titles in six seasons in 2010, 2013 and 2015 and led the Blackhawks in goals with 10 during the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs run.
He finished his stellar 16-season NHL career with 939 games played, scoring 287 goals and 333 assists for 620 points. He was also named MVP of the 2011 NHL All-Star Game and won a gold medal with Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Following his retirement in 2018, Sharp pursued a career in broadcasting working as a studio analyst on the NHL on NBC.
“Not much needs to be said about Patrick that isn’t already known about his career, but what strikes me is that he chose to join our staff in an advisory role and has jumped in with high energy,” said Woodcroft. “He knows that his own personal experience, his own journey as a player who wore the same jersey that our current players do is a connection that none of the other men’s ice hockey staff can attest to. We are thankful that Patrick will be able to lend his voice and his thoughts on how we can continue to improve daily.”
Harvard has announced the addition of Alicia Scarpa as the women’s hockey director of operations.
Scarpa most recently spent the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons assisting the team before being elevated to this new position for the 2021-22 season.
“We are thrilled to have Alicia rejoining our staff as the first director of hockey operations fully dedicated to our women’s hockey program,” said Harvard coach Katey Stone in a news release. “Alicia is very familiar with Harvard, college hockey and our program. She will jump right in and make a positive difference on Day 1.”
Prior to this season, the men’s and women’s teams shared a single director of operations, choosing to now split the role so each team has its own dedicated director.
“I’m grateful to Coach Stone for giving me this incredible opportunity to work with the program,” said Scarpa “I’m really humbled and honored to be the first director of operations for the women’s hockey team. It’s a title I wear proudly and I’m looking forward to continuing to build the relationships I’ve already formed with the coaching staff, student-athletes, alumni, parents and friends of the program.”
Prior to Harvard, Scarpa spent three years with 3 Step Sports as an event coordinator and transitioning to the online sales team manager. While in graduate school, she held a role at the Concussion Legacy Foundation, a non-profit geared to support athletes, Veterans, and all affected by concussions and CTE, achieve smarter sports and safer athletes through education and innovation and to end CTE through prevention and research.
Following graduation from Florida State in 2014, Scarpa worked at Converse HQ as a brand operations specialist, focusing on internal events.
Scarpa earned her bachelor’s degree in sports management from Florida State and received her master’s in sports leadership from Northeastern in 2017.
Vermont has announced that 2021 Colby graduate Cierra San Roman will join the women’s hockey staff as the director of hockey operations.
“We are really excited to have Cierra join our staff this year,” said UVM coach Jim Plumer in a statement. “She has a unique skill set not only as a former goalie, but as someone who has a keen interest in analytics. I am looking forward to seeing her combine her hockey knowledge with her advanced computer knowledge to find ways to help us move our program forward.”
San Roman played 44 games in net for Colby over her four seasons in Waterville, Maine. During the 2019-20 campaign, she made 196 total saves and posted a .920 save percentage and a 1.74 GAA. As a sophomore, she was sixth in the NESCAC in save percentage (.937) and recorded 387 saves. In her first year, she played in a career-high 18 contests making 564 saves with a .929 save percentage.
A native of Orange, Calif., she graduated from Colby last spring with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Education.
Luc Brown played his senior season of 2019-20 for UAA, collecting eight goals and 20 points in 20 games for the Seawolves (photo: UAA Athletics).
Alaska Anchorage announced Tuesday that the Seawolves hockey program has surpassed its fundraising mark of $3 million, resulting in the team’s reinstatement and paving the way for the team to resume play in the 2022-23 season.
“Thanks to the passionate and determined fundraising efforts of coaches, student-athletes, alumni, boosters, community leaders and corporate donors from across our city, state and nation, UAA Seawolf hockey earned reinstatement,” UAA chancellor Sean Parnell said in a statement. “This is a day to celebrate and express gratitude to our community and to Save Seawolf Hockey supporters for their unwavering commitment.”
Fundraising goals, established in September 2020 by the University of Alaska Board of Regents, provided an opportunity for the hockey program to earn reinstatement by securing private funding equivalent to two years of team operating expenses by Aug. 30, 2021. The current total raised behind the Save Seawolf Hockey effort is more than $3.1 million.
“Today is about much more than dollars raised — it’s about hope restored and dreams realized,” said UAA director of athletics Greg Myford. “While the financial support is important and necessary, our community of supporters refused to let the vision for Seawolf hockey fade. A mighty thank you to all who contributed to this day.”
Moving forward, UAA Athletics will partner with the Seawolf 5th Line, a newly-named organization of community supporters and fans, to plan and execute multiple aspects of the team’s operations, including continued fundraising support and outreach to grow the UAA hockey fan base.
Additionally, the program anticipates active outreach on campus so that students can benefit from hands-on experience in the team’s growth and success.
As established previously, UAA hockey will not compete in the coming 2021-22 season, but is planning to resume play for the 2022-23 campaign.
Kristi Kehoe has helped Lindenwood to seven wins over the past two seasons (photo: Don Adams, Jr.).
Lindenwood has announced that assistant coach Kristi Kehoe has been elevated to the position of associate head coach.
Kehoe will be entering her third season as a member of the coaching staff in 2021-22.
“Kristi plays a valuable role in establishing the team culture of our program,” said Lindenwood head coach Shelley Looney in a news release. “She contributes a wealth of knowledge of the game and will a huge part in the success of Lindenwood ice hockey.”
In 2020-21, Kehoe helped coach the team to a series sweep at RIT, winning 2-0 and 5-1, for the team’s only wins of the season.
Brooks Orpik and Kevin Stevens each left their own marks on Boston College hockey.
Boston College alumni Brooks Orpik and Kevin Stevens have been selected to the Boston College Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame for the fall of 2021.
Orpik left his mark on the team and in the NHL as a shutdown defenseman. He was an integral part of the Eagles’ 2001 national championship team and also helped lead BC to a pair of Hockey East playoff titles in 1999 and 2001. Orpik played in 119 games across three seasons for the Eagles and amassed 39 career assists.
He was drafted after his sophomore season in the first round (18th overall) in 2000 and signed a year later, embarking on a 17-year NHL career and winning Stanley Cup titles with Pittsburgh in 2009 and with Washington in 2018.
In international competition, Orpik competed for the United States in the 2010 and 2014 Olympics, winning a silver medal in 2010.
A local product born in Brockton and raised in Pembroke, Stevens made an immediate impact with the Eagles, racking up 20 points in his freshman campaign. In a four-year career that spanned from 1983 to 1987, he totaled 170 points on 71 goals and 99 assists in 158 games.
Stevens, a 1987 All-American and two-time captain, led the Eagles in scoring with 35 goals in his senior season. The Eagles made four NCAA tournament appearances in his career and a Frozen Four in 1985. Stevens finished his career ranked seventh in points and ninth in assists.
As a professional, he played 14 seasons in the NHL, including nine seasons with Pittsburgh, where he won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 1991 and 1992.
From left, Chris Brown, Mark Wick and Garrett Hendrickson.
Chris Brown, who led the Augsburg men’s hockey team to some of its greatest successes in program history over the last 15 years, has announced his resignation to take an associate head coach position at Alaska.
“Chris is an amazing addition to our staff,” said Alaska head coach Erik Largen in a statement. “First off, I want to thank Chancellor White and our director of athletics Brock Anundson for the constant support of our program. We are not only adding a great coach but an unbelievable person. Chris will not only prepare our student-athletes for pro hockey, but will also prepare them for life after UAF.”
“The past 15 years has been an honor and privilege for me to coach this great hockey program at Augsburg. I am thankful for the incredible growth, both professionally and personally, that I experienced during my special time as an Auggie,” added Brown. “I want to express my gratitude to athletic director Jeff Swenson and president Paul Pribbenow for their leadership and vision for Augsburg athletics. There is a supportive environment where the student-athletes can achieve their potential, both on and off the ice.”
Mark Wick, who served 14 years as head coach at St. Scholastica and for the last three years as an assistant coach for the Auggies, will remain on the staff as an assistant coach and will lead the program until a head coach is named.
Wick will be joined as an assistant coach by Garrett Hendrickson, a former player at Concordia (Minn.), who most recently served as an assistant coach for the NAHL’s Bismarck Bobcats.
Mercyhurst announced Friday the addition of Matt Nicholson to the Lakers’ men’s hockey coaching staff.
“We are all very excited to have Matt join our Mercyhurst hockey family,” Mercyhurst head coach Rick Gotkin said in a statement. “He brings a tremendous amount of experience, working knowledge, and above all professionalism to our team. Having head coaching experience in the North American Hockey League as well as serving on the coaching staffs at Adrian College, Robert Morris University and Niagara University has prepared him very well to make a seamless transition into our program.
“He brings a tremendous amount of knowledge about our players along with a great understanding of the Atlantic Hockey Association. We are all very happy to welcome Matt to Erie and Mercyhurst University.”
Before joining the Purple Eagles, Nicholson served as the head coach of the NAHL’s Amarillo Bulls from 2015 to 2017.
Nicholson played four seasons at Colgate, collecting two goals and 12 points in 123 games.
“With classes starting and the season quickly approaching, I’m looking forward to joining Rick [Gotkin] and Greg [Gardner] and the Mercyhurst staff,” said Nicholson. “I’m excited to dive in and start working with and developing the players.”
Cory Laylin coached at Hamline the past seven seasons (photo: Hamline Athletics).
St. Thomas has announced the addition of Cory Laylin as a full-time assistant coach as the Tommies prepare for their inaugural Division I season in 2021-22.
Laylin enjoyed a standout career with Minnesota and later played 16 seasons professionally.
He served as head men’s hockey coach at Hamline the last seven seasons, and coached at the high school, college, junior, pro and international level over the last 13 seasons.
“We are excited to have Cory join our Tommie Hockey family,” St. Thomas coach Rico Blasi said in a statement. “His experience at all levels of hockey as a player and coach will be a great asset to our program. He is committed to our culture and the process we’re putting together as we transition into Division I.”
Laylin replaces Stu Bickel on the Tommies staff. Bickel resigned earlier this month to accept a coaching position with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds.
“Cory has been a true professional during his time at Hamline,” said Hamline associate vice president and athletic director Jason Verdugo. “I wish him well as he progresses in his career.”
Paul Kirtland served as an assistant coach at Sacred Heart from 2018 to 2020 (photo: Sacred Heart Athletics).
Minnesota State has announced the hiring of assistant coach Paul Kirtland.
Kirtland joins the Mavericks after serving as an assistant coach with Yale in the 2020-21, though Yale did not compete during the season due to COVID.
“We are excited to add Paul Kirtland to our coaching staff,” said Mavericks head coach Mike Hastings in a statement. “He is respected across college hockey and brings an energy and passion to recruiting and player development that our program will benefit from. We welcome Paul and his wife Colleen to the Maverick family.”
“It is an honor to be joining the Maverick hockey family,” added Kirtland. “The tradition of excellence for this program is well-known and I am excited to begin working with the staff and student athletes to contribute to their continued success. I would like to thank athletic director Kevin Buisman and Coach Hastings for affording me this opportunity.”
Kirtland also was a member of coaching staffs with Sacred Heart and Trinity College and is a 2013 graduate of Ohio State where he played for the Buckeyes from 2009 to 2013.
Joe Howe, a goalie at Colorado College who went on to win a national championship on the staff at Denver, has joined the Yale men’s hockey team as an assistant coach.
Howe spent the last three winters at Alaska, where he worked with all three positions as well as the power play for the Nanooks.
“It is with great excitement that we announce the addition of Joe Howe to our coaching team,” Yale head coach Keith Allain said in a news release. “Joe comes to us highly regarded as a teacher and a recruiter, so our current and future student-athletes will benefit immensely from his presence. With our staff of Joe, Billy (Maniscalco) and Peter (Gintoli), we are poised to bring Yale back to the highest levels of college hockey, and I am energized by the challenge ahead of us.”
Prior to UAF, he spent three seasons with Denver, serving as the team’s volunteer assistant coach and goalie coach from August of 2015 through July 2017 before being promoted to the director of hockey operations for the 2017-18 season.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Coach Allain’s staff,” Howe said. “Joining such a prestigious university and hockey program is truly an honor. I look forward to working with such a passionate and driven group to uphold the standards that are expected at Yale.”
Howe played four seasons with Colorado College from 2009 to 2013. He appeared in 119 career games with the Tigers and is currently ranked third in career saves at CC.
