Stonehill has named Megan Myers as its first full-time assistant coach for its women’s hockey program, which is set to start play in the NEWHA with the 2022-23 season.
“I am thrilled to welcome Megan Myers as a part of our inaugural coaching staff,” said Stonehill head coach Tara Watchorn in a statement. “She is a great addition to our program and will be integral in helping to recruit and build the culture that we are looking for here at Stonehill. Megan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her days as both an athlete and coach at some of the highest levels. Her spirit, passion and energy are unmatched, and she will be a great mentor for the future athletes wearing the Skyhawk uniform.”
Myers joins Watchorn’s coaching staff at Stonehill after serving five years as an assistant coach at Becker. She assisted coach Eliza Kelley in starting the women’s hockey program at Becker. The Hawks won 29 games over their first five seasons, growing the young program over her tenure that made CHC postseason appearances four of the five years.
“To be named the first assistant coach for the Stonehill women’s ice hockey team is a dream come true,” said Myers. “I am excited to help our student-athletes grow on and off the ice. It has always been a passion of mine, as a player and coach, to continue the growth of women’s hockey and I believe Stonehill is a great place to continue to bring the women’s game to new heights. I am looking forward to being a part of the Stonehill family and making history here, building the first ever women’s ice hockey program.”
Myers, who was a teammate of Watchorn during their playing days for the CWHL’s Boston Blades, has been a residence life director for Can/Am Hockey Camps in Lake Placid, N.Y., during the summer months for the last 10 years, and college advisor and skills director with CarShield Hockey in St. Louis since 2020.
Myers earned her bachelor of science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Utica in 2014. A four-time All-ECAC selection for the Pioneers, she served as captain her senior year and earned All-America honors. Myers finished her collegiate career with 74 goals and 69 assists for 143 points, career totals that still rank first in program history for goals, second in points and fourth for assists.
Stonehill announced the addition of NCAA Division I women’s hockey and accepted an invitation to the NEWHA in December 2019.
In a news release posted on its website Thursday afternoon, Robert Morris University announced that its men’s and women’s hockey teams will not take the ice in 2021-22.
An effort has been underway to raise money to reinstate the programs with the recently-formed Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation, but according to the RMU release, fundraising has fallen short of the amount needed to field a team this coming season.
“Fundraising has been encouraging but is still short of what is needed to immediately reinstate the program and to position both teams to be financially sustainable for the foreseeable future,” RMU stated in the release. “To date, $1.34 million in total has been raised, with $754,000 in pledges payable in 2021-22 – about half what is needed to fund the teams for one year.”
Robert Morris said that it needs a total of $1.4 million in immediate contributions and another $1.4 million in pledges in order to reinstate both programs in time for the 2022-23 season. The university pointed to December 15, 2021, as the date this will likely need to be met in order to be reinstated by Atlantic Hockey and College Hockey America. Further fundraising will be necessary after that to sustain the programs, according to RMU.
Robert Morris also “will in the coming weeks hire head coaches for both the men’s and women’s teams,” according to the release.
Former women’s head coach Paul Colontino was hired last week as vice president of hockey administration and U19 girls head coach for Bishop Kearney Selects and oversees both boys and girls hockey at the suburban Rochester, N.Y., Catholic high school.
Robert Morris also stated that it “will explore options for playing at an enhanced facility.”
“The university’s decision to discontinue the hockey programs was a strategic decision that was carefully considered in light of the economics of the programs and RMU’s financial resources,” said RMU President Chris Howard, who was accused of “fradulent misrepresentation” by attorneys representing students affected by the elimination of the programs.
Current Michigan coach and former Michigan Tech coach Mel Pearson, left, meets former MTU goalie Tony Esposito in Chicago (photo: @CoachPearsonUM/Twitter)
Former Michigan Tech goaltender Tony Esposito passed away August 10) at the age of 78 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was a national champion with the Huskies in 1965, a three-time All-American, a Michigan Tech Sports Hall of Fame inductee, and one of the NHL’s greatest goaltenders.
Esposito played for the Huskies from 1964 to 1967. He was named to the WCHA’s Top 50 Players in 50 Years list in 2002 and to the WCHA’s 1960s All-Decade Team. Esposito was also named to the AHCA’s All-Time West Team and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988.
A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Esposito was an All-American for the Huskies in 1965, 1966, and 1967 and a three-time WCHA honoree. He was the only netminder in WCHA history to win three league goaltending championships and earned NCAA All-Tournament honors as a member of Michigan Tech’s 1965 NCAA championship squad. Esposito was inducted into the Michigan Tech Sports Hall of Fame as an individual in 1991 and with the 1965 national championship team in 2014.
Esposito went on to play 17 NHL seasons for Montreal and Chicago and was a five-time NHL All-Star and three-time Vezina Trophy winner as the top NHL goaltender in 1970, 1972, and 1974. He earned the Calder Memorial Trophy as the top NHL rookie in 1970.
His career NHL record of 423-306-151 ranks 10th in league history and his No. 35 is retired by the Blackhawks. He was a member of Montreal’s 1969 Stanley Cup championship team and was named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players in 2017.
Mathias Lange manned the crease at RPI from 2005 to 2009 (photo: RPI Athletics).
Rensselaer has announced the hiring of Mathias Lange as an assistant coach for the men’s hockey team.
A native of Klagenfurt, Austria, Lange moves over from his role as operations coordinator, which he had held since 2019.
“I am excited to have Mathias’ promotion to assistant coach,” said Engineers coach Dave Smith in a statement. “He did a terrific job in his role as coordinator for hockey operations. His combination of playing experience and commitment to RPI are outstanding. He provides position specific expertise and a set of values that match perfectly with our program.”
Lange joined the staff as operations coordinator in the 2019-20 season, responsible for breaking down game video, preparation and pre-scouting for upcoming opponents, team travel and accommodation coordination and various administrative functions.
“I’m very fortunate and excited for the opportunity to work with and help develop our student-athletes on and off the ice,” said Lange. “Having been part of the men’s hockey staff for the past couple of years, I’ve seen and been a part of the continuous progress that has been made and I’m looking forward to continuing on that upward trajectory. Being able to do it at a place that means a lot to me and my family makes it that much more special.”
While with RPI, Lange played 108 games from 2005 to 2009, posting a record of 29-57-17 with a 2.95 GAA and an .898 save percentage. He had two shutouts in 6196:39 of action.
A 2009 graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Management, Lange had a concentration in Finance and a minor in Sports Psychology. In addition to being on the Dean’s List, he was a member of the EDS Management Honor Society.
Ron Scott manned the pipes at Michigan State from 1980 to 1983 (photo: Michigan State Athletics).
Michigan State will induct eight Spartans, including former goaltender Ron Scott, into its athletics hall of fame on Friday, Sept. 24 as part of its annual “Celebrate” weekend.
When Ron Scott made the decision to come to Michigan State, he was hoping to be a part of something special. Two first-team All-America selections, two first-team All-CCHA nods, two Hobey Baker Award finalist appearances, three team MVP pieces of hardware and two George Alderton MSU Male Athlete of the Year trophies were just some of the honors bestowed on Scott during his marvelous three seasons for Michigan State.
“You think back and it was a long time ago, but to still be remembered and be alongside some of the greatest athletes at MSU is just a huge honor,” Scott said. “I’m humbled.”
Scott arrived in East Lansing from Guelph, Ont., in what was Ron Mason’s second year at MSU in 1980.
In what was MSU’s final year in the WCHA in 1980-81, Scott and the Spartans finished 12-22-2. Despite the team’s record, Scott’s play garnered notice as he was named the WCHA Freshman of the Year, the Spartans’ Outstanding Rookie Award winner and the team MVP.
With a year of experience under their belts and the lessons of their rookie season, Scott and the Spartans had a breakout year in 1981-82. Scott backstopped the Spartans to a second-place regular season finish in the CCHA. MSU went on to win the CCHA tournament title, with Scott winning tournament MVP honors, and reached the NCAA tournament for the first time in 15 years.
It was Scott’s play that season that helped set the tone for the program for the years ahead. Scott posted a 2.85 GAA – the lowest by a Spartan goaltender in 12 seasons – and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist.
The Spartans ended the year with a 26-14-2 record – 14 more wins than the previous season.
With MSU rising on the national scene, the Spartans had another banner year in 1982-83, racking up 30 wins for the first time in program history. Scott again posted glittering numbers, going 29-9-1 with a 2.64 GAA and .899 save percentage, leading to a host of accolades, including another First Team All-America nod and Hobey Baker finalist selection.
Once again, MSU reached the CCHA tournament title game that proved to be one of the most dramatic in league history. With MSU facing regular-season champ Bowling Green and the game tied 3-3 in overtime, a Spartan penalty led to a penalty shot for Bowling Green’s All-American, Brian Hills. Scott, who was battling an ankle injury at the time, got the best of Hills, denying his attempt and setting up Mark Hamway’s game winner a minute later.
Scott, who was also a two-time Academic All-America, left MSU after his junior season in 1982-83 to head to the NHL, going on to play five seasons for the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings.
The Celebrate 2021 weekend includes the 11th annual Varsity letter jacket presentation on Thursday, Sept. 23 and the hall of fame induction ceremony on Friday. There will also be a special recognition of the 2021 MSU Athletics Hall of Fame Class during the Michigan State-Nebraska football game at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 25.
Brendan Riley has been named the assistant men’s hockey coach at Wilkes.
Riley played four seasons at Mercyhurst (2016-20) and spent last season coaching boys prep hockey at the Winchendon School in Massachusetts.
“I’ve always known that college is where I wanted to be so why wait? Let’s get into it,” Riley told the Times Herald-Record. “I figured it was a good time and kind of the right opportunity.
“I’m a firm believer that it’s about developing relationships and less about X’s and O’s. If you can get your players to trust in you and believe in what you’re saying, then I think that’s the most important thing.”
Riley is the youngest child of Army coach Brian Riley, now headed into his 18th season behind the bench with the Black Knights. His grandfather Jack Riley coached Army for 36 seasons and guided the United States hockey team to an Olympic gold medal in 1960.
Chad Demers racked up a solid playing career at Air Force, graduating from the academy in 2015 (photo: Air Force Athletics).
Chad Demers has been named director of hockey at Air Force.
Demers returns to the academy after spending the last three seasons with the USHL’s Fargo Force, which culminated in a Western Conference championship and a trip to the Clark Cup finals last season.
“We are very excited and fortunate to have Chad Demers join our staff,” Falcons coach Frank Serratore said in a news release. “As a coach, there are players you have who you know were meant to be coaches. ‘Demmy’ is one of those players for me. Since graduating from the academy, his successful battle with brain cancer has been well documented, but what is not as well-known is the fine hockey resume he has established in Fargo of the USHL. He has worked alongside my old friend Cary Eades and Pierre-Paul Lamoureux, brother of Falcon great Jacques Lamoureux.
“The experience Demmy has acquired in Fargo, coupled with his first-hand knowledge of the academy, will enable him to make a seamless transition to our staff and he will have an immediate impact on our program.”
Demers, a 2015 Air Force graduate, served as team captain his senior year and was a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award, recognizing excellence in the classroom, community, character and competition. He earned the Jim Bowman Award his senior year as the team’s top scholar athlete.
Demers is tied for the school record with 156 consecutive games played and ranks fifth in points with 126 (48 goals, 78 assists) since the Falcons joined a conference in 1999. A two-time academic all-conference selection, he ranks 24th in Air Force history in scoring and helped lead the Falcons to a regular-season and tournament title in 2012.
After graduating, Demers served on active duty as an acquisitions officer at Los Angeles AFB, Calif., and as a ROTC instructor at the University of North Dakota. While in California, he helped coach the L.A. Jr. Kings and the California Patriots.
Demers served as a volunteer assistant coach with the Force for one season before being named assistant coach and scouting director in July 2019. Demers was promoted to associate head coach for the 2020-21 season.
Mike Levine and Mike Condon are the newest members of the Northeastern men’s hockey coaching staff (photos: Northeastern Athletics).
Northeastern has named former Vegas Golden Knights scout and Brown University assistant coach Mike Levine as associate head coach and veteran NHL goalie Mike Condon as volunteer assistant coach (goaltending).
“I am pleased to announce the additions of Mike Levine and Mike Condon to our staff,” said first-year Huskies head coach Jerry Keefe in a statement. “They bring a wealth of NHL and collegiate knowledge to our team and I can’t wait to get started.”
Levine also served as an assistant coach at Utica, his alma mater, where he helped the Pioneers recruit players that eventually made a run to the 2013 Division III Frozen Four. He graduated from the school in 2005.
Condon played 129 games for three franchises in the NHL, including 73 games for the Ottawa Senators and 55 games for the Montreal Canadiens. He also played four seasons for Princeton, graduating in 2013.
Andy Murray (left) has coached WMU the last 10 seasons, while Pat Ferschweiler (right) has been part of the staff in separate stints over that time.
After a decade leading the Western Michigan hockey program, Andy Murray has announced his resignation as head coach.
In addition, Bronco hockey alum Pat Ferschweiler has been selected as the seventh head hockey coach in WMU history, pending “university HR process,” according to a news release.
“I want to thank Coach Murray for his tremendous leadership of our hockey program during his time as head coach,” said WMU director of athletics Kathy Beauregard in a statement. “He has been a valuable member of our coaching staff, as well as a major asset to Western Michigan University and the entire Kalamazoo community. Coach Murray has laid the foundation for our hockey program to regularly compete for NCHC championships and NCAA Tournament opportunities. Our hockey student-athletes have also excelled in the classroom during Coach Murray’s tenure.
“I’m thrilled that Bronco Hockey has been a part of Coach Murray’s storied coaching legacy and I wish him and his wife, Ruth, all the best in their next adventure.”
Murray echoed his excitement about the direction of the Broncos.
“The announcement that I am resigning and Pat Ferschweiler is moving into the role as head coach is one that I felt was necessary,” Murray said. “The last 10 years at WMU have been as rewarding as anything I have done in my life. I am in great health and full of energy, so this is not a retirement. I still have a number of things on my bucket list and now is the time to pursue those.
“My goal has always been to have our program in great shape when I did decide to move on. We are in that position right now and the transition to Pat will be smooth and well-received by our present players and alumni. He is a Bronco and is well prepared. I have always considered my position at Western to be a privilege and responsibility and gave my best every day. I want to thank everyone for the opportunity I have enjoyed and look forward to being a Bronco in a different way.”
Murray caps a decade leading Broncos that included three seasons of 20-plus wins, two NCAA tournament bids and the 2012 CCHA tournament championship. WMU has produced nine NHL players and four All-Americans during his tenure. He leaves with 167 career wins at the helm, second-most in program history. He was named the 2016-17 NCHC Coach of the Year after leading the Broncos to a top four finish in the league, rebounding from a seventh-place finish the previous season.
Ferschweiler, WMU’s associate head coach since 2019, has been a member of the hockey staff at his alma mater since 2010. After creating the Russell Stover youth hockey program in Kansas City, he came back to Kalamazoo to join Jeff Blashill’s staff in 2010. Freschweiler stayed on when Murray took over and worked as an assistant and associate head coach before rejoining Blashill with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL and then as an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings. He once again returned to the Broncos as an associate head coach in 2019.
“I’m excited to be able to hand the reins of our Bronco Hockey team over to one of our own, Pat Ferschweiler,” Beauregard said. “Pat showed his leadership qualities as a player for the Broncos, as an assistant coach and as our associate head coach. He is a great teacher of the game and has coached at all levels under some outstanding mentors, including Andy Murray and Jeff Blashill.
“As a recruiter, Coach Ferschweiler has attracted some of the best talent ever to play at Western Michigan. I look forward to his new leadership role as the head coach of our hockey program with a goal of our team regular competing for championships while continuing to excel in the classroom.”
“I am honored and humbled to be the next head coach of the Western Michigan hockey program,” Ferschweiler said. “I want to thank (Western Michigan) President Montgomery, athletics director Kathy Beauregard and deputy athletics director Jeff Stone for trusting me to lead this program.
“Coach Murray has given everything he has to this program for the last 11 years and has left it in a better place. I would like to thank him for his friendship and leadership through our time together. I also wish him all the best in whatever challenge he takes on next. We have a tremendous group of players on this team and I’m very excited to get started as their head coach.”
USA Hockey announced today that NCAA coaches Ted Donato (Harvard), Kris Mayotte (Michigan) and Steve Miller (Ohio State) will serve as assistant coaches, and Theresa Feaster (Providence director of hockey operations) as video coach, for the 2022 U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship Dec. 26, 2021 to Jan. 5, 2022 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta.
The group will join Nate Leaman (Providence) in an effort to defend the team’s gold medal.
“We are grateful for the rare opportunity to return an entire gold medal-winning staff,” said John Vanbiesbrouck, general manager of the U.S. National Junior Team and assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. “We were excited to introduce our staff last year based on their shared experience and expertise. Our team will benefit from knowing that this is the group that led the United States to gold in Edmonton last year.”
The remainder of the staff includes athletic trainers Stan Wong (USA Hockey) and Jason Hodges (USA Hockey’s NTDP), equipment managers Scott Aldrich (USA Hockey) and Nate LaPoint (Wisconsin), hockey operations Marc Boxer (USA Hockey), communications Aaron Westendorf (USA Hockey), and digital content Meg Stahl (USA Hockey).
The United States enters the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship seeking its sixth medal in seven years after earning a record four consecutive medals: gold in 2017, silver in 2019, and bronze in both 2018 and 2016.
To date, the U.S. National Junior Team has claimed 13 medals, including five gold (2021, 2017, 2013, 2010, 2004), two silvers (2019, 1997) and six bronze (2018, 2016, 2011, 2007, 1992, 1986).
Daniel Paille served as a volunteer assistant coach for Canisius from 2019 to 2021 (photo: Canisius Athletics).
Canisius announced Monday the promotion of Daniel Paille to assistant coach.
A 2002 first-round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres and a member of the 2011 Boston Bruins Stanley Cup championship squad, Paille spent the previous two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach with the Golden Griffins.
“We are all excited to have Dan join our staff on a full-time basis,” Canisius head coach Trevor Large said in a news release. “His hockey knowledge and background are at the highest level. It his time with our program, Dan has continually shown the commitment, passion and drive needed to become an elite coach. Having an individual with a resume such as Dan’s continues to be an enormous benefit to help assist our players becoming the best they can be every day, both on and off the ice.”
“I’d like to thank Trevor and Canisius College for this new opportunity in a full-time position,” Paille added. “Working with this group for the past two seasons has been tremendously rewarding and I look forward to reuniting with this program this season as we work towards achieving our goals.”
Selected 20th overall by the Sabres in the 2002 NHL Draft, Paille spent 11 seasons in the NHL, amassing 85 goals and 87 assists in 582 regular-season games with the Sabres, Bruins and New York Rangers. He chipped in 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) in 75 postseason games, helping the Bruins capture the Stanley Cup in 2011 and make a finals appearance in 2013.
After his time in the NHL, Paille joined Brynäs IF of the Swedish Hockey League for two seasons before retiring at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.
A native of Welland, Ont., Paille played junior hockey for the OHL’s Guelph Storm, helping the squad capture the league championship in 2004. He was a member of Team Canada for the 2003 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship and served as Canada’s captain in 2004, winning silver medals at both events.
Natalie Darwitz and Jake Bobrowski will step behind the Minnesota bench this upcoming season after coaching the last several seasons at Hamline.
The Minnesota women’s hockey team has added assistant coaches Natalie Darwitz and Jake Bobrowski to the Gophers’ coaching staff.
“We are thrilled to have both Natalie and Jake as part of our coaching staff,” Minnesota head coach Brad Frost said in a statement. “They have great coaching track records separately, but have been very dynamic together and are proven winners. As we look at our needs as a program, they are exactly what we hoped for. The future of Gopher women’s hockey continues to be very bright.”
During their time at Hamline, where Darwitz was head coach and Bobrowski an assistant, the duo led the Pipers to the NCAA Division III Frozen Four in 2018 and NCAA Division III national runner-up in 2019.
In their first season at Hamline, the team posted a 9-13-3 record, the most wins by the program in nearly a decade. In the 2017-18 season, Hamline made the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history and finished third. That season, Darwitz was named both MIAC and USCHO Coach of the Year. The next season, Hamline posted a program record 23 wins and advanced all the way to the NCAA Division III national championship game — marking the first national title game appearance by a MIAC program.
In six seasons under Darwitz and Bobrowski, Hamline went 88-41-14 overall and 58-26-9 in the MIAC.
“I am excited and honored to be returning to my alma mater as the women’s assistant hockey coach,” said Darwitz. “I am passionate about the game of hockey and the success of the Gopher women’s program. I am looking forward to coaching alongside Brad and Jake. We share the common goal of preserving the rich tradition of Gopher Hockey and bring additional championships to the U of M. I am excited and grateful for the University of Minnesota for this opportunity.”
Darwitz began her coaching career in 2007-08 as an assistant on her father’s staff with Eagan (Minn.) High School’s girls hockey team. In 2008-09, she joined the Gophers staff as an assistant coach, before taking a year-long hiatus the following season to be Team USA’s captain for the 2010 Winter Olympics. After the Olympics, she returned to Minnesota’s bench for the 2010-11 season. Following the season, Darwitz was announced as the next head coach of Lakeville South High School’s girls hockey team.
“Natalie is one of the most recognizable names in all of hockey,” said Frost. “Whether it’s leading her Eagan High School team to state tournaments, winning back-to-back National Championships at the University of Minnesota, or setting the all time scoring record in a season with 114 points, the list goes on and on. She’s been a three-time Olympian for Team USA, captain of the Olympic Team, and has been inducted into multiple hall of fames, including the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Wherever she goes, success follows. Her coaching path is no different, most recently turning the Hamline program around and into one of the top Division III programs in the country.”
Bobrowski served as an assistant coach on Darwitz’s staff for the past six seasons. Prior to his time at Hamline, the St. Paul native was the head coach of Hill-Murray’s junior varsity girls hockey team and assistant coach of the Pioneers’ varsity team. During his seven seasons with Hill-Murray, the Pioneers appeared in four MSHSL Class AA state tournaments. The Pioneers won the state championship in 2014, their first in program history, and 2015 and were runners-up in 2013. Hill-Murray’s junior varsity girls hockey team won conference championships each year he was head coach.
His coaching experience also includes a strong background in youth hockey. In 2007-08, Bobrowski served as head coach of the U12 Western Wisconsin Stars girls youth program. The team finished as state runner-up that season. Bobrowski’s specialty at Hamline was recruitment. As head recruiter, he recruited seven All-Americans and the 2019 AHCA National Player of the Year.
“I am excited to begin a new journey with such a championship pedigree program here at the University of Minnesota,” said Bobrowski. “I am humbled by the opportunity to be part of a great staff, program, and institution. I look forward to contributing in any way possible and seeing what this talented group of young women can do. I want to thank all of my former players at Hamline University and Hill Murray High School, Coach Schafhauser, and especially my wife, Jennifer, and our kids for their support. If not for them, this would not have been possible. I also want to thank AD Mark Coyle, associate AD Tom McGinnis, Coach Frost, Jessica Scott, Tricia Budke and the entire search committee for this fantastic opportunity.”
“Jake has had great coaching success at many different levels,” added Frost. “Starting out at one of the powerhouse programs in Hill-Murray. He was instrumental in helping the Pioneers to four state tournament berths and two state championships. Moving up a level did not hinder him at all, helping turn the Piper program around and making it to two NCAA Frozen Fours. Jake is also a very talented recruiter. He develops great relationships with recruits and their families and has a keen eye for talent.”
Maine has announced the hiring of assistant coach Jason Fortier.
Fortier joins the Black Bears after most recently serving as the head coach of the NAHL’s Odessa Jackalopes.
“Jason has been a winner at every program he has worked with,” said Maine head coach Ben Barr in a statement. “During my time as a young assistant at Union College, Jason was one of the first junior coaches I met. He was always easy to approach, honest, and his players improved significantly under his guidance. He has won championships in multiple junior leagues and will be an integral part of our culture. We are extremely fortunate to add Jason to the Black Bear Hockey family.
“Our student-athletes will benefit tremendously from having him as a mentor.”
Before joining Odessa, Fortier was the general manager and head coach of the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express where the team finished the 2019-20 year 47-9-0 and won the regular-season championship. Fortier’s squad was undefeated heading into the Division Finals before the season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am excited to get started and thrilled to be a member of the Black Bears program,” said Fortier. “Thanks to Coach Barr for believing in me and allowing me the chance to join his staff. Coach Barr has made an impressive impact in the programs he has been involved in and his track record amongst former players is something that makes this such a great opportunity. I am so proud to be able to coach for the University and thank you to Mr. Ken Ralph and all of the staff that have helped make this possible.”
Fortier has coached numerous players that are currently playing in the NHL. Over the past three seasons, Fortier has placed 44 of his players into Division I college hockey and was named the 2019-20 BCHL Coach of the Year. He has captured an 18U national championship in Canada, several Junior A league titles, and a championship in the QMJHL. In total, Fortier has seven championship rings.
Austin Swankler played the 2019-20 season for the OHL’s Erie Otters (photo: Luke Durda/OHL Images).
Bowling Green has received a commitment from Austen Swankler, a forward who last played major junior hockey for the OHL’s Erie Otters during the 2019-20 season.
He did not play during the 2020-21 season.
According to a CCHA news release, Swankler and his family applied directly to the NCAA for eligibility prior to expressing interest to the Falcons.
Swankler, a native of North Huntingdon, Pa., recorded 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) in 59 games with the Otters.
Prior to his time in the OHL, Swankler skated 59 games in the USHL between the Waterloo Black Hawks and Sioux Falls Stampede.
Joel Johnson coached with the Minnesota women’s team the past 16 seasons before taking the reins at St. Thomas for the upcoming 2021-22 season (photo: Minnesota Athletics).
USA Hockey has announced that first-year St. Thomas women’s hockey head coach Joel Johnson has been named head coach for the 2022 Olympic women’s hockey team.
The 2022 Olympic Winter Games will be staged Feb. 4-20 in Beijing, China.
Johnson, with more than 20 years of collegiate coaching experience, will be guiding his first-ever Olympic team but is no stranger to the international stage.
His first involvement with USA Hockey dates back to working summer camps in 2000 and he has been closely involved with the U.S. Women’s National Team program since 2015, highlighted by leading the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team to four straight gold medals (2015-18) in the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.
Johnson has also served as head coach of the U.S. Under-22 Women’s Select Team on two occasions for the U22 Series against Canada, leading Team USA to a three-game sweep in 2018 and a 2-1 series victory in 2019.
Johnson, who will serve as head coach of the 2021 U.S. Women’s National Team at the upcoming IIHF Women’s World Championship in Calgary from Aug. 21-30, made his U.S. Women’s National Team debut as an assistant coach in 2018-19 and helped guide the U.S. to its fourth straight Women’s Four Nations Cup title that season, as well as the gold medal at the 2019 IIHF Women’s World Championship in Espoo, Finland.
Darren Blue worked as an assistant coach at Minnesota State for 21 seasons (photo: Minnesota State Athletics).
Longtime Minnesota State assistant men’s hockey coach Darren Blue has stepped down to take a position in the private sector.
Blue was a defenseman for the Mavericks from 1991-95. A two-time team captain, Blue was a two-time Unsung Hero Award recipient and a Maverick Achievement Award recipient as a senior.
Blue spent the 1999-00 season as an assistant coach/interim head coach with Bozeman of the America West Hockey League before beginning his college coaching career with Minnesota State in 2000-01.
“It’s hard to believe 21 years in this position has gone by so fast, (and) I think that’s a testament to the quality of people and players I have had the opportunity to work with during this time,” said Blue in a statement. “My family and I want to thank a few people that have always been there to make my job easier and lend a hand when needed. Thanks to all of the players that I have had the chance to coach and get to know through my time here. The alumni and supporters of our program that have always been there to step in and help when we needed you. Kevin Buisman, Rick Straka and all of the administration that works tirelessly behind the scenes to allow us to do what we do. Coach Brose, first for giving me a chance as a player here at MSU, but also for all of his work to build MSU hockey from its infancy to its current place at the DI level. Troy Jutting for taking a chance and hiring me onto his staff here at MSU. Lastly, the last nine years have been filled with some amazing memories and I want to thank two of the best coaches in hockey, Mike Hastings and Todd Knott, for all that they have done to help me learn and grow along with their constant drive to make all involved with MSU Hockey better everyday. I was lucky enough to have a conversation some time ago that led to an opportunity with a group of people that I have long admired and have a ton of respect for.
“I am looking forward to starting my new position as a business strategist for the sports and recreation business unit at ISG in August. I have appreciated every day that I have been able to wear the purple and gold and represent Minnesota State University and the hockey program. I look forward to watching from a different seat as this program continues to build on past success.”
“Darren Blue has been synonymous with Maverick hockey for over two decades,” added Hastings. “I am grateful for his decision to stay on as assistant coach when our staff started our journey together nine years ago. His integrity, class, and passion for Maverick hockey and the city of Mankato has helped build our program to where it is today. He was a captain when he wore the Purple and Gold and has been instrumental from day one on helping me understand what it means to be a Maverick. ISG is getting one of the best I have ever had the pleasure to work with. We wish Darren, Jen, and Carter nothing but success.”
Mack Motzko played the second half of the 2020-21 season with the NAHL’s New Mexico Ice Wolves (photo: NAHL).
Mack Motzko, the 20-year-old son of Minnesota men’s hockey coach Bob Motzko, died Saturday night after a car accident in Orono, Minn.
The Long Lake Fire Department and Orono Police responded to the single-vehicle crash at 11:23 p.m. Saturday near 3120 North Shore Drive.
“The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and left the roadway. The vehicle struck several trees,” according to a news release that also stated “alcohol and speed appear to be contributing factors.”
The university released a statement Sunday.
“We are devastated for Bob, Shelley, their family and all involved,” Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle said in the statement. “This is an unimaginable tragedy, and we will do everything we can to support those affected. We ask for privacy for the families as they mourn the loss of loved ones.”
Our hearts are shattered by the loss of our Mack. No bigger heart or young man loved than this kid. Thanks to all who have reached out. He is my hero! pic.twitter.com/ufDTAkkpBu
Police shared few details of the crash that remains under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol.
A 51-year-old man who was driving and Motzko, who was in the back seat, were taken to North Memorial Health Hospital, where Motzko later succumbed to his injuries. The driver suffered critical injuries. A 24-year-old man in the front passenger seat died at the scene.
Mack Motzko spent the 2020-21 season in the USHL and NAHL.
The 2021 Ice Breaker Tournament, hosted in conjunction with Holy Cross, College Hockey Inc. and the Hockey Commissioners Association, will now be played at the DCU Center in downtown Worcester, Mass.
The four-team season-opening tournament featuring Northeastern, Holy Cross, Quinnipiac and Boston College is set to take place on Oct. 8-9 and was originally scheduled to be played at the Hart Center Rink and Arena.
Moving the tournament to the DCU Center “prioritizes fan experience, offers more opportunity for people to attend,” according to a news release.
The two-day event will feature four predetermined matchups. On Friday, Oct. 8, Boston College and Quinnipiac will face off at 4:30 p.m. before Holy Cross hosts Northeastern at 7:30 p.m. Saturday’s matchups begin with the Bobcats vs. the Huskies at 4:30 p.m. and the Crusaders taking on the Eagles in the 7:30 p.m. nightcap.
Single-day passes are available now for $30 while two-day passes are available for $50. Tickets to the event can be purchased on Ticketmaster. Students at the four participating institutions can contact their ticket offices directly to purchase tickets for $25 for a single-day pass and $40 for the two-day event.
The DCU Center is a mobile-friendly venue, and all tickets will be delivered via the Ticketmaster smartphone app. Those who do not have compatible devices will be able to receive hard tickets through the DCU Center.
The 56th annual Great Lakes Invitational will be played in a showcase format at Yost Ice Arena and Munn Ice Arena, rather than a tournament format in Detroit.
Michigan Tech will play at Michigan and Michigan State will host Western Michigan on Wednesday, December 29, and then the teams will flip opponents for Thursday, December 30, with Tech traveling to East Lansing and WMU heading southeast to Ann Arbor.
No champion will be crowned at the end of the event.
Tickets for the games at Yost Ice Arena and Munn Ice Arena will be available through their respective ticket offices at a later date. Video streaming and television viewing options will also be announced at a later date.
Zack Cisek and Mike York have earned promotions and contract extensions with Lake Superior State (photos: LSSU Athletics).
Lake Superior State assistant coaches Zack Cisek and Mike York have both been promoted to associate head coach.
In addition, Cisek and York have both agreed to terms on multi-year contract extensions.
“Mike and Zack have done an outstanding job in all facets of Laker hockey,” said LSSU head coach Damon Whitten in a statement. “We are excited to announce their multi-year contract extension and promotion to associate head coach. They have both worked tirelessly to recruit outstanding student-athletes from across the globe to Laker hockey. Their efforts in player development and the creation of an elite team culture have guided LSSU to outstanding team and individual successes.
“I want to thank Mike and Zack, and their families for their dedication to our program and am thrilled for their continued commitment to Laker hockey.”
York joined the Lakers staff in July 2017 as an assistant coach and will enter his fifth season with Lake Superior in 2021-22. Cisek joined the Laker staff in August 2018 as an assistant coach and will enter his fourth season with Lake Superior State in 2021-22.
In the time since the pair joined Whitten’s staff, the Lakers have posted two of the program’s most successful seasons in the last three decades (2018-19 and 2020-21) while also adding a GLI championship, WCHA championship, and the program’s first NCAA tournament appearance in 25 years in 2021. The Lakers have qualified for the playoffs in all three seasons that both Cisek and York have been behind the bench.
In a news release posted on its website Thursday afternoon, Robert Morris University announced that its men’s and women’s hockey teams will not take the ice in 2021-22.
