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American International names former Johnson and Wales, Nichols coach Izzi new VP for athletics

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IZZI

American International College has named Louis Izzi Jr. as the vice president for athletics.

In this role, Izzi will focus on strategy, leadership, and development within the athletics department.

“Lou brings a wealth of experience in intercollegiate athletics to his new role at AIC,” said AIC president Vince Maniaci in a statement. “His areas of expertise will serve the college well in continuing to grow the athletics department. I am looking forward to welcoming Lou to the leadership team when he officially comes onboard mid-July.”

“I am very much looking forward to joining AIC and working with the student-athletes, coaches and athletics administration,” Izzi added. “There is considerable opportunity for departmental growth and future success at the conference level and beyond as we continually strive to provide a highly-competitive and exceptional student-athlete experience.”

Most recently, Izzi served as the vice president for athletics and enrollment management at NCAA Division II Bridgeport.

Prior to his time in Bridgeport, Izzi served four years as the director of athletics at New England College.

Izzi’s career also includes 16 years of head coaching experience at Johnson and Wales and Nichols from 1996 to 2003 and 2004 to 2012, respectively. He was the first head coach in the history of Johnson and Wales and earned the 2001 New England Hockey Writers Coach of the Year honors. He again claimed that award in 2008 and 2009 with Nichols as part of a tenure that saw him lead the program to a record 25 wins in one season and its first-ever national ranking, conference title, and NCAA tournament berth.

With much of his time spent coaching, Izzi concurrently served as assistant AD for administration at Johnson and Wales, a post he held from 1998 to 2015 when he was hired at New England College.

Izzi earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Providence and holds a master’s degree in Sport Administration from Canisius.

Minnesota Duluth graduate, former Hobey Baker Award winner Kurvers passes away at 58

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Tom Kurvers was the first Hobey Baker winner in Minnesota Duluth history (photo: UMD Athletics).

Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey alum Tom Kurvers passed away the morning of June 21 at the age of 58.

“The UMD men’s hockey program and all of Bulldog Country send our thoughts and prayers to the Kurvers family,” said UMD coach Scott Sandelin in a statement. “Tom will hold a special place in the hearts of his former teammates and all the fans who followed and cheered him on during his impressive career at UMD and beyond. He was the consummate Bulldog and he will be dearly missed by many.”

Kurvers captained the Bulldogs to their first WCHA regular-season and playoff titles as a senior in 1983-84, and won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the most outstanding collegiate hockey player in the U.S. during that season as the Bulldog’s first Hobey winner.

Following his NHL playing career that included 659 games with Montreal, Buffalo, New Jersey, Toronto, Vancouver, New York Islanders and Anaheim, Kurvers went on to hold NHL front office positions with Arizona, Tampa Bay and, most recently, as the assistant GM of Minnesota.

In addition, Tom was a fixture at UMD men’s hockey games and events.

His ardent support was always appreciated, reads a UMD announcement.

No cause of death was given by the school, but Kurvers was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in January 2019.

Dartmouth adds new assistant in Thibodeau, who comes to Big Green with reputation as ‘tremendous developer of talent’

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THIBODEAU

Dartmouth has announced the addition of Troy Thibodeau as an assistant coach for the 2021-22 men’s hockey season.

Thibodeau spent the last three seasons as a member of the coaching staff of the USHL’s Tri-City Storm. Prior to his move to Nebraska and behind the bench, Thibodeau served as the director of hockey operations for UMass Lowell for two seasons with prior stops at Merrimack (video coach) and Wentworth (assistant).

“I would like to welcome Troy and his fiancée Bridget to Dartmouth College and the Upper Valley,” said Dartmouth head coach Reid Cashman in a statement. “Troy comes to us with a reputation of being a man of integrity, a tireless worker and tremendous developer of talent. Troy has honed his craft working for three great head coaches in Mark Dennehy, Norm Bazin and Anthony Noreen. He brings with him a history of winning, both in college and in the USHL. Every year at Tri-City, Troy developed multiple forwards into NHL draft picks. This knowledge of winning and developing will strengthen our staff as we continue to build Dartmouth into a championship-caliber program.”

Prior to making the move to coaching, Thibodeau played three years of college hockey at Southern Maine, serving as an alternate captain his junior season and graduating in 2014 with a degree in exercise science.

Northeastern veteran bench boss Madigan promoted to AD; associate coach Keefe to take Huskies’ helm

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Veteran Northeastern head coach Jim Madigan (l.) will step aside to assume the position of Athletic Director for the Huskies. Long-time assistant Jerry Keefe (r.) will assume the role of head coach for Northeastern (photo: Jim Pierce/Northeastern athletics)

Jim Madigan, who over the last decade had re-elevated Northeastern men’s hockey to a national power, will step aside from his position as head coach to assume the role as Athletic Director for the university. He replaces Jeff Konya, who recently accepted a similar position at San Jose State University.

Jerry Keefe, an assistant to Madigan since 2011, will take over as head coach, according to a report by Andrew Mahoney of the Boston Globe.

Madigan, who played for the Huskies from 1981 through 1985 before serving as an assistant from 1985 through 1993, has a lifelong connection to the Huskies. After leaving the coaching staff in 1993, Madigan held numerous positions within the university’s administration, including in the athletic development office for numerous years.

Since returning to coaching in 2011, Madigan has led Northeastern to Hockey East tournament championships in 2016 and 2019 and NCAA tournaments in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

Maybe more importantly to Northeastern alums, Madigan helped the Huskies end a 30-year drought in the Beanpot tournament, winning three straight titles from 2018 through 2020.

Keefe, who joined Madigan’s staff in 2011 and was elevated to associate head coach in 2014, played for Providence from 1996 through 2000. He has also been a member of the coaching staff of the U.S. Under 20 team at the World Junior Championships in 2019 and 2020, capturing the silver medal in 2019.

Hockey East announces single-elimination tournament format for men’s, women’s postseason in 2022

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Hockey East has announced that a new postseason tournament format for the men’s and women’s leagues will be used beginning in 2022.

All 11 men’s programs and all 10 women’s programs will compete in a single-elimination postseason tournament for the Lamoriello Trophy and the Bertagna trophy, respectively.

“This new format for the Hockey East tournament gives all of our student-athletes the chance to compete for a championship, which is undoubtedly the most exciting part of the season,” said Hockey East commissioner Steve Metcalf in a statement. “Hockey East is the most competitive conference in college hockey, top to bottom, and this new format will highlight the importance of every game during the season for players and fans alike.”

The men’s tournament will return to an all-in format after a two-year departure. Seeds six, seven, and eight will host seeds 11, 10, and nine, respectively, in the opening round set for Wednesday, March 9, 2022. After a reseeding, the top three seeds will host the winners of the opening round while the four seed will host the five seed in the quarterfinals on Saturday, March 12.

For the first time since 2019, the semifinals and final will return to the TD Garden in Boston on March 18-19, 2022. Ticket information and game times will be announced at a later date.

For the first time ever, the women’s tournament will feature all 10 member programs. Seeds seven and eight will host seeds 10 and nine, respectively, in the opening round on Wednesday, February 23 while the top six seeds receive a bye into the quarterfinals. After a reseeding, the top two seeds will host the winners of the opening round while the three seed will host the six seed and the four seed will host the five seed.

Semifinals will take place on Friday, March 4 and the championship is set for Saturday, March 5 in prime time for just the second time ever. Details regarding the championship site and tickets will be announced at a later date.

The winners of both tournaments will receive the conference’s automatic bid into the NCAA tournament.

Augustana University in South Dakota aiming to add Division I men’s hockey, elevate athletics program from Division II to Division I

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According to a statement released on the school’s website, Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D., hopes to add Division I men’s hockey as part of a move for the university’s athletics department from Division II to Division I

According to a statement released on the school’s athletics website, Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D., plans to add men’s Division I ice hockey as part of “Vikings Bold: The Journey to 2030,” a strategic plan that is “an effort to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a higher level, elevate the university’s profile and inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically embrace Augustana as its hometown team by serving the community and integrating our mission with its needs.”

To facilitate the addition of Division I men’s ice hockey, Augustana will need to elevate all of its athletics program to Division I. Currently, Augustana is a Division II university that is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, the same conference that is home to Bemidji State, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota State and St. Cloud State

The news of men’s Division I hockey being included in this expansion was first reported by ESPN’s John Buccigross on Tuesday evening.

According to the university’s statement, T. Denny Sanford, owner and founder of First Premier Bank, is providing the lead gift to facilitate this opportunity. Sanford is no stranger to providing philanthropic assistance to collegiate athletics.

In 2009, Sanford made a $6 million donation to help fund the TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota’s campus. His name also sits atop the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, which hosted the 2018 NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey regional and was scheduled to host again during the 2020 tournament. That tournament was canceled due to COVID-19.

The university said that plans for the athletics program are still being developed and more will be released later in the summer or in the fall.

 

St. Cloud State coach Larson inks seven-year extension to coach Huskies through 2027-28 season

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Brett Larson 2019 January 18 St. Cloud State University hosts Western Michigan in a NCHC contest at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center (Bradley K. Olson)
Brett Larson (right) has been at the helm of the St. Cloud team since the 2018-19 season (photo: Bradley K. Olson).

St. Cloud State and men’s hockey coach Brett Larson have agreed to a contract extension that keeps Larson with the Huskies through the 2027-28 season.

“Since his arrival at St. Cloud State and very first meeting with the team, Coach Larson has demonstrated an impressive capacity for leadership and coaching,” said SCSU director of athletics Heather Weems in a statement. “Brett’s commitment to a positive program culture marked by continuous development, selfless play, relentless work ethic, and overall excellence provides an atmosphere in which players thrive. He has fostered a brotherhood amongst current and former Huskies that honors each members’ contributions and celebrates their pride in St. Cloud State. Brett understands the value of Huskies Hockey to our campus and community, and has prioritized visibility and approachability throughout the program. He has enjoyed welcoming youth, alumni, fans, and friends into our facilities and helping them connect with players and coaches.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the trajectory of our program and continued presence amongst the nation’s elite men’s hockey programs under Coach Larson’s leadership. ”

The contract extension comes after a superb season on the ice for Larson, as he guided St. Cloud State to its first ever appearance in the NCAA national championship game in Pittsburgh, falling to UMass in April. In 2020-21, the Huskies posted a 20-11-0 overall record with a 15-9-0 conference record to finish second in the NCHC.

In three seasons, the Duluth, Minn., native has compiled an overall record of 63-32-9 with a 44-23-5 record in NCHC play.

“I want to thank Heather Weems for believing in me and giving me this opportunity three years ago, as well as her passionate support of Husky athletics,” Larson said. “I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by great people here at SCSU. The administration, our players, our staff, our alumni and our fans make this such a special place. I’m proud to be a Husky and am looking forward to continuing our work to make our school, community, alumni and fans proud of Husky hockey.”

Larson is the third coach in St. Cloud State history since the program joined the Division I ranks in 1987-88 and the 17th head coach in program history dating back to 1931-32. His 63 total wins are tied for the most all-time by a head coach in his first three seasons, and his .649 win percentage is the best in program history in that same time span.

Bowling Green, Providence, Wisconsin, Yale to play 2021 Holiday Face-Off event Dec. 28-29 in Milwaukee

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The inaugural Holiday Face-Off college hockey tournament will be held at Fiserv Forum, home of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, Dec. 28-29, 2021, and will include Bowling Green, Providence, Wisconsin and Yale.

Semifinal play will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 28 with the championship game and third-place game on Wednesday, Dec. 29. Matchups and game times will be announced at a later date.

“We are excited to begin what we believe will be the top national men’s college ice hockey tournament in the country,” said Rick Giles, president of the Gazelle Group, in a news release. “For us to be able to attract four of the most distinguished programs in the nation shows that these programs want to compete against the very best and we plan on continuing to bring together the best teams in college hockey to play at one of the finest venues in the country, Fiserv Forum.”

“We are proud to bring major college hockey to Fiserv Forum as we continue to offer a diverse list of events at the arena,” added Fiserv Forum and Bucks president Peter Feigin. “Milwaukee has a rich history of college hockey tournaments, and we look forward to continuing the tradition by hosting the Holiday Face-Off at Fiserv Forum.”

College hockey in Milwaukee has a rich history. The city has hosted the NCAA men’s Frozen Four on three occasions – 1993, 1997, and 2006. In 2006, Wisconsin won its most recent national championship on the Bradley Center ice.

In addition, from 1989 to 2003, Wisconsin hosted the Badger Hockey Showdown at the Bradley Center, averaging over 26,000 fans a year during that span.

General public tickets for the Holiday Face-Off will go on sale at noon CST on June 17 with single-day and tournament packages available. For additional information, follow the Holiday Face-Off on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (@holidayfaceoff).

After 7-53-10 record over two seasons, Curley resigns as Alaska Anchorage coach

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Matt Curley spent three seasons with Alaska Anchorage, two behind the bench (photo: Skip Hickey).

Alaska Anchorage announced Monday that head coach Matt Curley has submitted his resignation, effective June 30.

“This was a very difficult decision for me and my family because we believe in Seawolf hockey’s future,” said Curley in a statement. “It’s been a privilege to coach such fine young men, as well as live in the Anchorage community. The outpouring of recent financial support for the team has been great to see, and I wish the program nothing but the very best.”

Curley served as the Seawolves bench boss for three years, although the team was only able to compete in two of those seasons with UAA opting not to play the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He compiled a record of 7-53-10, while his squads excelled in the classroom with 33 players earning WCHA Scholar Athlete honors and 45 players earning WCHA All-Academic accolades during Curley’s tenure.

“I want to thank Matt for his efforts while here at UAA and wish him well in his next endeavor,” said UAA athletic director Greg Myford. “His professionalism and effort in support of our students never wavered.

“Normally, we would immediately put full attention into determining our next coach, but these are not normal times. We first have to save our hockey program by securing the $800,000 we still have to raise before August 30. When we do that, I’m fully confident that we will find the next coach for UAA hockey and be ready to compete as planned in 2022-23.”

The efforts to raise $3 million in private funds in support of reinstating UAA hockey before August 30, 2021, continue. Donations are currently being accepted.

Trimboli succeeds Smith as USA Hockey president, elected to three-year term

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TRIMBOLI

Mike Trimboli, who has been involved in grassroots hockey as a player, coach, official and administrator for parts of the last six decades, was elected president of USA Hockey at the Board of Directors meeting as part of the organization’s virtual Annual Congress.

Trimboli, who will serve a three-year term, succeeds Jim Smith, who served the past six years as president and has played a significant role in the advancement of the sport over the past 30-plus years as one of the most active volunteers in the organization.

The Massena, N.Y., native began his formal engagement with what was at the time the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States (today USA Hockey) on the local outdoor rinks as a player in 1970, then in 1979 became an on-ice official and added youth hockey coach to his resume starting in 1984.

Trimboli’s first involvement as a volunteer administrator was in 1996 when he was appointed as a regional vice president for the New York State Amateur Hockey Association and subsequently was elected as a vice president for the affiliate. In 2004 he also took on the role of the District’s player development coordinator.

He was elected to the USA Hockey Board of Directors as a director from the New York District in 2005 and since that time has served as a director representative to the Executive Committee and also been part of the Marketing Council, Junior Council, Player Development Committee and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. He was elected as a vice president of USA Hockey and chair of the organization’s Marketing Council in 2017 and has concurrently served on the USA Hockey Foundation Board of Directors.

Trimboli, a Level 5 USA Hockey certified coach, has served as an instructor for USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program since 1995. He has also been actively involved with USA Hockey’s player development program and camps, either at the district or national level, since 1990. Furthermore, he has also served as a USA Hockey Youth National Championship site director on multiple occasions dating back to 2010.

In addition to his work with USA Hockey, Trimboli, who retired in 2018 from his role in law enforcement with the New York State Police after over 31 years, has also coached public high school hockey for more than 25 seasons over two stints, including from 1990 to 2005 and from 2009 until today, winning a Division 1 New York state championship in 2014.

Longtime Harvard women’s coach Stone garners USA Hockey’s 2021 Distinguished Achievement Award

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Katey Stone is six wins away from 500 behind the Harvard bench (photo: Harvard Athletics).

Longtime Harvard women’s hockey coach Katey Stone has been named the recipient of USA Hockey’s 2021 Distinguished Achievement Award.

The Watertown, Conn., native has had a storied career at Harvard, a tenure that began with the 1994-95 season. The 2021-22 season will mark her 27th at the helm of the program.

Stone has guided the Crimson to 494 victories all-time and counting. Her teams have advanced to the NCAA tournament on 11 occasions, including six appearances in the Frozen Four and four NCAA title games, captured the AWCHA national championship, won seven ECAC regular-season titles, earned six ECAC tournament championships, and won eight Ivy League titles and 11 Beanpot championships.

Additionally, she has coached 24 All-America selections, six Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winners and 13 Olympians.

Stone has played a significant role in the overall administration of the sport as well, having served as a member of the NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Committee, NCAA Rules Committee, Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Selection Committee and as president of the American Women’s Hockey Coaches Association during her career.

On the international stage, Stone reached the highest level of the sport in serving as head coach of the 2014 U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team. The first female head coach ever of a U.S. Olympic hockey team, she guided Team USA to a silver medal. Stone also served as head coach of three U.S. Women’s National Teams, leading the U.S. to gold on two occasions at the IIHF Women’s World Championship (2013, 2012) and silver once (2011). She also coached Team USA in five Four Nations Cups, where the U.S. captured three championships. In addition, Stone guided the first-ever U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team to gold at the 2008 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship.

A 1989 graduate from New Hampshire, Stone was a captain and four-year letter-winner in both hockey and lacrosse for the Wildcats. She helped the hockey team win ECAC championships in 1986 and 1987 and earned All-ECAC honors. Additionally, Stone was a two-time All-America selection in lacrosse and help UNH to the 1985 NCAA championship.

A three-time ECAC Coach of the Year (2008, 2005, 1999) and AHCA Women’s Coach of the Year (1999), Stone was inducted into the New Hampshire Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014, a year in which she also received the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award. In 2020, Stone was honored as one of Boston’s most influential women by the Harvard Club of Boston.

Before arriving at Harvard, Stone served as assistant athletic director and coach at Tabor Academy and also had coaching stints at Northfield Mount Hermon and Phillips Exeter Academy.

Created in 1991, the USA Hockey Distinguished Achievement Award is presented annually to a United States citizen who has made hockey his or her profession and has made outstanding contributions, on or off the ice, to the sport in America.

Former WCHA commissioner Robertson named new president, commish with USHL

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ROBERTSON

The USHL announced Friday that Bill Robertson has been named the tenth president and commissioner.

Robertson joins the USHL after seven seasons as the president and commissioner of the WCHA, which dissolved after the 2020-21 season.

“I’ve known and worked with Bill for 20 years and am confident in saying the USHL is in great hands with Bill taking over the roles of president and commissioner,” said outgoing USHL president and commissioner Tom Garrity in a statement. “We had a lot of fantastic candidates for the position but feel Bill’s experience in the sport will help continue to grow the league’s pedigree as one of the best junior hockey leagues in the world. I have great respect for Bill as a person and leader and there is no one better to lead the USHL.”

Robertson was approved Thursday afternoon by the USHL Board of Governors to take over the role from Garrity, who has served in his role since November 2017. Robertson will begin his role with the USHL on July 12.

With the WCHA, Robertson has improved the experience for both the student-athlete and fans. He brought playoff games back to campuses, championed safety provisions and introduced the 3-on-3 overtime and shootout format to the WCHA regular season for the first time in league history. Robertson played a pivotal role in expanding partnerships, adding collaborations and refining Association governance all while reducing operating expenses.

“I’m honored to serve as the president and commissioner of the USHL,” said Robertson. “As the only Tier I junior hockey league in the United States, the USHL stands as the top development league for the sport of hockey in this country. I’m excited to work with our owners, team executives, general managers, coaches and the individual markets that support this great league as we continue to raise our profile and grow the USHL. I’m also grateful to succeed my good friend Tom Garrity, who has seen the league thrive under his leadership.”

Prior to his experience in the WCHA, Robertson was part of the inception of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) and Minnesota Swarm (MLL) as well as four different sporting venues including the Xcel Energy Center, Target Center, Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim and Edison International Field.

A native of St. Paul, Minn., Robertson is the father of Brett and Brooke and the son of late Norbert Robertson who played hockey collegiately at Minnesota and St. Thomas. Mike, Robertson’s older brother, played college hockey for Boston College.

Northern Michigan hires USHL assistant coach Peruzzi to same role with Wildcats

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PERUZZI

Northern Michigan has announced that Nick Peruzzi has been named a new assistant coach for the Wildcats.

“We are very excited to add Nick to our coaching staff,” NMU coach Grant Potulny said in a statement. “Throughout the interview process, Nick displayed his knowledge and passion for the game. His energy, preparation and work ethic stood out when he was on campus. Nick is a Michigan native that comes from a family of coaches that is well schooled in the rich history of NMU hockey. His ties to the area should serve us well in the recruitment of future Wildcats from our home state.”

Peruzzi has spent the last year and a half serving as the associate head coach of the USHL’s Lincoln Stars.

“I am very excited to join the Northern Michigan University family and Wildcats’ staff, and thank Grant Potulny, Byron Pool, and the rest of the hockey staff for providing me this opportunity,” Peruzzi said. “I want to make a positive contribution to the program by making our players better, and I’m proud to be part of a college hockey program with a longstanding history of success, player development, and tradition. I hope to use my past coaching experience in the USHL, NAHL, and AAA to build upon the great program already established by Grant, Byron, and the rest of the Northern Michigan hockey staff & University.”

Prior to his time in Lincoln, Peruzzi was an assistant coach and director of scouting for the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms from 2017 to 2020. Peruzzi also had stints coaching with the NAHL’s Aston Rebels, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16/U18 AAA teams, and was a scout for the USHL’s Fargo Force.

On top of his experience at the junior hockey level, Peruzzi has been a skills and development coach for TPH & Pro Impact, based out of Detroit, since 2016.

“During the interview process, I was really impressed with the vision Grant has established for the NMU hockey program,” Peruzzi said. “It supports the university’s mission and vision demonstrated by the innovation, investments and renovations happening around campus and, in particular, within the hockey program. It will provide big advantages for our current and future student-athletes. In addition, the Marquette community is the greatest. Not many places compare in terms of the quality of people, support, way of life, and the breathtaking scenery.

“I am very grateful to be a part of it.”

Reigning Hobey Baker winner Caufield nets top college hockey player accolades from USA Hockey

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Wisconsin sophomore Cole Caufield led the NCAA with 30 goals this season. (photo: Tom Lynn).

USA Hockey announced Wednesday day that Wisconsin forward Cole Caufield is the Jim Johannson College Player of the Year for the 2020-21 season.

Established in 1994 to recognize the accomplishments of the top American-born player in NCAA Division I men’s college hockey, the award is presented annually by Bauer Hockey. In 2019, it was renamed in honor of the late Jim Johannson, who played at Wisconsin and spent two decades as an executive at USA Hockey.

Caufield led all players in NCAA Division I in 2020-21 with 52 points in 31 games, including a nation-best 30 goals. The Badgers sophomore also earned the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top player in college hockey.

Caufield, a unanimous choice as the Big Ten Player of the Year, helped the Badgers to the Big Ten regular-season title and a berth in the NCAA tournament. He became the first player in Big Ten history to win the league scoring title in consecutive seasons.

The Stevens Point, Wis., native also played a significant role in helping the U.S. National Junior Team win gold at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship where he contributed five points in seven total games.

After the season, Caufield signed with the Montreal Canadiens and is currently in the Stanley Cup semifinals.

As part of receiving the Jim Johannson College Player of the Year Award, The USA Hockey Foundation contributes $5,000 from the Jim Johannson Legacy Fund to the USA Hockey youth association of the winner’s choice. Caufield has selected the Stevens Point Area Youth Hockey Association.

Northeastern goalie Frankel continues 2021 awards haul, earns top honors from USA Hockey

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Northeastern goalie Aerin Frankel took the Huskies to the NCAA championship game against Wisconsin this season (photo: Jim Pierce).

USA Hockey announced Thursday that Northeastern goalie Aerin Frankel has been named the 2021 Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year for the 2020-21 season.

The award is named in honor of the late Bob Allen who was an ardent supporter of women’s hockey throughout his career.

After an abrupt ending to the 2019-20 collegiate season, Frankel returned for her senior campaign in 2020-21 and helped Northeastern to a 22-2-1 record and national runner-up finish, the best in program history.

Serving as an alternate captain, she assisted in leading the Huskies to their fourth straight league postseason tournament title after completing the regular season as the top-ranked team in Hockey East.

Frankel closed out her final campaign earning the 2021 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. She also garnered many other accolades, including being named Women’s Hockey Commissioners Association Goalie of the Year, Hockey East Player of the Year, and Hockey East Goaltender of the Year, as well as earning a spot on the NCAA All-Tournament Team and being named NCAA Goaltender of the Month (January) and WHCA National Goaltender of the Month (January).

She led the nation in nearly every statistical category, including GAA (0.81), save percentage (.965), goalie winning percentage (.891), and shutouts (9). Within the conference, she paced the league in goals against average (0.65), save percentage (.971), and goalie winning percentage (.912).

In March, the Chappaqua, N.Y, native was named to the 2021 U.S. Women’s National Team that was set to play in the IIHF Women’s World Championship in April. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world championship was postponed until late August.

Wisconsin adding former college hockey stars Duggan, Geoffrion to school’s athletics hall of fame

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Meghan Duggan and Blake Geoffrion are two of the newest members of the UW athletics hall of fame.

Twelve athletes, staff and supporters of the Wisconsin Athletic Department will be inducted into the organization’s hall of fame in 2021, Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez announced on Tuesday.

“Every year it gets harder and harder to select our inductees into the UW Athletic Hall of Fame and this year was no different,” said UW director of athletics Barry Alvarez in a statement. “This year, we will induct 10 individuals who had outstanding athletic careers as Badgers as well as two individuals who have served the Wisconsin Athletic Department with their time and dedication. I am very excited for all of these individuals and can’t wait for them to join our prestigious Hall of Fame.”

The 2021 UW Athletic Hall of Fame will hold its induction ceremony on Friday. Sept. 10. All inductees will also be recognized during the Eastern Michigan football game on Saturday, Sept. 11 in Camp Randall Stadium.

Two hockey players are among the 12 in Meghan Duggan (2006-11) and Blake Geoffrion (2006-10).

Duggan’s accomplishments include:

• 2011 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner
• 2011 First Team All-American
• Aided the Badgers to three NCAA championships
• Captain of the 2011 NCAA championship squad
• Ranks second in UW history in assists (130), third in points (238) and third with plus minus rating (+164)
• Captain of the 2018 U.S. Olympic team that won gold
• Captain of the 2014 U.S. Olympic team that captured silver
• Member of the 2010 U.S. Olympic team that won silver

Geoffrion’s accomplishments include:

• 2010 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner, the first Badger honored
• 2010 First-Team All-American
• 2010 First-Team All-WCHA
• 2010 ESPY nominee for male college athlete of the year
• 2010 Wisconsin Male Athlete of the Year
• 2010 USA Hockey College Player of the Year
• 2010 NCAA West Regional Most Outstanding Player
• 2010 WCHA Final Five All-Tournament Team
• 2008-09 co-captain; 2009-10 tri-captain
• Helped team to 2010 NCAA runner-up finish
• Played for NHL’s Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadiens
• Florida Panthers assistant to the general manager
• First fourth-generation player in NHL history
• Managing director of BHMS Investments

Former UMass Lowell assistant coach Pagliero moves to Penn State for similar role with Nittany Lions

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PAGLIERO

Penn State announced Wednesday the hiring of Juliano Pagliero as an assistant coach for the Nittany Lions men’s hockey team.

Pagliero has a decade’s worth of coaching experience, including eight years at the Division I level, and comes to Penn State after spending the previous three seasons at UMass Lowell.

“Juliano is a great fit for our program,” said PSU head coach Guy Gadowsky in a statement. “He has a tremendous reputation around the hockey world and has worked with some excellent programs under excellent coaches. We are thrilled to welcome ‘Pags’ to Hockey Valley.”

“I am honored to be given this opportunity to join the staff at Penn State,” added Pagliero. “I want to thank Coach Gadowsky for believing in me. I am excited to work with him and the entire staff in Hockey Valley and continue to build on the success the program has already had.”

During his time in Lowell, Pagliero served as recruiting coordinator while working closely with the River Hawk goaltenders and power-play unit.

Prior to his time with the River Hawks, Pagliero was an assistant coach at Colgate from 2015 to 2018 and served a major role in recruiting goaltender Colton Point.

Pagliero spent the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons on the bench at Holy Cross.

He began his collegiate coaching career with a two-year stint at Division III Utica (2011-13).

A native of Dalroy, Alberta, Pagliero was a four-year goaltender for Niagara from 2005 to 2009 where he was a three-time all-conference selection and the College Hockey America player of the year as a senior. With Pagliero in goal, the Purple Eagles won back-to-back regular-season titles in 2005-06 and 2006-07 and reached the NCAA tournament in 2008 after capturing the CHA championship.

Veteran women’s hockey coach Johnson tabbed to be next St. Thomas coach as Tommies enter D-I play in 2021-22

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Joel Johnson has coached with the Minnesota women’s team the past 16 seasons (photo: Minnesota Athletics).

St. Thomas announced Monday that Joel Johnson will be its next women’s hockey head coach.

Johnson brings more than 20 years of coaching experience to the Tommies, both at the collegiate level as well as with USA Hockey. Having spent 16 seasons in the WCHA, Johnson will lead St. Thomas’ move into Division I play, which starts this fall.

“I am delighted to welcome Joel Johnson and his family to the University of St. Thomas,” said St. Thomas director of athletics Phil Esten in a statement. “Through our national search that spanned an impressive pool of candidates, it became clear that Joel is the right individual to lead our women’s hockey program, now and into the future. He epitomizes what it means to be a Tommie as a relationship-focused servant leader that develops his student-athletes both on and off the ice.”

With a championship pedigree, Johnson brings a focus on culture, servant leadership, and student-athlete development.

“First, I would like to thank Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Esten for this great opportunity,” said Johnson. “In my conversations with each of them I have been so impressed first with the overall direction of the University of St. Thomas, and specifically the bold and impressive commitments shown as the department of athletics transitions to Division I status.

“The women’s hockey program has a great foundation of success, and I look forward to continue building upon that. I believe St. Thomas is uniquely positioned to attract and develop the very best student-athletes not only from the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota, but from across North America. The excellence in educational opportunities along with the campus-life experience creates an atmosphere that is unique and exceptional. I couldn’t be more excited for our student-athletes as they combine that great atmosphere along with an athletic experience that is second to none. We will be a passionate group of players and staff committed to a faith-filled, value-driven adventure that pursues excellence and championships both on and off the ice.”

In addition to serving as St. Thomas’ third women’s hockey head coach in program history, Johnson is also currently the interim head coach of USA Hockey’s women’s national team. He has spent the last 11 seasons with USA Hockey, serving in many capacities. Most recently, Johnson was the assistant coach for the women’s national team from 2018 to 2020 and was a key member of teams that won gold medals at the 2018 Four Nations Cup and the 2019 IIHF World Championship. Additionally, he was head coach of numerous U22 and U18 National Teams from 2014 to 2018.

Johnson’s collegiate experience includes time at both the Division I and Division III level. He has spent the last 11 seasons at Minnesota as associate head coach for the women’s program. Johnson was also an assistant coach for the Gophers for five seasons from 1999 to 2004 before spending time with the the Bethel men’s program from 2004 to 2010. He also spent time coaching men’s and women’s golf, as well as men’s and women’s soccer at Bethel.

Johnson will be formally introduced at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

After taking UMass to 2021 national championship, Carvel gets contract extension through 2025-26

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Greg Carvel celebrates UMass’ 2021 national championship with Bobby Trivigno (photo: Rich Gagnon).

Massachusetts head coach Greg Carvel has had his contract extended through the 2025-26 season.

The new five-year rolling contract for the reigning USCHO Coach of the Year comes on the heels of the Minutemen’s first NCAA and Hockey East tournament championships in 2020-21.

“We are very pleased to grow our investment in Greg Carvel and the national championship hockey program he has built in Amherst,” said UMass director of athletics Ryan Bamford in a statement. “Coach Carvel’s outstanding leadership has produced remarkable results in the classroom, in competition and in the community. This new contract affirms our strong commitment to keep Greg and his family in maroon and white for years to come. Under Greg’s continued charge, we believe our nationally renowned program will remain a significant point of pride on campus and around the Commonwealth.”

“I want to thank Ryan Bamford, Chancellor Subbaswamy and President Meehan for displaying their trust in me and their continued support for our hockey program through this contract extension,” added Carvel. “I have tremendous pride in the accomplishments of our hockey team over the past five years and I look forward to the continual elevation of our program over the life of this contract. I came to UMass because I believed the leadership and resources were in place to continually achieve national success. UMass has been a great fit for me and my family is excited that this contract will allow us to call Amherst our home for many years to come.”

The new contract (April 11, 2021 to April 10, 2026), which will automatically add an additional year to the agreement on April 11 of each contract year (unless Carvel is provided notice by the university), includes a substantially increased annual compensation package, salary increases based on team performance, new or increased academic and competitive performance bonuses and a new supplemental retirement contribution plan.

“It’s imperative that I thank my outstanding staff, as well as the many extraordinary young men who have made the sacrifices off of the ice and won the battles on the ice that ultimately earned a national championship,” Carvel said. “I feel genuinely grateful for all of this and am honored to serve our university and it’s exceptional student-athletes.”

Over the past five years, the Minutemen have reached new heights under Carvel’s guidance, including four of the top-10 winningest seasons in UMass’ 91-season history, the program’s first NCAA title, first NCAA runner-up finish, first Hockey East regular-season and tournament titles, first Hobey Baker winner (Cale Makar, 2019), and first Walter Brown Award winner (Bobby Trivigno, 2021). On his watch, the Minutemen posted their third-straight 20-win season in 2020-21.

In addition to his USCHO accolades in 2021, Carvel was tabbed the Spencer Penrose winner in 2019 as national coach of the year, the 2019 Clark Hodder Award winner (New England Coach of the Year) and the Hockey East coach of the year. He was also the 2021 Spencer Penrose runner-up.

UMass goalie Lindberg leaves Minutemen after junior season to pursue pro hockey opportunity

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Filip Lindberg put up stellar numbers for UMass over his three seasons in Amherst (photo: Rich Gagnon).

Massachusetts goaltender Filip Lindberg has elected to forgo his senior season, withdrawing from school to pursue a career in professional hockey.

Lindberg, the NCAA leader in goals-against average and save percentage in 2020-21, helped guide the Minutemen to the program’s first NCAA and Hockey East tournament titles as a junior and earned an All-USCHO Second Team nod this past season.

“Fille Lindberg has decided to withdraw from school in order to pursue professional hockey opportunities in North America and will not be returning for his senior season,” said UMass coach Greg Carvel in a statement. “Fille was simply outstanding in the net this past season and proved that he is ready to move on to the next level of hockey. His development as a goaltender during his time at UMass has been impressive and I give a ton of credit to associate head coach Jared DeMichiel, who works closely with our goalies.

“Fille has our full support after being an outstanding part of our team and culture and a critical part of our winning the national championship.”

Lindberg tied for the third lowest GAA and posted the fourth-best save percentage in NCAA Division I men’s hockey history in 2020-21 at 1.24 and .949, respectively. The Hockey East Second-Team All-Star and Frozen Four All-Tournament Team and All-Region Team honoree and Most Outstanding Player at the NCAA East Regional went 10-1-4 with five shutouts during his junior campaign. His five shutouts, good for second in the nation, included one in the Hockey East championship game, one in the East Regional Final and one in the NCAA championship game as he set the NCAA record for career shutouts in the NCAA tournament (4).

The Espoo, Finland native leaves UMass as the program’s all-time leader in save percentage (.935) and GAA (1.62), logging 2,745 minutes over 49 contests with 1,067 career saves. He ranks second all-time in career shutouts (10) and fifth in wins with a career record of 28-10-6. Lindberg holds the program record for single-season GAA (1.32, 2020-21) as well as the No. 2 mark on the list (1.60, 2018-19). He tied program single-season record for shutouts in 2020-21 and 2018-19 with four in each of those campaigns and owns the second (.946, 2020-21) and third (.934, 2018-19) single-season save percentage marks.

Lindberg was originally selected by the Minnesota Wild in the seventh round (197th overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft.

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