“We are very excited to welcome Matt Lindsay to our program,” said Minutemen coach Greg Carvel in a statement. “Matt is one of the most experienced and well-respected assistant coaches in college hockey. He has a long track record of impressive recruiting which has resulted in championship-level teams at Penn State and Princeton. Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and professionalism with him to UMass and is known as one of the hardest working recruiters on the circuit. Beyond all of that, he is a high-quality person and he will add to the culture of our program.”
Prior to his time with the Nittany Lions, Lindsay served as an assistant coach at Princeton from 2007 to 2011.
Lindsay spent the 2006-07 season as an assistant coach at Robert Morris where he served as the team’s video coordinator and aided the squad’s recruiting efforts. He also served as a volunteer assistant coach at Colorado College, where he handled video, pre-scouting and one-ice responsibilities. From 2002-05, Lindsay was an assistant coach at Hobart and coached one season (2001-02) in the same capacity at Utica.
A 2001 graduate of Williams, Lindsay earned the William E. McCormick “Coaches” Award as a senior. The award is presented to a member of the hockey team who best exemplifies leadership, loyalty, a selfless devotion to the team, a youthful delight in the game of hockey and, above all, a strong commitment to community service.
Ron Mason presents the Mason Cup to Notre Dame captain Anders Lee after the Fighting Irish won the final CCHA championship at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit back in 2013 (photo: Rachel Lewis/USCHO.com).
The CCHA announced Wednesday that the league has secured the rights to the Mason Cup and that the trophy will now be awarded to the CCHA playoffs postseason tournament champion annually.
“With the Mason Cup joining the historic MacNaughton Cup as part of the CCHA family, the CCHA now has arguably the best trophy tandem in collegiate hockey,” reads a news release.
The Mason Cup is named after legendary Lake Superior State, Bowling Green and Michigan State coach Ron Mason, whose name appeared on the trophy a league-high 13 times. Mason was instrumental in the establishment and success of the CCHA.
“Ron Mason was one of the most influential coaches in the history of college hockey and we could not be happier to continue to honor his legacy,” said CCHA commissioner Don Lucia in a statement. “We are proud to announce the Mason Cup will continue to be awarded to the CCHA playoff champions beginning next season.”
For his contributions in helping build the CCHA, a unanimous vote from league athletic directors and coaches elected to rename the CCHA tournament championship trophy’ as the Mason Cup on Oct. 3, 2000.
Mason was recognized as the most successful coach in NCAA hockey history between 1993 and 2012 earning an impressive 924 wins in that span. On December 2, 2013, Mason was inducted into the U.S Hockey Hall of Fame.
The Mason Cup was first awarded 20 years ago in 2001 and is widely recognized as one of the most prized trophies in all of hockey.
Then-WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod presents the MacNaughton Cup to Colorado College captain Scott Thauwald in 2008.
The CCHA announced Tuesday that the annual CCHA regular-season champion will be awarded the prestigious MacNaughton Cup, which has previously been used for the same purpose in the WCHA.
“We are thrilled to award the MacNaughton Cup to the CCHA regular-season champions,” CCHA commissioner Don Lucia said in a statement. “The 40-pound handcrafted pure silver trophy has been awarded to a college hockey champion since 1951 and we look forward to keeping the tradition alive in the CCHA. The quest for the most tradition-rich trophy in college hockey begins in October.”
“Michigan Tech is proud to be the trustee of the most historic trophy in college hockey,” added Michigan Tech director of athletics Suzanne Sanregret. “We’re excited to bring the MacNaughton Cup back to the CCHA. We look forward to competing for a CCHA championship and returning the cup to its home in the Copper Country.”
Colorado College announced Friday that Peter Mannino will join the Tigers as an assistant coach.
Mannino recently completed a two-year stint as head coach of the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers. Prior to Des Moines, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Omaha.
The following season, he was hired as the associate head coach at Miami University and was heavily involved in Miami’s recruiting efforts. He also served as the interim head coach at Miami for a brief time before heading to Des Moines.
“I am thrilled to have Peter join our staff at CC,” Tigers head coach Kris Mayotte said in a statement. “He has quickly become known as one of the top up and coming coaches in hockey. A very bright coach with great communication skills, Peter has built a winning culture everywhere he has been, both as a coach and player. He is a relentless recruiter who has shown the ability to attract elite student-athletes to the NCHC. Our program took another step in the right direction today and I can’t wait until we can get our staff together and get to work.”
Prior to his coaching tenure in the collegiate ranks, Mannino was an assistant coach with the USHL’s Chicago Steel.
“My family and I are very excited to be a part of Colorado College,” Mannino said. “I am grateful to Lesley Irvine and Kris for giving me this opportunity to work for a prestigious college and historic hockey program. I’m eager to start working with the administration and hockey staff to bring talented student athletes that will leave a lasting impression on the Colorado Springs community.”
Mannino played four years as a goaltender with Denver, leading the Pioneers to a national championship as a freshman in 2005. Mannino was named the MVP of the Frozen Four that season, posting a .966 save percentage during the tournament.
He compiled a 61-32-5 overall record at Denver, with a 2.35 GAA and school-record 15 shutouts. A 2008 graduate of Denver, Mannino earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management.
After college, he signed his first NHL contract with the New York Islanders, making appearances with the Islanders, Atlanta Thrashers, and Winnipeg Jets over a seven-year professional hockey career.
Tara Watchorn played and coached at Boston University (photo: Rich Gagnon).
Stonehill has named Boston University assistant coach Tara Watchorn the first head coach of its women’s hockey program.
The team is set to compete in the New England Women’s Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) starting with the 2022-23 season.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tara to Stonehill as our inaugural head coach,” said Stonehill director of athletics Dean O’Keefe in a statement. “Her energy and passion for the sport of women’s ice hockey is contagious, and her impressive experience coaching and playing at the highest levels will enable her to build a culture of success for our student-athletes both on and off the ice. Tara is one of the bright young coaching stars in the world of women’s ice hockey, and we are excited to have her join the Skyhawk family.”
Watchorn joins Stonehill following four years as an assistant coach under longtime mentor Brian Durocher at her alma mater. She was primarily responsible for working with the Terriers defense and player skill development, which saw a penalty kill during the 2020-21 season finish fourth in the country at 92.1 percent and the unit has ranked inside the top five nationally for goals-against average twice.
“Tara Watchorn is a young and exciting hire for the new Stonehill program,” Durocher said. “She is a confident individual and highly knowledgeable skills coach. Her wide range of playing experience will be an asset in recruiting, teaching and mentoring the talented student-athletes at Stonehill. The Boston University hockey family thanks her and wishes her well as she goes forward in her coaching journey.”
A member of the 2014 Canadian National Team that won the gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, Watchorn remains active with Hockey Canada as assistant coach at the Under-18 level. The team earned a silver medal at the 2019-20 World Championships, where she was responsible for team logistics, penalty kill and defensive zone coverage, mental skills performance and gameday protocol.
WATCHORN
Watchorn enjoyed an 11-year playing career for Team Canada as a defenseman in which she appeared in 46 games in international competition as a three-time IIHF Women’s World Championship silver medalist (2011, 2015, 2016), and two-time gold medalist at the 4 Nations Cup (2013, 2014), in addition to her Olympic gold medal.
Watchorn, who is currently working towards her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at Northeastern, is a 2012 graduate of Boston University. She was a four-year letter-winner for the Terriers, helping lead the team to the first two Hockey East championships in program history in 2010, netting the game-winning goal in overtime, and 2012, reaching the Frozen Four in 2011. She was a two-time Hockey East and New England Division I All-Star as well as a member of the 2008 Hockey East All-Rookie Team.
She also had a professional playing career with the Boston Blades of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, appearing in two CWHL All-Star Games and being named the 2015 CWHL Defenseman of the Year – leading the team to the Clarkson Cup the same season.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to have been selected as the first ever women’s ice hockey coach at Stonehill,” said Watchorn. “Thank you to Dean O’Keefe for believing in my vision and entrusting me with building something special within the already amazing community that Stonehill has to offer. I look forward to recruiting top notch young women that will help to create a dynamic and diverse culture that represents Stonehill’s values both on and off the ice.”
Ben Barr, who won a national championship with UMass this past season, is the new head coach at Maine (photo: Rich Gagnon).
Massachusetts associate head coach Ben Barr has been named the fifth head coach in Maine history, agreeing to terms on a four-year contract.
The 39-year-old Barr has served in his role at UMass since 2016 and helped lead the Minutemen to their first national championship this past season.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ben Barr to the University of Maine,” said Maine director of athletics Ken Ralph in a news release. “He brings with him an amazing track record of success in collegiate hockey. In a very competitive field of candidates, Ben stood alone with his comprehensive plan for building and sustaining success for UMaine hockey. It was also clear from the research we conducted with people throughout the hockey world that we have hired the exact right person for the job. I’d like to thank Jim Montgomery, Garth Snow, Bruce Major, Brian Faison, and Samantha Hegmann for all of their time and efforts on the search committee. Our Black Bears are in great hands with Coach Barr behind the bench.”
“Being named the fifth head coach of the Maine Black Bears is an incredible honor and very humbling,” said Barr. “There is a tremendous sense of responsibility and pride from all of the student-athletes and coaches that have passed through this program, and we will bring that passion with us as we build a program which reflects the values of the State and University of Maine. The past year has taught us that we can not take anything for granted. Black Bear Hockey is an essential part of the University and the community, and I know the people of Maine are eager to see their Black Bears compete for Hockey East and NCAA Championships again. I’d like to thank President Ferrini-Mundy, Ken Ralph, and the entire search committee for trusting me with this position. My family and I are excited to be a part of the community in Orono.”
Barr began his coaching career at his alma mater, Rensselaer, where he spent the 2004-05 and 2007-08 seasons as a volunteer assistant coach. Barr joined Union in September of 2008 as a full-time assistant.
After three years at Union, Barr was hired as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Providence.
In June of 2014, Barr accepted a role as the associate head coach at Western Michigan, where stayed for two seasons.
Barr earned a four-year athletic scholarship at RPI where he went on to achieve four letters for the men’s hockey team from 2000 to 2004. He served as the team’s captain during the 2003-04 season, leading the program to a 22-win season. Barr earned the Rensselaer Coach’s award in 2003 and 2004 and was named the team’s MVP for the 2002-03 campaign.
He graduated from RPI in May of 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Technology with a Marketing concentration.
Wisconsin senior Linus Weissbach posted 12 goals and 41 points in 31 games this season for the Badgers (photo: Paul Capobianco).
Wisconsin senior forward Linus Weissbach was named Tuesday as one of the school’s recipients of the Big Ten medal of honor, the conference’s highest honor.
The awards were presented as part of the 2021 Buckinghams, UW Athletics’ annual awards show and student-athlete showcase. This year’s Buckinghams were presented online live via YouTube and social media.
The Big Ten Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1915 to one student-athlete from the graduating class of each university who had “attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work.” The conference’s exclusive award was the first of its kind in intercollegiate athletics to recognize academic and athletic excellence. Only one male and one female student-athlete now receive this award per Big Ten institution.
Weissbach, a 2021 Second-Team All-American, helped the Badgers to the 2021 Big Ten regular-season championship and UW’s first NCAA tournament appearance in seven seasons. The Hockey Commissioners’ Association national player of the month in November, he ended up third in the nation in scoring with 41 points in 31 games, including second-best in the nation with 29 assists. Second in the Big Ten in scoring, he added second-team All-Big Ten to his resume that began with 2018 Big Ten All-Rookie Team honors.
The three-time Academic All-Big Ten skater finished his Badger career 51st in school history with 114 points and as the second to eclipse 100 career points since 2014.
The Gothenberg, Sweden, native also became the sixth UW men’s hockey player and the first since 1998 to win the medal of honor.
Posting at least 22 points in each of his four seasons, Weissbach graduated this May with a degree in communication arts and Scandinavian studies. Following the hockey season, he signed an NHL contract with the Buffalo Sabres, but postponed his career until the fall so he could complete his degree in person.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has named Brock Anundson the next director of athletics for the Nanooks.
Anundson, selected from a pool of four finalists after a national search led by Athletics Staffing and Consultants, will start his new position on July 12.
“I want to thank the search committee for their efforts and the staff, faculty, students and community members who provided feedback on each of the candidates throughout the hiring process,” UAF chancellor Dan White said in a statement. “I heard from many in the UAF and Fairbanks communities that Brock was the right leader for UAF’s athletics moving forward. Brock has the experience and vision to lead our programs and to reignite the passion in the Fairbanks and UAF communities for your Alaska Nanooks.”
Anundson currently is the assistant director of athletics for internal operations and events at Black Hills State University in South Dakota, where he is responsible for overseeing administrative operations and multiple athletic facilities on the campus. He previously served as the program coordinator for the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and worked for four seasons in stadium operations for the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium.
A former hockey player at Minnesota Crookston, where he still holds the record for career scoring, Anundson signed with the Colorado Eagles (then in the Central Hockey League) for the 2005-06 season before beginning his professional career in athletics administration.
He has a bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation management from the University of Minnesota, an MBA from the University of Colorado, and a doctorate in education leadership and innovation from Arizona State University.
Anundson said that UAF and Fairbanks are a great fit for him and his family.
“I want to thank Chancellor White, the head of the search committee, coaches, administrators, donors, the Fairbanks community and, of course, the student-athletes for the opportunity,” he said. “I am incredibly excited and honored to join the University of Alaska Fairbanks family and humbled to serve as the next director of athletics. Nanook athletics has a rich history and tradition and I look forward to the success that lies ahead.”
Colorado College announced Tuesday that Mark Stuart will join the Tigers as an assistant coach.
Stuart played at CC from 2002 to 2005. He captained the 2004-05 squad to the Frozen Four before falling to eventual champion Denver in the semifinals. Stuart, who collected 54 points (12 goals, 42 assists) in 118 career games with the Tigers, earned All-American honors that season.
“I am incredibly excited to have Mark return to Colorado College as a part of our staff,” Colorado College head coach Kris Mayotte said in a statement. “It became clear during the interview process why Mark is so highly thought of as a person and a coach. He has tremendous work ethic, character, and passion, which were important as we look to build our vision at CC.”
Last season, Stuart served as a volunteer assistant coach at Vermont.
One of two former Tigers to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft, Stuart was picked 21st overall in 2003 by the Boston Bruins. He made his NHL debut on April 15, 2005, and played 673 career games with the Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers and Winnipeg Jets, serving as an alternate captain in Winnipeg from 2012 to 2016. Following his NHL career, Stuart played one season with Adler Mannheim in Europe.
“I am deeply thankful and excited for the opportunity to return to Colorado College and continuing Tiger hockey’s rich tradition,” Stuart said. “The CC community is very special to me, and I look forward to bringing my passion and energy to the school and hockey program.”
Stuart also has extensive experience playing for USA Hockey. His first international tournament was the 2002 IIHF World Under-18 Championships where he captained the United States to its first gold medal in the annual tournament. The next year, Stuart played in the World Junior Championship, then was the captain for the 2004 World Junior team that captured the country’s first gold medal.
In 2008, he competed in the IIHF World Championship as one of the team’s alternate captains, and captained Team USA at the event in 2011.
“Mark brings a tremendous amount of leadership and success to our program,” Mayotte said. “He has an innovative hockey mind, a passion for development and coaching, and is excited to hit the ground running as a recruiter. Today is not only a great day for the Tiger hockey program but for the entire CC campus and community as well.”
Nate Leaman completed his 10th season behind the Providence bench in 2020-21 (photo: Ryan Feeney).
USA Hockey announced on Monday that Providence coach Nate Leaman has been named to the staff of the 2021 U.S. Men’s National Team as an assistant coach.
Leaman joins a staff comprised of Jack Capuano (head coach), Adam Nightingale (assistant coach), Kevin Reiter (goaltending coach) and Mike King (video coach).
The U.S. Men’s National Team will take part in the 2021 IIHF Men’s World Championship from May 21-June 6, 2021, in Riga, Latvia. Team USA will compete in Group B alongside Canada, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Italy and Kazakhstan and play at Arena Riga.
Most recently, the U.S. finished seventh of 16 teams in the 83rd edition of the IIHF Men’s World Championship in 2019 with wins in five of eight games (4-1-0-3) and has gone 19-7 over the last three world championships.
To date, the U.S. has earned 12 podium finishes, including one gold medal (1933), four silver medals (1950, 1939, 1934, 1931) and seven bronze medals (2018, 2015, 2013, 2004, 1996, 1952, 1949).
Leaman has been a part of three previous staffs on the international stage – all U.S. National Junior Team coaching staffs, including his first stint as head coach in 2021, winning Team USA’s fifth gold medal in tournament history. Leaman will return to the 2022 U.S. National Junior Team staff as head coach.
He also served as an assistant coach for the bronze medal-winning 2007 squad that competed in Leksand and Mora, Sweden. Additionally, he served as an assistant coach for the 2009 team that played in Ottawa, Ontario. Leaman made his USA Hockey coaching debut as an assistant coach in 2005 at the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship, where the U.S. won gold in Ceske Budejorke and Plzen, Czech Republic.
The 2020-21 campaign was Leaman’s tenth as head coach at Providence, where he has led the Friars to NCAA tournament berths in six of the past eight campaigns, including the school’s first-ever NCAA title in 2015.
Jon Casey and Casie Hanson will be enshrined into the North Dakota Athletics Hall of Fame this October (photos: UND Athletics).
North Dakota announced Monday that former men’s hockey goalie Jon Casey and former women’s hockey forward Casie Hanson have been named to the UND Letterwinners Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
With no event last season due to the pandemic, the 46th annual Athletics Hall of Fame event will take place with a dinner and induction ceremony on Friday, Oct. 1. The classes of 2020 and 2021 will both be recognized the following day during halftime of UND’s football game against North Dakota State at the Alerus Center.
Casey played at UND from 1980 to 1984 and was part of the 1982 NCAA championship team. He then enjoyed a 12-year NHL career with the Minnesota North Stars, Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues. His teams also won WCHA titles in 1981 and 1982. He currently sits fifth all-time at UND in winning percentage at .711, eighth in save percentage and saves.
The Grand Rapids, Minn., native won 25 games in 1984 alone, fifth-most in a single season at UND. His 1,160 saves that season are the most on record at the school in a single year. He earned First Team All-America honors that season and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist. Casey was a three-time All-WCHA member.
His NHL career saw him play 425 games, registering a 170-157-55 mark over those 12 seasons.
On the ice, Hanson, who also played softball for North Dakota, was a three-time Western Collegiate Hockey Association scholar-athlete and all-academic team selection.
As a senior, she was named an ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District honoree. In 2007 she was named the WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year.
From left, Easton Brodzinski, Kevin Fitzgerald, Seamus Donohue, Luke Jaycox and David Hrenak.
Five St. Cloud State players will return for their fifth seasons in 2021-22, the school announced Friday.
Forwards Easton Brodzinski and Kevin Fitzgerald, defensemen Seamus Donohue and Luke Jaycox and goaltender David Hrenak will be back for their final year of NCAA eligibility.
The five returning Huskies all played key roles for St. Cloud State during the team’s run to the Frozen Four and championship game back in early April.
Combined, the five seniors scored 53 points for the Huskies, tallying 24 goals and 29 assists. All five, including Hrenak, tallied at least one point during the 2020-21 season, with Brodzinski and Fitzgerald leading the way with 18 total points. Additionally, Brodzinski established himself as St. Cloud State’s leading goal scorer during both the regular and postseason, tallying a team-leading 13 goals before his season was cut short in the NCAA regional final due to injury. In the Northeast regional, Brodzinski scored two goals in the Huskies come-from-behind win over Boston University and was named to the all-tournament team after the win over Boston College.
Fitzgerald garnered a multitude of awards during the 2020-21 season, as he was named the NCHC Sportsmanship Award recipient and was a finalist for both Senior CLASS Award and the Hockey Humanitarian Award. Voted an alternate captain, Fitzgerald appeared in all 31 games for the Huskies and finished the year with nine goals and nine assists for 18 points.
Donohue and Jaycox were defensive stalwarts and proved to be huge offensive threats down the stretch for the Huskies. As the starting left defenseman for St. Cloud State all season long, Donohue concluded the season with nine total points with one goal and eight assists. He tallied points in all three of the Huskies games during the NCHC Frozen Faceoff in March, while Jaycox played a key role in the team advancing to the NCAA Frozen Four. Jaycox scored the game-tying goal in St. Cloud State’s 4-1 win over Boston College and was named to the NCAA Northeast regional all-tournament Team at the conclusion of the regional.
Hrenak was once again one of the top goalies in the NCHC during the 2020-21 regular season and was named the NCAA Northeast regional’s MVP after surrendering just three goals in two games against Boston University and Boston College. Additionally, Hrenak became the school record holder for career shutouts in 2020-21 and tied the program record for career goalie wins as he tallied his 66th career win in a 5-4 victory over Minnesota State at the Frozen Four. He closed his fourth season with the Huskies with an overall record of 17-10-0, a 2.66 GAA, .904 save percentage and two shutouts.
Tom Palkowski completed his 14th season as St. Thomas women’s coach in 2020-21 (photo: St. Thomas Athletics).
St. Thomas announced Thursday that Tom Palkowski will not return as its head women’s hockey coach for the 2021-22 season.
Palkowski, who spent nine seasons as an assistant at St. Thomas, recently finished his 14th season as head coach. He has coached 33 years overall.
During the 2020-21 season, St. Thomas finished 6-2-0. Overall, the Tommies were 220-99-40 in Palkowski’s tenure.
Assistant coach Marty Sertich will serve in an interim capacity while a national search for the next head coach is conducted. This search will begin immediately.
After finishing as national runner-up a year ago, Northeastern’s Dave Flint was the 2021 winner of the women’s national coach of the year (photo: Northeastern Athletics).
Dave Flint has signed a new four-year contract to remain as the Northeastern women’s hockey coach at least through the 2024-25 season, the school has announced.
Last season, Flint moved into 12th all-time in NCAA history with 344 career wins (15 seasons), and his 256 victories in 12 seasons at Northeastern is a program record.
“We are thrilled we were able to secure Dave’s leadership of the women’s hockey program through at least the next four seasons,” said Northeastern director of athletics Jeff Konya in a statement. “He has done a great job elevating the program to unprecedented success, including winning nearly 90 percent of their games over the last two seasons and the first-ever No. 1 ranking.”
Flint led the Huskies to their first-ever women’s Frozen Four and national championship game this season, tallying the most wins in the country for the second straight year. He was named the 2021 CCM/AHCA national coach of the year for the first time in his career after leading the Huskies to their fourth consecutive Hockey East championship and fourth straight NCAA tournament appearance.
“I would like to thank Jeff Konya and Northeastern University for believing in me and keeping me on Huntington Avenue the next four years,” said Flint. “We have made great strides during my tenure, but there is still more I want to accomplish. I am extremely excited about the future of Northeastern women’s ice hockey.”
The Huskies posted a nation-best 22-game unbeaten streak en route to facing Wisconsin in the national title game. Northeastern earned its first No. 1 ranking in the NCAA tournament and defeated No. 8 seed Robert Morris 5-1 in the NCAA quarterfinals and No. 5 seed Minnesota Duluth 3-2 in overtime in the NCAA semifinals. It was the first two wins for Northeastern in the NCAA postseason as the Huskies finished 7-2 against top-10 opponents.
Flint earned his third consecutive Hockey East coach of the year distinction after leading the Huskies to a 17-1-1 conference record. Northeastern defeated No. 7 Providence 6-2 in the Hockey East championship as Flint set the all-time record with 26 tournament wins in just 37 games.
Under Flint’s tutelage, goaltender Aerin Frankel became just the fourth goalie to earn the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, given to the country’s top women’s hockey player. Frankel is the second player under Flint to earn the prestigious honor, joining Kendall Coyne Schofield (2016).
Northeastern has won a NCAA-best 54 games over the last two seasons, posting an .881 winning percentage (54-6-3). The Huskies were the only program in the country to have three players named as Patty Kazmaier top-10 finalists with Alina Mueller and Skylar Fontaine joining Frankel.
The Huskies also led the country with four players being named to the CCM/AHCA All-American Teams; Frankel (1st team), Fontaine (1st team), Mueller (1st team) and Chloé Aurard (2nd team).
Alabama Huntsville readies for action before a road game in the 2020-21 season (photo: UAH Athletics).
As of May 5, 2021, Alabama Huntsville as not secured a conference home for the upcoming 2021-22 season, and has announced that the program will suspend its hockey operations, effective immediately.
If UAH ultimately secures conference membership, it plans to promptly reinstate its hockey program. However, UAH will not be eligible for conference play for at least one year upon receiving a conference invitation.
“We have been inspired by the unwavering support we have received from our UAH alumni and our community, and that inspiration has driven our tenacious efforts to secure a conference home, which is the foundational element of a successful and sustainable hockey program,” said UAH president Darren Dawson in a statement. “Despite our hard work, UAH has not received an invitation for conference membership, and thus we must unfortunately suspend our hockey program. This is in the best interest of our student-athletes and staff.”
In May 2020, UAH announced its plans to discontinue the men’s hockey program as one of several cost-saving measures forced by the financial uncertainties associated with COVID-19. Through a grassroots effort led by alumni and fans, UAH Hockey received $750,000 in private philanthropic support to extend the program for the 2020-21 season as UAH worked to secure membership in an NCAA Division I hockey conference. Conference membership is a vital component of a sustainable funding model, making it a requirement for the continuation of the UAH hockey program.
UAH officials and former UAH hockey All-Americans Taso Sofikitis and Sheldon Wolitski, leaders of the alumni group that provided private funds to support the 2020-21 season, agreed that the university would discontinue its hockey program if unable to secure a conference home by this spring.
In collaboration with the alumni group and with guidance from UAH’s Hockey Advisory Board, Atlantic Hockey and the CCHA were identified as potential home conferences that would provide for a long-term, sustainable hockey program. UAH subsequently submitted proposals to AHA and CCHA for consideration. The CCHA did not accept UAH’s proposal, and Atlantic Hockey has yet to formally respond to UAH’s proposal.
The timing of this announcement gives UAH student-athletes the opportunity to transfer and play at another institution amidst the uncertainty of the program’s future at UAH. Student-athletes who would like to join another institution’s roster will be released without penalty and are free to transfer immediately. For student-athletes on the men’s hockey team who wish to complete their education at UAH, their current scholarships will be honored for the duration of the students’ academic careers.
“I am endlessly grateful for our outstanding hockey student-athletes and staff, who chose to compete for UAH, despite an uncertain future, and made lasting contributions to our athletics program,” said UAH athletic director Cade Smith. “I also am appreciative for the unyielding support of the alumni group – especially Taso and Sheldon, who have been generous with their time and financial support as we have worked tirelessly to secure a conference membership invitation.”
UAH will continue to advocate for conference membership, which is required for the long-term continuation of the men’s hockey program.
“Although the suspension means that the 2021-22 season will not occur, I want to be very clear that this is not the end of UAH Hockey and, in fact, could be an opportunity for a new beginning. Taso and I have worked diligently with UAH administration, including Dr. Dawson, to develop a plan outlining UAH’s effort to secure conference membership,” said Wolitski. “If we achieve entry into a new conference, our multi-year, sustainable funding model will serve as the foundation of a reinvigorated UAH hockey program.”
“Bill Riga is the right person at the right time to lead our men’s ice hockey program,” Holy Cross director of athletics Marcus Blossom said in a statement. “He is a tireless recruiter, committed teacher and extremely competitive coach who has contributed to great successes as an assistant. He is ready for this moment. I am excited to welcome Bill and his family into our community, and I look forward to partnering with him as we elevate Holy Cross men’s ice hockey.”
“It is an honor and a blessing to be the next head men’s ice hockey coach at Holy Cross,” added Riga, a native of Westborough, Mass. “My family and I are grateful and humbled by this amazing opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started creating relationships with our student-athletes, members of our campus community, and our alumni who love this program.
“I would like to thank Fr. Boroughs, Marcus Blossom, Nick Smith and the entire search committee for having the faith in me to lead this program into the future. This is truly a homecoming for me, and I’m eager to lead our great student-athletes in relentless pursuit of excellence on the ice, in the classroom and in the community.”
Riga, who served as the Bobcats’ recruiting coordinator, also was the vice chair of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee, where he was one of three Division I coaches responsible for developing and implementing rule changes across the NCA, from 2016 to 2020.
“We are thrilled for Billy and Kim,” said Quinnipiac head coach Rand Pecknold. “He has been phenomenal at Quinnipiac over the past 13 seasons and was a key factor in our two Frozen Four runs and our 286 wins in 13 years. I wish Billy the best of luck at Holy Cross. He is an excellent coach, a great friend and he will be missed at Quinnipiac.”
Before joining the Bobcats, Riga served as an assistant coach at Union from 2003 to 2008.
Other stops for Riga include the EJHL’s Boston Jr. Bruins, where he was the associate head coach, and the Rivers School (ISL) as the head boys’ hockey coach and director of hockey.
A 1996 graduate of UMass Lowell, Riga was a four-year letter-winner for the River Hawks, playing in two NCAA tournaments and earning his bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology. He went on to earn his master’s in organizational leadership from Quinnipiac in 2015.
David Berard spent seven seasons behind the Holy Cross bench, guiding the Crusaders from 2014 to 2021 (photo: Holy Cross Athletics).
Providence announced Monday the hiring of David Berard as associate athletic director for men’s and women’s hockey.
Berard will provide leadership, management, and administrative oversight to the men’s and women’s hockey programs, as well as day-to-day supervision of Schneider Arena programs and events.
“We are thrilled that David will be returning to Providence College,” Providence athletic director Bob Driscoll said in a statement. “David has spent almost 30 years working in college hockey, including 20 years playing and coaching at Providence. He brings a vast knowledge of the game, our program and Providence College to this position. David is a tremendous person, who I trust to oversee our hockey programs on a day-to-day basis.”
“I am honored to accept the position as Associate Athletic Director for Men’s and Women’s Hockey,” added Berard. “I want to thank Bob Driscoll for his trust and confidence and for giving me the opportunity to return to Providence College. I look forward to supporting his vision and working alongside people that I deeply respect and admire. I am excited to work with Nate Leaman and Matt Kelly, their staffs and players to build on the success of both programs while positively impacting the student-athlete experience.”
Berard spent the last seven seasons as the head coach of the Holy Cross men’s hockey team, leading the Crusaders to an 84-116-34 mark in his tenure before stepping down in April.
In 2012-13, he served as the interim head coach at UConn and led the team to a 19-10-3 mark. Berard also had three different stints on the hockey staff at Providence, for a total of 16 seasons. He was an assistant coach at Providence from 1994 to 1996 and again from 1998 to 2011. He also served as the director of hockey operations for one season in 2013-14.
Berard also served as the top assistant coach at Lake Superior State for two years from 1996 to 1998. He served as recruiting coordinator during his time with the Lakers. Berard began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Colby for two years from 1992 to 1994.
A 1992 graduate and former goaltender in his playing days at PC, Berard was a member of one of the most successful classes to ever wear a Friar uniform, amassing a total of 87 wins over their four-year career. Berard was a member of three teams that reached the Hockey East championship tournament and two teams that qualified for the NCAA tournament.
Greg Carvel has coached UMass since the 2016-17 season (photo: UMass Athletics).
Massachusetts coach Greg Carvel, who guided the Minutemen to the 2021 national championship, the school’s first in hockey, will be the commencement speaker at the university’s undergraduate ceremonies on Friday, May 14 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.
Carvel is in his fifth season as UMass’ coach and is also a UMass graduate, earning a master’s degree in sport management in 1998.
Due to pandemic restrictions, commencement will take the form of four smaller and short ceremonies. Carvel will speak in person at all four ceremonies over the course of the day.
Each ceremony will run approximately 40 minutes and will also feature UMass Amherst chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, who will confer degrees, and a student speaker. The ceremonies will also be livestreamed on the commencement website.
“It has been such a pleasure to watch Greg Carvel lead his team of young men from the bottom of Hockey East to the top of college hockey,” said Subbaswamy in a news release. “He is the best college hockey coach in the country. He coaches character as hard as he coaches skill. And he brings a work ethic, a savviness and an intellect that you would expect from a UMass Amherst alum.”
UMass defeated St. Cloud State 5-0 on April 10. Carvel was the 2019 Spencer Penrose winner and 2021 Spencer Penrose runner-up, awarded annually to the top NCAA Division I men’s hockey coach by the American Hockey Coaches Association. He also garnered recognition from USCHO.com as the national coach of the year in 2021.
Last season, finished 11-9-1 with a 1.89 GAA, a .930 save percentage and five shutouts for the Wolverines. He was also the first goalie in 78 years to serve as team captain for Michigan.
Overall in his three seasons in Ann Arbor, Mann was 35-30-9 with a 2.14 GAA, .926 save percentage and 11 shutouts.
Mike Kemp watches NCHC action from the pod at Baxter Arena to kick off the 2020-21 season (photo: Mark Kuhlmann),
For his service to the NCHC and NCAA men’s hockey during a difficult 2020-21 season, Omaha senior associate athletic director Mike Kemp has been honored with the 2021 NCHC Commissioner’s Award.
During a turbulent and trying 2020-21 season, Kemp spearheaded two of the most important events for the NCHC and NCAA this season in leading the organizing efforts for both the NCHC pod and 2021 NCAA tournament.
“Simply put, without the service and dedication by Mike Kemp, the success of the 2020-21 NCHC season and NCAA men’s ice hockey tournament does not happen,” NCHC commissioner Josh Fenton said in a statement. “Our conference is incredibly grateful for Mike’s efforts to help the membership start the NCHC season successfully within the pod. The overall men’s college hockey community is also very thankful for his leadership in selecting the field in a very non-traditional manner and running a successful tournament.”
Along with his duties at Omaha and Baxter Arena, Kemp completed his first year as chair of the Division I Men’s NCAA Ice Hockey Championship Committee in 2020-21.
“During a challenging year for all of us in collegiate athletics, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the NCHC Commissioner’s Award than Coach Kemp,” said Omaha vice chancellor for Athletics Trev Alberts. “The NCHC pod to start the season and the NCAA hockey tournament were executed flawlessly and safely thanks to the dedicated focus and passion of Mike Kemp.”
Kemp has been a part of the Mavericks’ family for nearly 25 years, serving in multiple roles. He has served in his current role as Omaha senior associate AD for events and facilities since being promoted in March of 2019. Prior to that, he was an associate athletic director at UNO for 12 years, moving into that role in 2009 after completing a 12-year run as the program’s first head hockey coach. A member of the Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame and Omaha Sports Hall of Fame, Kemp helped start the Omaha hockey program in 1997, joining the staff in 1996, and now oversees UNO’s hockey program and Baxter Arena in his current position.
“I am truly humbled and grateful to receive this award. To me, recognition by your peers is the ultimate acknowledgement of a person’s achievements, so I am especially honored by this recognition of my work,” Kemp said. “I have been working full-time in college athletics for 45 years, and hockey has been my passion since I started coaching college club hockey at the age of 23, so to have this group express appreciation for my efforts on behalf of the game this past year is incredibly special.”
The NCHC Commissioner’s Award does not have to be presented annually. The recipient may be any person associated with the NCHC and may be a current or former athletics administrator, faculty athletics representative, coach, Conference office staff member or an individual not associated directly with any institution or the conference office.
The last time the award was presented was in 2019 when former Colorado College director of athletics Ken Ralph earned the accolades.
