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Gustavus Adolphus women’s hockey assistant coach, former Gusties standout Peterson promoted to associate head coach

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Andrea Peterson was successful as a player at Gustavus and has found new success as a coach with the Gusties (photo: CJ Siewert).

Andrea Peterson, assistant women’s hockey coach at Gustavus Adolphus and the program’s most decorated player, has been promoted to associate head coach of the team.

“I couldn’t be more excited and proud to announce the promotion of Andrea to associate head coach,” said Gusties head coach Mike Carroll in a statement. “Over her time here at Gustavus, first as a player and then as an assistant coach, she has played a big part in our success in building this program. She continues to set an excellent example to our current players, alumni, and future Gusties through her hard work, passion, and excellent communication skills in teaching the game.”

Peterson returned to the Gusties coaching staff in 2022 after previously serving as a girls’ high school hockey coach. She was an assistant coach at Gustavus from 2007 to 2011 before moving on to New Prague Area Schools where she was a physical education teacher and head girls hockey coach from 2012 to 2018. Since 2015, Peterson has taught at Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and was an assistant girls hockey coach at Prior Lake from 2019 to 2022.

The Gustavus women’s hockey team has claimed six MIAC regular season titles, six playoff championships, made six NCAA tournament appearances, and collected the program’s only national championship in Peterson’s seven total years on the coaching staff.

“I’m super excited to step into this new role with the team,” Peterson said. “This program has been a part of my life for over 20 years now, and I couldn’t be happier to continue to work with Coach Carroll and the rest of our staff. It’s an honor to be a part of this deep tradition with so many former athletes now serving as coaches – it’s a perfect example of the lasting impact Gustavus and this program have on the lives of our athletes and alumni. I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity; I love our players and this program, and I’m looking forward to getting the season started.”

Peterson became one of the greatest Division III women’s hockey players of all time in her career and is in a league of her own when looking at the rich history of the Gustavus women’s hockey program. Peterson is the only player in the history of the MIAC to be selected player of the year all four seasons. Recognized as the most competitive skater on the ice whenever she played, Peterson earned All-American honors all four years and finished her collegiate career as the 2006-07 Laura Hurd Award winner (Division III player of the year) and the Gustavus female athlete of the year.

She was inducted into the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.

Holy Cross extends Riga through 2028-29 college hockey season, promotes Sommer to associate head coach

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Castan Sommer and Bill Riga talk strategy during a Holy Cross game during the 2023-24 season (photo: Holy Cross Athletics).

Holy Cross and head men’s hockey coach Bill Riga have agreed to a restructured contract that will keep the coach in Worcester, Mass., until 2029.

In addition, assistant coach Castan Sommer has been promoted to associate head coach.

The Holy Cross program has shown constant improvement during Riga’s three-year tenure, increasing their victory total every season. After the Crusaders won just four games the year prior to Riga’s arrival, the team totaled 12 wins in 2021-22, 17 in 2022-23 and 21 in 2023-24.

“Crusader men’s ice hockey has experienced unprecedented growth under Bill’s leadership, and I am thrilled to announce this new deal to keep the Riga family home here at Holy Cross,” said Holy Cross VP for intercollegiate athletics Kit Hughes in a statement. “Bill’s sense of urgency and attention to detail are just two of many qualities that have greatly benefited our program these last three years, and I am excited to support him as we continue to pursue our highest, championship tradition here at the college. We are committed to excellence and the continued growth of our program, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds under Bill’s leadership.”

During the 2023-24 campaign, Riga led Holy Cross to an overall record of 21-14-4 and a 13-10-3 mark in Atlantic Hockey play. The Crusaders finished in second place in the conference regular-season standings and advanced to the semifinals of the Atlantic Hockey tournament.

“I would like to thank President Rougeau and VP for intercollegiate athletics Kit Hughes for this continued opportunity for our staff to lead the Holy Cross men’s ice hockey program into the future,” Riga said. “My family and I have been welcomed with open arms into the community and we are happy to continue to live and work at such a special place.

“Our work here does not change. We continue to push forward for comprehensive excellence in all areas each day, every day. And I am excited to do it here with our talented student-athletes and my incredible staff.”

In 2022-23, Riga’s squad ended the year strong by winning six of its final nine regular-season games. Holy Cross then finished as the runner-up in the Atlantic Hockey tournament, winning road series over AIC in the quarterfinals and against No. 20 RIT in the semifinals.

Sommer is entering his fourth year on the men’s hockey staff at Holy Cross. Prior to joining Riga’s staff, Sommer served as an assistant coach for the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds from 2017 to 2021. Before joining the Thunderbirds, Sommer worked as a skating coach at the San Jose Sharks development camp.

“I am happy to promote Castan Sommer to associate head coach of our hockey program,” said Riga. “In addition to his great work ethic, an eye for talent and a comprehensive knowledge of the game, Castan demonstrates a passion for what he does and often takes initiative for new projects, while also finding creative ways to make us better on his own accord. We are better for it as a staff, and our program has grown quickly because of it. This title is well-earned, and we are fortunate to have him.”

College Hockey Inc. elevates Hogan from senior director of men’s hockey athlete relations to new executive director

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HOGAN

College Hockey Inc. announced Monday that Sean Hogan will serve as the organization’s new executive director.

Hogan was elevated from his previous position of senior director of men’s hockey athlete relations and will begin his new role effective immediately, taking over for Mike Snee, who left earlier this summer for a job in the NHL with the Minnesota Wild.

“Sean rose to the top of a strong pool of candidates, and I’m excited for him as he takes the helm at College Hockey Inc.,” said College Hockey Inc. board chair and Hockey East commissioner Steve Metcalf in a statement. “I look forward to working with him to promote and grow college hockey, especially in the ever-changing NCAA landscape.”

Hogan, who resides in East Lansing, Mich., joined College Hockey Inc. in 2019 as its director of education and led the organization’s efforts to promote NCAA hockey awareness to talented young hockey players, their families, coaches and advisors. He brought with him extensive college hockey coaching experience, having served as an ACHA head coach at Ohio (2014-19), Arizona (2011-14) and Oakland (2005-09).

Hogan also served on the coaching staff of USA Hockey’s Men’s National University team three times, including as head coach in 2017, and was a volunteer assistant coach with Western Michigan in 2010-11.

Hogan played collegiately at Iona and graduated from Michigan State in 2001. He earned his master’s degree from Ohio University in 2016.

“I want to thank the Hockey Commissioners Association and our board of directors for the opportunity to lead College Hockey Inc.,” said Hogan. “I also wish to thank (College Hockey Inc. director of communications) Jayson Hajdu and (director of women’s hockey) Sadie Lundquist for the tremendous job they do at College Hockey Inc., and Mike Snee for his years of leadership.

“I have a deep passion for the mission of College Hockey Inc. and believe strongly in the opportunities that college hockey provides men and women, both on the ice and in the classroom. I look forward to continuing the work to move all of college hockey forward.”

Hogan’s family includes his wife, Meagan, and their two children, son Mack and daughter Collins.

CCHA assistant commissioner, former WCHA associate commissioner Thibodeau leaves post, takes junior hockey role as SIJHL commissioner

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THIBODEAU

The Superior International Junior Hockey League has announced the hiring of its new commissioner, Dean Thibodeau.

Thibodeau joins the league following his time as the assistant commissioner of the CCHA and the associate commissioner of hockey operations with the WCHA.

“I appreciated the opportunity to continue my personal and professional growth with the new league [CCHA] through its inception in 2021,” said Thibodeau in a statement. “Thank you to commissioner Don Lucia, the CCHA conference staff, and the league administrators for three exciting seasons full of great experience. I am excited to open up a new chapter as commissioner of the SIJHL and wish the CCHA the best in its future.”

Founded in 2001, the SIJHL is a member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League and Hockey Canada. The league operates in Ontario, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Winners of the SIJHL playoffs compete for the Centennial Cup against the other eight CJHL leagues.

In his role with both the CCHA and WCHA, Thibodeau managed business and hockey administration activities, including financial management, serving as director of the Mason Cup playoffs and WCHA Final Face-Off championship and planning both conference’s AHCA annual meetings in Naples, Fla.

“Dean did an outstanding job behind the scenes to make sure all the day-to-day operations in the CCHA ran smoothly,” said Lucia. “He was a valuable member of our CCHA staff and he will be missed. Dean will do an outstanding job as commissioner of the SIJHL and I wish him all the best moving forward.”

Thibodeau is described as a results-driven sports management professional with a proven track record of nurturing continuous growth and administrative success. He is adept at fostering collaboration among partners and maximizing it for the benefit of all parties, a progressive problem-solver and strategic thinker who strives toward achieving operational efficiency.

Thibodeau holds a Master of Business Administration from Bowling Green and brings with him over 15 years of hockey administration experience.

After two seasons at Northland, Hawkins named new assistant coach for women’s hockey team at St. Scholastica

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Natasha Hawkins spent two seasons at Northland (photo: Northland Athletics).

St. Scholastica has hired Natasha Hawkins as the new assistant coach for the women’s hockey team.

Hawkins joins the staff after serving as the head coach at Northland for the 2023-24 season. She was originally hired as assistant coach at Northland in 2022. While at Northland, Hawkins was also the strength and conditioning coach.

“We are excited to welcome Natasha to the Saints,” said CSS head coach Julianne Vasichek in a statement. “Her experience coaching at the collegiate level and the relationships she has built in the hockey community in the United States and Canada will continue to strengthen the St. Scholastica women’s hockey program. I want to thank my colleagues Jason Schmitz and Seth Betts for their work through the search process.”

“First, I would like to thank Julianne Vasichek and the Saint Scholastica athletic department for the opportunity to become part of the St. Scholastica Saints family,” added Hawkins. “I am extremely excited to be a member of the women’s hockey program and help our student-athletes thrive on the ice, in the gym and in the classroom.”

Hawkins graduated from New England College where she played hockey and earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She later acquired a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Merrimack, where her coaching career began following her playing career. She also was a fellow strength and conditioning coach at Bentley

St. Norbert men’s, women’s hockey teams getting new locker rooms, amenities as part of Cornerstone Community Center rink addition

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The St. Norbert locker rooms will be getting an upgrade for the 2025-26 season (photo rendering: St. Norbert Athletics).

St. Norbert’s men’s and women’s hockey programs will have new locker room space and amenities as part of a rink addition at the Cornerstone Community Center in De Pere, Wis.

The Green Knights will have dedicated locker rooms, athletic training and coaching and support staff space as part of the new rink, which is scheduled to open in fall 2025. St. Norbert has privately fundraised $1.5 million for its part of the rink addition. The overall project, also using dollars fundraised by the Cornerstone Community Center, will cost about $22 million.

“This transformative project will greatly enhance our student-athlete experience pillar while reinforcing a longstanding community partnership,” St. Norbert athletics director Cam Fuller said in a statement. “It reflects our dedicated efforts to optimize our athletics department as we strive for competitive excellence.”

The new rink, which will be located directly south of the current St. Norbert men’s home ice sheet, will feature bowl seating for about 3,000 people. Groundbreaking on the new arena will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 27 at the building site.

“Providing our varsity and ACHA hockey programs with first-class training and competition facilities amplifies our pillars of community building, athletic competitiveness, and student-athlete experience,” St. Norbert president Laurie Joyner said. “This public partnership benefits both our hockey programs and the community, positioning us to fight for championships.”

St. Norbert’s men’s program moved into its current facility in fall 2000, while the women’s program has called the adjacent Resch Olympic Pavilion home since the program began in fall 2010.

“Twelve Frozen Fours, nine national championship games, five titles, 60-plus All-Americans, five national players of the year…the men’s program has created an impressive legacy, and the best is yet to come,” St. Norbert men’s hockey coach Tim Coghlin said. “To be able to move into the new rink at the Cornerstone, and to build the facilities that our athletes deserve, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we are excited about it.”

“This is such an exciting time for the Green Knights hockey programs,” St. Norbert women’s hockey coach A.J. Aitken said. “The new rink addition to Cornerstone and state-of-the-art locker rooms is a once-in-a-lifetime dream to be a part of. We can’t thank enough to all the people behind the scenes working on this project and more importantly the donations and support for all those that have contributed. I am so honored to be a part of the new rink addition and the legacy of the Green Knights hockey community. I thank you all for your generosity and commitment to growing the game of hockey in Green Bay.”

St. Norbert’s ACHA men’s hockey program will start play in fall 2025. That program will take over the current women’s hockey team locker room space at Resch Olympic Pavilion. The ACHA team will play in Resch Olympic Pavilion as well as the new rink as scheduling allows.

Former Minnesota goalie Räty, ex-Augsburg player, Mercyhurst assistant Ach named new assistant coaches for St. Cloud State women’s hockey team

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Noora Räty and Emily Ach have been named new assistant coaches for the St. Cloud State women’s hockey team.

St. Cloud State has announced the addition of Noora Räty and Emily Ach to the women’s hockey coaching staff as assistant coaches ahead of the 2024-25 season.

“We’re excited to add Noora to our staff and bring Emily back to St. Cloud in a full-time role,” said SCSU head coach Brian Idalski in a statement. “Noora brings a wealth of high-level experience from her successful playing career and understands the grind that is the WCHA. Emily is familiar with the program after previously spending two years with us, which is a huge benefit. Even though she is young in her coaching career, she brings great experience.”

“Thank you to Brian Idalski and director of athletics Holly Schreiner for the opportunity to join St. Cloud State,” said Räty. “I’m excited to work alongside a great staff. Brian was one of the best, if not the best, head coaches I had during my career, so it is an honor to work for him now. I’m looking forward to making an impact in our student-athletes’ lives on and off the ice.”

“I am extremely excited to be back at St. Cloud State with Brian, Jinelle and the addition of Noora,” said Ach. “I believe in what this program can achieve and I’m excited to be a part of it. I am looking forward to the season ahead with the staff, players and fans. Go Huskies.”

Räty comes to St. Cloud after spending the 2023-24 season as the goaltenders coach for Shenzhen Kunlun Red Star of the Chinese Women’s Ice Hockey League (WCIHL) where she helped the team win the league’s inaugural championship. Prior to her first season as a coach in China, Räty spent 19 years as a goaltender at the collegiate, professional and international level.

Regarded as one of the best goaltenders in the world, Räty represented Finland in four Olympic Games and nine IIHF World Championships, winning two Olympic bronze medals and five IIHF medals (one silver and four bronze). At the Olympics, she was named an all-star once and at the World Championships, she won the best goaltender Award five times, was named to the all-star team four times and earned MVP honors once. Räty was a three-time champion while playing in Russia (Russian Women’s Hockey League/Zhenskaya Hockey League) and was named the goaltender of the year in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL).

During her collegiate career at Minnesota, Räty was a two-time All-American and won two NCAA tournament championships. She owns the NCAA record for winning percentage in a season (1.000, 38-0-0, 2013). In the NCAA record book, Räty currently ranks second in career goalie shutouts (43), tied for second in career goalie wins (114), tied for second in goalie shutouts in a season (17, 2013), fifth in career save percentage (.946), tied for seventh in careers goals-against average (1.34), tied for seventh in season save percentage (.956, 2013), tied for eighth in career goalie winning percentage (.849), 10th in season goals against average (0.96, 2013) and 19th in career saves (3,250). She led the NCAA in save percentage (.956, 2013), goals-against average (1.35, 2012) and goalie winning percentage (1.000, 2013).

Prior to her NCAA career, Räty enjoyed success in the Naisten SM-sarja, the top women’s hockey league in Finland (renamed Naisten Liiga in 2017). Räty was a three-time champion and two-time most valuable performer of the playoffs. She was also named rookie of the year in 2005-06 before being named to the all-star team and the best goaltender in 2006-07.

Ach returns to SCSU after spending the 2023-24 season as an assistant coach at Mercyhurst. Prior to Mercyhurst, she spent two seasons as the SCSU women’s hockey operations and video coordinator graduate assistant after an extremely successful playing career at Augsburg. As a player, Ach earned all-MIAC honors her senior season and spent two years with PWHPA Minnesota post-graduation.

She graduated from Park Center High School in 2016 where she participated in hockey, softball and cross country. At Park Center, she was named the female athlete of the year and received all-conference honors her junior and senior seasons on the ice. Ach began playing hockey at the age of five for the North Metro Youth Hockey Association.

Ach earned her master’s degree from St. Cloud State in Sports Management and her bachelor’s degree from Augsburg in Elementary and Mathematics Education.

Bingham takes over for Silverman as new Post women’s hockey head coach, aims to ‘strive for excellence on and off the ice’

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BINGHAM

Pat Bingham has been named the third head coach in Post women’s hockey history.

Bingham’s arrival comes after the departure of Gretchen Silverman following the end of her second season with the Eagles during the 2023-24 season.

“I am incredibly excited and grateful to accept the position as the head coach of the Division I women’s ice hockey team at Post University,” Bingham said in a statement “The wonderful people at Post have been so welcoming and I am honored to join such a passionate group of players and an outstanding athletic department. I want to give a special thanks to (athletic operations manager) AJ McNamara for his exceptional leadership, passion for the women’s team, and dedication to the school.

“Together, we will strive for excellence on and off the ice, and I cannot wait to get started.”

Most recently, Bingham has been the president and hockey director of the Colorado Rampage youth hockey association and as a coach has led the Rampage to nine Colorado state championships and four Rocky Mountain District championships while producing 25 professional hockey players, 77 NCAA players, and over 110 Tier I and Tier II junior players as of this year.

Coming to the East Coast is familiar territory for Bingham who has a plethora of experience at the professional hockey level both as a player and a coach. Bingham’s playing days began back in 1985 with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers before bouncing to the New Westminster Bruins for a couple seasons and back to the Blazers for one more in 1988.

During the 1989-90 season, Bingham split time with the Nashville Knights of the East Coast Hockey League and AHL’s Binghamton Whalers.

From 1990 to 1992, Bingham played in the ECHL for the Nashville Knights, Hampton Roads Admirals, and Richmond Renegades along with a brief stint with the Colonial Hockey League’s Brantford Smoke. The Vancouver native closed out his playing days with the Lakeland Ice Warriors, Jacksonville Bullets, and Lakeland Prowlers, all of the Sunshine Hockey League, until 1996.

In all, Bingham appeared in 532 games, scoring 115 goals and adding 206 assists as a defenseman.

Two years following the end of his playing career, Bingham began to climb the coaching ranks as he started as the Southern Hockey League’s Huntsville Channel Cats’ assistant coach before being named head coach and GM a year later. From there, Bingham joined the Asheville Smoke in the United Hockey League as their head coach and GM for a season where he went 45-22-7 to capture their only division title in team history.

From 2001 to 2005, Bingham went from the assistant coach of the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers to the head coach of the Adirondack Ice Hawks in the UHL. In his first season with the Nailers, Bingham was named the ECHL coach of the year.

While Bingham only spent a season as the assistant coach of the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers before a year as the Fort Wayne Komets head coach in the CHL where he had another 50-win season, he returned to Bridgeport after that year-long stint in Fort Wayne for the next four years in Connecticut. Primarily serving as the assistant coach, Bingham took over the head coach position after Bridgeport started the 2010-11 season with a 6-9-0 record and pieced together a 24-30-4-7 campaign while working with 63 players throughout the season.

That role allowed Bingham to make the leap back to head coach again with the Elmira Jackals in the ECHL.

Across his seven seasons as the head coach of professional hockey organizations, Bingham has amassed a 335-196-48 record, good for a .620 winning percentage.

Atlantic Hockey America tabs McKenney assistant commissioner for operations, Grootenhuis director of communications

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Cole McKenney and Connor Grootenhuis are the two newest AHA staffers.

Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Atlantic Hockey America has added Cole McKenney as assistant commissioner for operations and Connor Grootenhuis as director of communications.

McKenney is responsible for the daily operations for the conference, as well as business operations and travel logistics for officials.

“Joining the AHA is an incredible opportunity, and I’m excited to contribute to the growth and success of the conference,” said McKenney in a statement. “I’m eager to get to work with both our staff and our teams to elevate our initiatives and drive meaningful progress. I look forward to working together to achieve excellence and make a lasting impact.”

McKenney comes to Atlantic Hockey America from Northeastern where he spent three seasons as the business operations coordinator after one year as a graduate assistant. He was responsible for managing the department’s daily business operations, which included invoice payments, team travel logistics, and contract submissions. In addition, he served as the liaison between the university’s main office and athletics office.

McKenney earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Northeastern in December 2020. He later earned his master’s degree in Sports Leadership from Northeastern in July of 2022.

Grootenhuis is responsible for spearheading all aspects of conference communications including media guides, news releases, statistical management, archival records, and reports of the conference office.

“I want to thank Commissioner (Michelle) Morgan for this great opportunity to join Atlantic Hockey America as director of communications,” said Grootenhuis. “I am excited to work with our staff and member institutions to grow the brand of Atlantic Hockey America.”

Prior to starting with the AHA, Grootenhuis was a content manager and managing editor for Catena Media from 2021 to 2024. He developed, produced, and edited a wide variety of digital sports content, which included coverage of the NCAA tournament and Frozen Four.

A 2017 graduate of Miami, Grootenhuis has worked in college athletics in a variety of roles. At Miami, he was a member of the sports broadcasting crew for RedHawks home hockey games at Steve Cady Arena. He also worked as a camera operator for Miami football, baseball, softball, field hockey, and men’s and women’s basketball games. In addition, he served as a graduate assistant and video coordinator for the Tulane athletic department while obtaining his master’s degree.

Entering its 40th year of competition, Commonwealth Coast Conference takes new identity, rebrands to Conference of New England

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The Commonwealth Coast Conference is now the Conference of New England.

The CNE, which has teams in both men’s and women’s NCAA Division III hockey, partnered with the New Jersey-based agency SKYE, leaders in sport branding, to conduct a thorough brand analysis and develop a refreshed set of logos.

“This is a historic day for our conference as we announce our commitment towards a deliberate and comprehensive philosophy that effectively equips our campus leaders with the ability to collectively support our student-athletes and institutions,” said CNE commissioner Patrick Colbert in a statement. “It was important that through this process we developed a brand strategy that focused on our priorities as innovative leaders in our space as we look to chart a new course forward that serves our student-athletes at the highest level.”

“This new identity builds on the strength of our history as a conference while also highlighting its forward momentum and growing reach, including our geographic footprint, reputation, and quality of the athletic experience we offer student-athletes,” added Marisa Kelly, Suffolk president and chair of the CNE’s board of directors. “The Conference of New England is increasingly competing on a regional and even a national level, and the reimagination of the brand shines a new light on our momentum and growth.”

The CNE enters its 40th year as a conference and last changed logos in 2019. However, this is the first name change for the conference in its existence.

“This rebranding better aligns with the makeup of our member institutions and captures the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our conference,” said Endicott president Dr. Steven R. DiSalvo, also past CNE chair. “It emphasizes our collective goal to enhance the student-athlete experience through robust competition and comprehensive support. The Conference of New England stands as a testament to our shared vision for a brighter future, where our student-athletes continue to excel and inspire.”

“I am excited to see this initiative realized,” said University of New England director of athletics and member of the conference’s rebranding committee Heather Davis. “After months of collaboration with student-athletes, coaches, and staff, I am proud of the outcome and grateful for my role in it. It honors our history, celebrates our present, and guides our future.”

The committee worked with SKYE to provide insight into the conference identity so that the new brand identity would accurately reflect the CNE.

“The CNE identity fuses the conference’s essence of unified leadership with its New England home,” said SKYE founder Skye Dillon. “The marks are simple, but the story is rich — rich in values, heritage, athletic ambition, and an inspired vision for what the future holds.”

A critical component of this project centered around the development of a new name that was indicative of our member footprint and its demographics while also highlighting the advantage the conference has being located in one of the most competitive and prestigious regions in Division III: New England. Secondly, the membership focused on key philosophical ideologies to attach to a new brand identity that emphasized four key pillars:

— Bringing innovative thought into the decision making process in order to better support the ever-evolving needs of our student-athletes. The ability to be nimble, dynamic and constantly exploring new methodologies to optimize the college experience for student-athletes is crucial.
— Collaboration and being united as ONE in how we operate. The power of our impact starts with a connected vision and purpose.
— The foundation of our region is its strength, grit and determination. All of these traits filter through the successes our institutions have academically, athletically and within their communities, while all located in prospering areas of the New England footprint.
— We are competitors by nature, and our membership is committed towards aspiring to new heights regionally and nationally through our resilience and resolve.

Colbert added, “This initiative would not have been possible without the commitment and leadership of our board of directors and athletic directors who provided sound guidance and support through the entirety of this process. In addition, the time and effort put forth by our rebranding committee was instrumental towards the successful completion of this initiative, and their support and communication were crucial towards a successful collaboration between the various constituencies within our conference.”

Defending Cleary Cup champ Quinnipiac to face defending Whitelaw Cup champ Cornell at 2024 Frozen Apple game Nov. 30 at Madison Square Garden

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Two top ECAC Hockey teams will convene on the storied ice in Manhattan on Saturday, Nov. 30, as Cornell will face Quinnipiac at the 2024 Frozen Apple at Madison Square Garden.

Puck drop between the Bobcats and Big Red is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

With regular-season contests already scheduled on Nov. 22 in Ithaca, N.Y., and Jan. 18 in Hamden, Conn., the meeting in New York City will serve as one of Cornell’s seven nonconference games for the 2024-25 season.

“I’m incredibly excited for this year’s Frozen Apple game at Madison Square Garden,” said Dr. Nicki Moore, Cornell’s director of athletics and physical education, in a statement. “I am eager to see two of the top programs in ECAC Hockey face each other at such a historic venue as they continue their longstanding rivalry. For Mike Schafer, it will be his final trip to the Garden as head coach, and as a driving force behind the annual Thanksgiving series, I know Cornell fans all around the world will cherish the opportunity to celebrate him in person.”

“We’re really excited to get back to Madison Square Garden. Over the years, we’ve tried to bring quality opponents,” added Schafer. “This year with Quinnipiac, obviously a rival in ECAC Hockey but also being a nationally-recognized name across the country as far as their success is concerned, we hope they bring a lot of fans and alumni to Madison Square Garden to make it a tremendous environment once again. We’re excited for our players and are looking forward to come down and play at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena.'”

Tickets for the game are on sale through bigredtix.com. Fans will be able to choose a section and seats will be assigned best available at time of purchase by the Cornell athletics ticketing office.

“We are really excited to get back to such a great venue and play in front of a large-scale audience,” Quinnipiac director of athletics Greg Amodio said. “Our experience in 2016 was incredible for our university and this night will serve again as a great way to bring together our greater New York City alumni and fans, as well as our Hamden faithful for another milestone night in Quinnipiac hockey.”

“We are very excited to head back to Madison Square Garden and participate in this year’s Frozen Apple,” added Quinnipiac coach Rand Pecknold. “It was a very memorable contest in 2016 and we can’t wait to get back to MSG for another great chapter in our rivalry with Cornell.”

ECAC Hockey commissioner Doug Christiansen said the night will be amazing on several levels.

“Part of playing in ECAC Hockey is having outstanding opportunities on and off the ice, and this matchup at Madison Square Garden is something special for the student-athletes, coaches, students, fans, and alumni,” added ECAC Hockey commissioner Doug Christiansen. “The defending Cleary Cup winner (Quinnipiac) versus the defending Whitelaw Cup champion (Cornell) is a matchup not to be missed. I am looking forward to a great night at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena.'”

‘Very exciting time’ as Union tabs Clarkson fixture Maci new head coach for Garnet Chargers women’s hockey team

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Tony Maci had been a longtime coach behind the Clarkson bench (photo: Clarkson Athletics).

Tony Maci has been named the next head coach of the Union women’s hockey team.

Earlier this offseason, Maci had been named associate head coach at Clarkson. He takes over for Josh Sciba, who took a job in the PWHL.

“I’m extremely thankful and humbled to have the opportunity to lead the Union College women’s hockey program,” Maci said in a statement. “I’d like to thank president David Harris, vice president for student affairs Annette Diorio, director of athletics Jim McLaughlin, Beth Tiffany, and everyone involved in the search process for giving me the opportunity to come to Schenectady. Throughout this whole process, I kept hearing the same thing about Union College and the campus community, and that was there are great people here. That is something I want to be a part of.”

“We are very happy to welcome someone with Tony’s experience to Union as our next head women’s hockey coach,” McLaughlin added. “His focus on the overall experience and support of student-athletes came through clearly during the interview process. As our program continues to develop and improve, Tony’s track record of success will be an incredible benefit to our players and what they look to achieve both on and off the ice.

“It is a very exciting time for our women’s hockey program, and I look forward to seeing Tony behind the bench this season.”

Maci has spent the last eight years on staff at Clarkson, serving as the top assistant on Matt Desrosiers’ staff before recently earning a promotion to associate head coach. During his time on the bench, the Golden Knights have blossomed into a perennial title contender, winning a pair of Division I national championships in 2017 and 2018, reaching four Frozen Fours and making the NCAA tournament seven times. As the team’s recruiting coordinator and skills coach, Maci has recruited and developed two Patty Kazmaier Award winners, nine AHCA All-Americans and 38 all-ECAC Hockey honorees during his time in Potsdam.

“I’d like to thank former athletics directors Steve Yianoukos and Scott Smalling, athletic director Laurel Kane, assistant athletics Director Ben Gaebel and especially head coach Matthew Desrosiers, as well as all of the student athlete and people involved in the Golden Knights women’s hockey program for the support throughout my career at Clarkson University,” Maci said. “This has not been an easy decision to leave the North Country and Clarkson, as it’s a special place for my family. It’s where I met my wife, Sarah, and where all three of our children have been born. It holds a special place in our hearts.”

Maci started his Division I coaching at fellow ECAC school Princeton, where he helped guide the Tigers to the NCAA tournament in 2015-16 with a 22-9-2 record, the most wins in program history at the time. He got his start in the college coaching ranks three years earlier as an assistant coach at Adrian, pushing the young program to a combined 59-15-6 record over three years and its first NCHA regular-season title in 2014-15.

A native of Grosse Ile, Mich., Maci graduated from St. Lawrence in 2005 with a degree in English and was a five-year member of the Saints men’s hockey team.

Maci takes over a Union women’s hockey program that is trending positively, having posted two of the three winningest seasons in the program’s Division I history in the last two years, including a program-record 11 wins in 2022-23. Last season, the team won a program-record four games in a row in December and January, capped by its second win over a nationally-ranked team with a 2-1 OT win at Penn State.

“We are going to be a group that works hard both on and off the ice, as well as in the community,” said Maci. “We will put a premium on player development first so that we can play an exciting skilled brand of hockey, while working hard as exceptional student-athletes in the classroom.”

Before moving to a brand-new facility at Mohawk Harbor in 2025, the Garnet Chargers will begin their final season in Messa Rink on Oct. 4 against RIT after a season-opening series at Robert Morris on Sept. 27-28.

Longtime college hockey coach Murphy named associate head coach with Providence women’s hockey team

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Ben Murphy comes to Providence from RPI (photo: Brett Bosley).

Providence has announced the hiring of Ben Murphy as associate head coach for the women’s hockey team.

With 16 seasons of collegiate coaching experience, Murphy comes to Providence after a stint with RPI’s women’s hockey program in 2023-24. Prior to RPI, Murphy had two stints with the men’s hockey program at Bentley (2009-19 and 2022-23) and spent three seasons with the St. Lawrence men’s program from 2019 to 2022.

At Bentley, Murphy helped guide the Falcons to a program record for wins in a season (19 in 2013-14) and a program record eight-game winning streak during the 2018-19 campaign. Murphy also helped Bentley to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in program history in 2013-14 and 2014-15. He helped recruit the program’s first NHL draft pick, seven of Bentley’s 100-plus career points scorers, the program’s leader in all major goaltending statistical categories, and the all-time leading scorer for defensemen in school history.

Murphy’s three-year tenure at St. Lawrence included an ECAC Hockey title in 2020-21. He was pivotal in recruiting for the Saints as well as working with the forwards in both skill development and situational/tactical development. He also handled the team’s power play, coordinated pre-scouting reports and helped coordinate program outreach and community service.

Murphy began his coaching career as an assistant with the Wichita Thunder of the CHL (2006-08) and Castleton State (2008-09). He was a four-year member of the hockey program at Maine (2001-05) where he helped lead the Black Bears to four NCAA tournament berths, including two appearances in the national championship game in 2002 and 2005.

Hockey East commissioner Metcalf signs two-year contract extension through 2026-27 college hockey season

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Steve Metcalf has served as Hockey East commissioner since 2020 (photo: New Hampshire Athletics).

Hockey East announced Thursday that Steve Metcalf has received a two-year contract extension to remain commissioner through the 2026-27 season.

“We’re very excited to have Steve leading Hockey East into the future,” said Northeastern’s Jim Madigan, who serves as chair of the executive committee for the men’s league, in a statement. “He navigated us through a global pandemic at the start of his tenure, greatly expanded our external reach to the passionate fans across the league and helped foster a first-class experience for the student-athletes of our member institutions. We look forward to his continued leadership in elevating our great conference.”

“We are pleased to extend Steve’s contract and are appreciative of both his leadership and our growth as a league during his tenure,” added Maine’s Jude Killy, who serves as chair of the executive committee for the women’s league. “Our brand as a league will continue to ascend under his guidance.”

Metcalf enters his fifth season as commissioner of Hockey East in 2024-25, coming off unprecedented success of the 40th anniversary season in 2023-24 which saw a sold-out TD Garden crowd for the men’s championship weekend for the first time since 2005, the most well-attended women’s championship tournament in league history, and record numbers of alumni in both the NHL and PWHL. Last season also resulted in record-setting viewership numbers on both NESN and ESPN for Hockey East games, with over two million fans tuning in throughout the season to watch the nation’s top-ranked teams.

During his time with Hockey East, Metcalf has reemphasized a commitment to the student-athlete experience and has driven new and creative ways for the league to connect with fans across the country through strategic marketing initiatives. He also spearheaded the league’s current partnership with Van Wagner.

Prior to the 2022-23 season, Metcalf was elected by his peers to become president of the Hockey Commissioners Association and with this appointment also became the chair of the College Hockey, Inc. board. In these roles, he works closely with the NHL on various partnerships to grow and support hockey at all levels.

In Metcalf’s second season in 2021-22, Hockey East televised over 100 games on NESN. In April 2022, Hockey East played host to one of the most successful men’s Frozen Fours in history and announced new media rights agreements with both ESPN and NESN.

The 2020-21 season was undoubtedly one of the most challenging years ever in the world of collegiate sports. Hockey East developed comprehensive COVID-19 protocols that helped the league successfully play more games than any other conference. The season ended with UMass winning its first NCAA national championship in Pittsburgh and the Northeastern women’s team playing in the national championship game in Erie, Pa.

Prior to his tenure at Hockey East, Metcalf spent two decades in athletic administration at New Hampshire, finishing his time there as deputy athletic director. Metcalf was a member of the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Committee from 2015 to 2020 and served as its chair for his last two years. Previously, Metcalf has also served as chair for the NCAA National Collegiate Women’s Ice Hockey Committee and the NCAA National Collegiate Skiing Committee.

Curry men’s hockey graduate Ochterbeck returns to alma mater as new assistant coach for women’s hockey team

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OCHTERBECK

Alex Ochterbeck has been named assistant coach of the Curry women’s hockey team.

Ochterbeck graduated Summa Cum Laude from Curry in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. He was a standout player for the men’s hockey team from 2018 to 2022.

In his sophomore season, he was named to the CCC second team after being tied for second in the league for goals and tied for fifth for assists. He also was featured on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10 as the No. 3 play on Jan. 14, 2020 after scoring a between-the legs-shootout goal.

He finished his career as a Colonel with 67 points in 83 games played.

Ochterbeck also served as a men’s hockey SAAC representative while current women’s hockey head coach Kelly Rider served as the SAAC advisor.

Recently, Ochterbeck has been working in his family’s business, financial advising. He also has spent time volunteering at a local food bank once a week.

Minnesota, Bemidji State to play U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women’s Face-Off Classic in Lakeville, Minn., on New Year’s Day 2025

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The Lakeville Hasse Arena will be home to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women’s Face-Off Classic on New Year’s Day 2025 (photo: lakevillearenas.org).

Minnesota and Bemidji State will battle in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women’s Face-Off Classic on Jan. 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. CST, at Lakeville Hasse Arena in Lakeville, Minn.

The teams will battle for the Hall of Fame Game Trophy.

The annual game will raise awareness for the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth, Minn., and showcases women’s college hockey at its highest level.

“Our team is really excited to participate in the Hall of Fame game,” said Gophers coach Brad Frost in a news release. “It’s another opportunity to showcase the highest level of collegiate hockey to the masses. We can’t wait to play in Lakeville.”

“We are thrilled to be a part of the women’s Hall of Fame game and look forward to playing in Lakeville,” added Bemidji State coach Amber Fryklund. “What a great opportunity to inspire the next generation of hockey players by showcasing an NCAA D-I women’s hockey game in the Lakeville community. It will be an exciting experience and environment for the players, fans, and hockey community.”

Lakeville Hockey Association president Dan Klocke is equally excited.

“It is with great excitement and pride that Lakeville is hosting this amazing event showcasing top women’s hockey players,” Klocke said. “Our town is home to a thriving youth hockey program, and we are proud to unveil our newly installed outdoor ice sheet this season. This is a clear indication of Lakeville’s commitment to the sport. Our girls youth program has flourished, thanks to the dedication of the countless community leaders. This event offers a unique chance to link our program with elite level hockey.”

Additional event details and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.

After three seasons as assistant coach with Wisconsin-Stout men’s hockey team, Janda leaves for same role at Wisconsin-Eau Claire

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JANDA

Wisconsin-Eau Claire has announced the hiring of Mike Janda as an assistant coach for the men’s hockey team.

Janda joins the Blugolds coaching staff after spending the past three seasons at UW-Stout where he helped the Blue Devils reach their first winning season since 2019 in 2023.

“This is an unreal day for Blugold hockey,” said UWEC head coach Matt Loen in a statement. “Mike is a tremendous coach, recruiter and person and his experiences in youth, junior and college hockey speak for itself. Being familiar with the WIAC made it an easy choice to add Mike to our staff. He will be a huge addition to our program as we chase another national championship.”

Before UW-Stout, Janda spent eight years with the San Jose Jr. Sharks program in San Jose, Calif. With the Jr. Sharks, Janda served as the director of coaches and was also in charge of player development and advancing players on to junior and college hockey. He coached players of all ages with the Jr. Sharks program but primarily focused on 16U and 18U boys teams.

Janda also served as the director of coaches with the California Amateur Hockey Association and Northern California Hockey and has spent five summers working the USA Hockey National Development Camp. Janda has also coached in the NAHL with the Springfield Jr. Blues and the Chippewa Steel.

Prior to coaching, Janda played at the Rochester Institute of Technology, earning his bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. He also enjoyed success on the ice which included two regular-season conference championships, one postseason conference championship and a trip to the Frozen Four in 2010.

NCHC finalizes 2026-27 conference regular season, playoff format, announces only eight teams make playoffs in 2025, 2026

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The NCHC has finalized the 10-team playoff model the conference will use starting in 2027 when St. Thomas begins NCHC play.

The conference announced back in May that the Tommies will join the NCHC as its 10th team beginning with the 2026-27 season.

All 10 teams will make the NCHC tournament when St. Thomas becomes an official member for the 2026-27 campaign. The NCHC playoffs will take place over three weekends entirely on campus sites, which will first begin with the 2026 NCHC tournament.

Starting in 2027 and beyond, the top five seeds will host the bottom five seeds (No. 1 vs. No. 10, No. 2 vs. No. 9, etc.) in the first round of the NCHC playoffs in a best-of-three series (March 5-7, 2027). The following weekend, the five remaining teams will be re-seeded and three games will take place. The two lowest remaining seeds (now seeds No. 4 and No. 5) will play a single-game quarterfinal on a Friday night (March 12, 2027) at the site of the No. 1 seed. The next night (Saturday, March 13, 2027), both NCHC semifinals will take place with the No. 1 seed hosting the winner of the quarterfinal game and the No. 2 seed welcoming the No. 3 seed.

The NCHC championship game will then take place the next weekend on either Friday or Saturday night (March 19 or 20, 2027), with the highest remaining seed hosting the other semifinal winner. The winner of the NCHC tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

The NCHC has also finalized its 10-team scheduling model, which will start in 2026-27. The conference will revert back to “travel partners,” with each member guaranteed to play four games (two home/two away) against their travel partner each regular season. The second two-game series between travel partners will always be on the final weekend of the regular season, alternating locations annually. Travel partners have been identified as follows: Colorado College and Denver, Miami and Western Michigan, Minnesota Duluth and North Dakota, Omaha and Arizona State, and St. Cloud State and St. Thomas.

The NCHC conference schedule will continue to consist of 24 games in the pursuit of the Penrose Cup when St. Thomas joins in 2026-27. Each member will play all other member schools in at least one two-game series each season. In addition to a team’s travel partner, each institution will face two other members in both home and away series (four games) each season on a rotating basis.

Along with finalizing its 10-team playoff model, the NCHC has also adjusted its nine-team playoff format starting with the upcoming 2025 postseason. After initially announcing all nine teams would make the NCHC tournament with the addition of Arizona State, the conference will now only advance the top eight teams to the NCHC playoffs in both 2025 and 2026. Following further discussion with membership, the logistics of playing the No. 8 vs. No. 9 seed play-in game prior to the quarterfinals was determined to be too complicated with travel and put additional strain on student-athletes and staff at a critical time in the season.

The 2025 NCHC tournament will start with best-of-three quarterfinal series from March 14-16, with the top four seeds hosting the bottom four seeds, like in years past. The 2025 NCHC postseason will also be the conference’s last crowning a champion at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn., with the final neutral-site NCHC Frozen Faceoff set for March 21-22.

Starting in 2026, the NCHC will move its playoffs entirely to campus sites, as first announced back in December. Like in 2025, only eight teams will make the 2026 NCHC tournament. However, the playoffs will stretch over three weeks, rather than two. The first weekend (March 6-8, 2026) will consist of best-of-three quarterfinal series between the top four seeds and the bottom four seeds. Teams are then re-seeded with the next Saturday (March 14, 2026) featuring both single-game semifinals as the two highest remaining seeds host the other two quarterfinal winners. The championship game will then be the following Friday or Saturday (March 20 or 21, 2026) at the highest remaining seed.

Longtime Adrian men’s hockey coach Krug leaves Bulldogs, takes job as new assistant coach with AHL’s Condors

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Adam Krug served as head coach at Adrian the past 10 seasons (photo: Adrian College Athletics).

The AHL’s Bakersfield Condors announced Thursday that the team has hired Adam Krug as an assistant coach.

Krug spent the past 10 seasons as the head coach and assistant athletic director at Adrian, where he compiled a record of 229-52-14 (.800).

I’d like to thank President Jeffrey Docking, VP Frank Hribar, VP Jim Mahony, athletic director Craig Rainey and the rest of the administration for their support when it comes to my career and Bulldog hockey,” Krug said in a statement. “This has not been an easy decision, to leave Adrian College, as it’s a special place to my family. It’s where I met my wife, Lindsay, and where we’ve raised our three children for the past 10 years.”

During his tenure, he led the Bulldogs to eight NCAA tournament appearances, won five NCHA championships and a national championship in 2022. He was a six-time NCHA coach of the year and in 2022, he was awarded the Edward Jeremiah Award as the NCAA Division III coach of the year.

Prior to coaching, Krug was a member of the first Adrian NCAA men’s hockey team during the 2007-08 season where he served as captain. In his two seasons as a player for the Bulldogs, Krug played in 57 total games, totaling 52 goals and 77 assists for 129 total points.

“I’ve always been a college hockey guy and coaching at the professional level was not really on my radar as a route for my career,” said Krug. “Over the past year or two, I’ve had some great opportunities to observe at the NHL level and even interview for a couple of other jobs. These opportunities have piqued my interest and this move seems like the right fit, at the right time. I’m grateful to the Edmonton Oilers organization for their interest in my services, and our family is extremely excited to get to Bakersfield and join Colin Chaulk’s staff and get to work.

“I wish I could call the hundreds of people that made this all possible but there are just so many. So I’m saying thank you to all of the people that we’ve crossed paths with an Adrian College over the last 18 years. The players, our alums, my assistant coaches through the years, their families, our so very passionate fans, our boosters, and everyone else associated with Adrian College and Bulldog hockey ­– thank you. This is forever our home and we look forward to coming back as much as we can in the future.”

Adrian will soon begin a search for a new head coach of the men’s hockey program.

Ferris State, Lake Superior State to play first-ever college hockey game in Traverse City, Mich., in Nov. 2024

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Centre Ice is the former home of the Traverse City North Stars junior hockey team (photo: Matt Mackinder).

Ferris State and Lake Superior State will play in the “2024 Superior Ice Showdown: Traverse City Takeover” on Nov. 16 at Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City, Mich.

Puck drop is set for 6:07 p.m. EDT.

The historic event marks the first time college hockey has been played in Traverse City.

“We’re thrilled to bring Bulldog hockey and the CCHA to Traverse City and look forward to making this event a success,” FSU athletics director Steve Brockelbank said in a statement. “This game will provide us with an opportunity to both showcase our program and university to the fans and all our alumni in the Traverse City area.”

“We are incredibly excited to bring NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey to Traverse City for the very first time,” added LSSU athletic director Tory Lindley. “The Superior Ice Showdown offers a unique opportunity to showcase the talents of our student-athletes in a new setting, and we are proud to share this experience with the vibrant hockey community of Northern Lower Michigan.”

The game, which was originally slated to be LSSU’s home game, will follow the Nov. 15 opener in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

“We’re excited to play in front of so many Bulldog alumni and fans in the Traverse City arena,” said Ferris State head coach Bob Daniels. “There’s been a strong connection for so many years between Traverse City and Ferris State so we’re looking forward to this experience and thank both the Traverse City Centre Ice Arena and Lake Superior State for making this happen.”

Centre Ice is home to the Detroit Red Wings training camp, NHL Prospect Tournament, Grand Traverse Hockey Association, Traverse City Figure Skating Club, and Traverse City Curling Club. It was also home to the Traverse City Enforcers, Traverse City North Stars and Traverse City Hounds, former junior hockey teams. The arena contains two rinks with a third sheet of ice at Howe Arena in the Grand Traverse County Civic Center.

Ticket information will be announced later this summer.

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