2015 Washington Capitals College Hockey Fair Schedule
12:15 p.m.
Registration Opens
1:00 p.m.
College Hockey Fair Welcome Video
Welcoming comments
Alan May (Emcee)
1:15 p.m.
Andy Gojdycz - Associate Coach-in- Chief, American Collegiate Hockey Assn.
1:30 p.m.
Ed Gosek, Head Coach – SUNY-Oswego
1:40 p.m.
College Hockey Inc., video
1:45 p.m.
AJ Toews, Washington Capitals’ Scout
1:55 p.m.
Audience moves to break-out sessions
o Green:
Caps Party Room
o Red:
Mezzanine
o Blue:
Arlington Party room
2:00 p.m.
1st Session of Panel Discussions
o Green:
ACHA
o Red:
NCAA
o Blue:
College Administrators
2:20 p.m.
2nd Session of Panel Discussions
o Green:
NCAA
o Red:
College Administrators
o Blue:
ACHA
2:40 p.m.
3rd Session of Panel Discussions
o Green:
College Administrators
o Red:
ACHA
o Blue:
NCAA
2:55 p.m.
Hockey Fair attendees return to Mezzanine
3:05 p.m.
Jeff Halpern / Caps alum and former NCAA player
3:20 p.m.
Closing comments
Alan May closing comments
3:30 p.m.
Attendees visit Participating College representatives
(Kettler Mezzanine Concourse – table locations provided)
4:45 p.m.
Caps College Hockey Fair concludes.
*Times subject to change
Presented By
ACHA
Div 3 (16 teams)
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Rutgers University
Southern Connecticut State University
University of Miami
George Mason University
Northern Virginia Community College
College of William & Mary
University of Richmond
Catholic University of America
Radford University
Christopher Newport University
East Carolina University
Old Dominion University
Salisbury State University
Virginia Commonwealth University
University of Maryland
California University of Pennsylvania
Blue Ridge Hockey Conference Commissioner Ray Campbell
Div 2 ( 1 mens / 2 women’s teams)
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University of Maryland (Men's)
American University Women
University of Maryland Lady Terps
Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League Commissioner Mike Walley
Div 1 (2 teams)
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US Naval Academy
Mercyhurst University
NCAA (3 teams)
Div 3
SUNY - Oswego
Neumann University
Courtney Laughlin - No current NCAA affiliation
2015 CHF PANEL MAKE-UP
ACHA PANEL
EMCEE
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Spencer Wolf
Michael Fox (Head Coach, US Naval Academy, Div I)
Tom McKinnon (Mercyhurst, Div 1)
Emily Paquin (UMD Lady Terps - Div II)
Wayne Whitmore (University of Miami, Div III)
Patrick Rodgers (President, University of Miami, Div III)
Shayne O'Brien (President, Southern Connecticut State University, Div III)
NCAA PANEL
EMCEE
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Alan May
Dominick Dawes (Head Coach, Neumann University, NCAA Div III)
Ed Gosek (Head Coach, SUNY-Oswego University, NCAA Div III)
Courtney Laughlin (former Asst Coach - SUNY Potsdam)
COLLEGE ADMINISTRATOR PANEL
EMCEE
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Steve Hyjek
Greg George (Admissions Counselor, George Mason)
Tom Kinback (Assoc Director of Financial Aid Northern Virginia Community
College)
TBD (Assistant Director for Compliance, Georgetown University)
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Collegiate Caps:
Brian MacLellan
Jay Beagle
Curtis Glencross
Matt Niskanen
Brooks Orpik
Joel Ward
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2015 College Fair Bios
Washington Capitals Organization
Brian MacLellan
Senior Vice President, General Manager, and Alternate Governor
Brian MacLellan was named the sixth general manager in the Capitals history on May 26, 2014. MacLellan, 55, is
entering his 14th season with Washington after serving as the team’s assistant general manager, player personnel for the
previous seven seasons. In his previous role, MacLellan oversaw the club’s professional scouting staff and worked closely
with the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Hershey Bears, who won the Calder Cup in 2006, 2009, and 2010.
MacLellan, who served as a pro scout for the Capitals from 2000-03 prior to his promotion to director of player
personnel, assisted and advised the general manager in all player-related matters.
MacLellan, who won a Stanley Cup with the Calgary Flames in 1989, recorded 413 points (172 goals, 241 assists) in 606
games during his 10-year NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Minnesota North Star, Calgary
Flames, and Detroit Red Wings. MacLellan also won a silver medal with Team Canada at the 1985 World Championship
in Prague.
The Guelph, Ont. Native played hockey at Bowling Green State University from 1978-82, registering 143 points (64g,
79a) in 160 games. MacLellan’s 345 career penalty minutes rank sixth in school history. The 6’3” forward earned 63
points his freshman year, marking the second most points by a freshman in school history behind teammate George
McPhee, who tallied 88 points the same season. Late in his junior season, MacLellan moved to defense, and was named
an All-American defenseman and First-Team All-CCHA in 1982. MacLellan served as co-captain for the Falcons from
1980-82. He was elected to the Bowling Green Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987. MacLellan graduated with a bachelor of
science in business administration from Bowling Green and earned his MBA in finance from the University of St. Thomas
in 1995. He went on to work for an investment firm in Minneapolis before joining the Capitals as a pro scout.
Jay Beagle
University of Michigan
Jay Beagle appeared in 36 games for the University of Alaska-Anchorage, recording 20 points during his 2006-2007
season. He was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week on October 23, 2006. Beagle recorded his first collegiate
point with an assist in the first game of the season and ended the year as the team’s second leading rookie scorer.
During his rookie season with Washington, Beagle appeared in three games, recording two PIM and five shots. Last
season, he appeared in seven games, having two points and two PIM, recording his first assist on November 17, 2009
against the NYR. Just six days later, Beagle scored his first NHL goal against OTT on November 23, 2009.
FACTS:
Born: October 16, 1985
Birthplace: Calgary, AB, Can
Position: Right Wing
Height: 6’3’’
Weight: 204
Shoots: Right
NHL Affiliations: Washington Capitals
Curtis Glencross
University of Alaska Anchorage
Curtis Glencross played for University of Alaska-Anchorage for two seasons. His first season he has 23 points (11g, 12a)
and 79 PIM in 35 games. Glencross finished his senior season at Alaska-Anchorage with 21 goals, 13 assists for 34 points
and 79 PIM in 37 games. He led the team in goals and points. He has played with Anaheim, Columbus, Oilers, and Flames
and was acquired by the Capitals prior to the 2015 trade deadline.
FACTS:
Born: December 28, 1982
Birthplace: Kindersley, SK, Canada
Position: Left Wing
Height: 6’1’’
Weight: 197
Shoots: Left
NHL Affiliations: Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals
Matt Niskanen
University of Minnesota-Duluth
As a freshman, Matt Niskanen recorded 14 points (1g, 13a) in 38 games. In 2006/2007, as a sophomore at Minnesota
Duluth, he posted 31 points (9g, 22a) in 39 games. He was named to the All-WCHA First Team as a sophomore. He
played for the United States in the 2006 World Junior Championship and also participated in the 2009 IIHF World
Championship. Dallas drafted Niskanen in the first round, 28th overall, in the 2005 draft. He signed as a free agent with
the Capitals, July 1, 2014. He has played with the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins and now plays with the Washington
Capitals.
FACTS:
Born: December 6, 1986
Birthplace: Virginia, MN, US
Position: Defense
Height: 6’0’’
Weight: 209
Shoots: Right
NHL Affiliations: Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals
Brooks Orpik
Boston College
Brooks Orpik played college hockey at Boston College. During his freshman year he recorded 11 points (1g, 10a) and led
the league with 96 penalty minutes. During the 1999-2000 season, Orpik played in 38 games recording 10 points (1g, 9a)
and 102 penalty minutes. He also played for Team USA at the World Junior Championship in Sweden. During his Junior
year, Orpik recorded 20 points (0g, 20a) and once again led the league with 102 penalty minutes. He won the NCAA
National Championship with Boston College and appeared in three Frozen Four Tournaments. Orpik has represented
the USA in two Winter Olympic games (2010 & 2014) and won a silver medal with the 2010 team. He was selected by
Pittsburgh in the first round, 18th overall, in the 2000 NHL Draft. He played over 700 games with Pittsburgh before
signing with the Capitals as a free agent in 2014.
FACTS:
Born: Sep 26, 1980
Birthplace: San Francisco, CA, USA
Position: Defense
Height: 6’2’’
Weight: 219
Shoots: Left
NHL Affiliations: Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals
Joel Ward
University of Prince Edward Island
Joel Ward had four impressive seasons during his time at UPEI. Not only did Ward average almost a point and a half per
game with the Panthers but he also won a wide variety of awards. In his freshman year he won the award for best
rookie on the Panthers. Following that season he won the award for team MVP three years in a row. The Atlantic
University Sport league recognized Ward as an All-Star and league MVP during his senior year. However the most
impressive awards that Ward received were from the Canadian Interuniversity Sport League. The CIS consists of 4
divisions and 34 teams. Out of 780 players Ward was selected for the All-Canadian team and was given the Most
Sportsmanlike award. Needless to say, Ward had an impressive college career.
After college Ward went undrafted but he was invited to the Minnesota Wild’s training camp in 2006. After impressing
coaches at training camp, he was signed and placed in the minors with the Houston Aeros. During his time with the
Aeros, Ward continued to improve his game. Following his time in Minnesota, Ward was signed as a free agent by the
Nashville Predators. He made the opening night roster out of training camp and scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL
game. Currently, Ward is playing for the Washington Capitals and is one of the most reliable two way forwards in the
league.
FACTS:
Born: December 2, 1980
Birthplace: North York, ON, Canada
Position: Right Wing
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 226
Shoots: Right
NHL Affiliations: Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals
Jeff Halpern
Washington Capitals Alumnus
Jeff Halpern played four seasons for Princeton of the ECAC. His freshman season Halpern appeared in a team high 30
games scoring three goals and 11 assists. His second season with Princeton he played in 33 games and ranked first in
assists (24) and second in points (31). His junior season, Halpern was one of three players to appear in all 36 games. He
was named to the All-ECAC Second Team and All-Ivy League Team, and was also a candidate for the Hobey Baker Award,
leading the ECAC in scoring. His final season, he appeared in 33 games recording 44 points (22 G, 22 A) and was named
to the Second Team All-ECAC , ECAC All-Tournament Team, and All-Ivy League First Team. He won the Blackwell Trophy,
as team MVP, three times.
Alan May
Washington Capitals Alumnus
Right-winger Alan May was a hard-nosed grinder who demonstrated pugilistic ability when challenged during his eight
NHL seasons in the 1980s and '90s. In addition to his toughness, he was also a responsible defensive player whose
plus/minus rating was always respectable.
The native of Swan Hills, Alberta, May played junior with the Medicine Hat Tigers and the New Westminster Bruins.
After scoring 23 goals for the Carolina Thunderbirds of the Atlantic Coast League in 1986-87, the young forward was
signed by the Boston Bruins as a free agent. He spent most of the next season in the AHL and joined the Edmonton
Oilers where he also added grit to the farm team.
May's career took a turn for the better after he was traded to the Washington Capitals in June 1989. The burly winger
spent nearly five years with the Caps where he checked diligently, took the body, and contributed a bit of offense with
his forechecking. In 1990, his work down low helped Washington reach the semi-finals for the first time in franchise
history.
Toward the end of his NHL tenure, May also toiled for the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames. He retired in 1997 after
playing two years in the IHL, which included a Turner Cup championship with the Utah Grizzlies in 1996.
May currently serves as a hockey analyst for the Washington Capitals.
Coaches
NCAA
Ed Gosek
Head Coach, Oswego State University of New York
Ed Gosek, a former Laker hockey player and a 1983 graduate, has been the head coach of the Oswego State Lakers since
2003, sporting a career record of 234-63-18 in 11 seasons. During his tenure, Gosek has had 36 players receive 47 AllSUNYAC honors and 13 players named as All-Americans.
A two-time SUNYAC Coach of the Year, Gosek has led Oswego State to the top of the SUNYAC standings in eight of the
last 11 regular seasons. Gosek reached the 200-win plateau in his 270th game behind the bench as a head coach during
the regular season in 2012-13. Gosek holds the distinction as being the only coach in Oswego State history to guide a
team to an NCAA Division III championship, capturing the men's ice hockey title in 2007 with a 23-3-3 overall record.
That same season, Gosek was also honored with the Edward Jeremiah Award by the American Hockey Coaches
Association (AHCA) as the Men's Division III Ice Hockey Coach of the Year.
Gosek has been involved with the Oswego Minor Hockey Association for many years and won four New York State titles
in his time as a head coach at that level. His efforts resulted in him being given the NYSAHA Peter Rush Award in 2008
for displaying a selfless long-term dedication and commitment to the growth of youth hockey. Gosek was also the
recipient of the Walter Yaciuk Award in 2009, presented annually by USA Hockey's Coaching Education Program to the
individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the program during many years of volunteer service. He is also
an active participant in USA Hockey's select summer festivals and has coached at those events in St. Cloud, Minn. and
Rochester, N.Y. Gosek earned his undergraduate degree in 1983 and his master's degree in Science and Education in
2001, both from Oswego State
Dominick Dawes
Head Coach, Neumann University
Dominick Dawes begins his seventh season at the helm of Neumann men’s ice hockey team. Coach Dawes has compiled
a record of 93-53-21 in his six seasons, making him the winningest coach in the program’s history. The Knights finished
9-12-5 overall in the 2013-14 season and qualified for the postseason for the eighth straight season. Neumann fell to
Manhattanville in the first round. Coach Dawes led the Knights to their second ECAC West Championship during the
2012-13 season, this time winning on home ice. Neumann defeated Manhattanville as it hosted its first Championship
Game at Ice Works and finished the season 19-6-3 overall.
Coach Dawes has qualified for the postseason in all six seasons and the team has finished over the .500 mark five out of
the six years. During his first season in 2008-09, Coach Dawes led the Knights to their first NCAA Division III National
Title. The Knights defeated Gustavus Adolphus 4-1 in Lake Placid, N.Y. The team finished the season 21-9-2. Coach
Dawes was named the American Hockey Coaches Association (ACHA) Division III and USCHO.com Coach of the Year.
Coaches Dawes is also the second person to win the NCAA Division III National Title as a coach and a player, winning
with Norwich in 2003. That year, Neumann also won its first ECAC West Championship with a 3-2 win over Hobart
College.
Before coming to Neumann, Coach Dawes spent two seasons as the assistant coach at Hamilton College. Originally from
Utica, N.Y., Coach Dawes was a forward and defenseman at Norwich University and played in three National Frozen
Fours, winning the National Championship in 2003.
After college, Coach Dawes played two seasons of Professional Hockey for the Macon Trax and Florida Seals, making it to
the Southern Professional Hockey League Finals in both seasons.
In 2004, Dawes earned his undergraduate degree in business management from Norwich University. Dawes and his wife
Katherine are the proud parents of twins, Lily and Dom, and currently reside in Aston, Pa.
ACHA
Bryan Benenati
Head Coach, American University Lady Eagles
After competing in the ACHA's first DIII National tournament, Bryan helped found the women's program at American
University. Ten years later he is an advanced Level 4 USA Hockey coach who helped AU capture Washington's first
women's college championship, and has coached over 150 Lady Eagle games.
A believer in teamwork and creative flow, his "can do" style incorporates small games training and off-ice team
development. Beyond coaching, Bryan has devoted the past eight years expanding women's hockey throughout our
region as President of the DVCHC Women's division, now the largest collection of ACHA women's teams in the country.
Bryan has played, coached and organized ACHA hockey in our area for a total of 13 years. He is a proud supporter of club
sports & roots for the CAPS and Devils.
Steve Hyjek
Head Coach, George Mason University
Steve Hyjek became Head Coach of the George Mason University Patriots team in the 2010-2011 season which
competes in the Blue Ridge Hockey Conference. Steve previously served as an Assistant Coach at Mason in the 2009-10
season after coaching at Lake Braddock High School and Prince William Club travel teams for 5 years. Steve is a Level 4
USAH ice hockey coach with plans to complete his Level 5 Masters certification at the next USAH conference.
Mike Fox
Head Coach, United States Naval Academy
Mike Fox played collegiate hockey in Athens, Ohio at Ohio University where he was a four year letterman for the Division
I program and earned an invitation to the Minnesota Fighting Saints WHA team. Coach Fox played three years for the
Saint Cloud Saints before beginning his coaching career at the Pee-Wee level in Edina. Subsequently, he coached Midget,
Squirt and Junior all-star and select teams in Chicago and Fort Worth, and has also taught several hockey camps and
power skating. Coach Fox and his wife Lisa established the Navy Youth Hockey Association. Fox was the Assistant Coach
for six years before he made his debut as head coach in the 08-09 season. He specializes in offensive strategies and
tactics which have guided the team through a continuum of winning seasons.
Bill Krampf
Head Coach, University of Maryland
Coach Bill Krampf is entering his fifth year as the coach of the University of Maryland ACHA Division II hockey
club. Coach Krampf has been involved in USA Hockey and coaching for almost twenty seasons. In addition to coaching
the University of Maryland he been an Associate Coach-in-Chief with USA Hockey’s Southeastern District since 2008 and
an instructor in the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program since 2002. He coached with the Metro Maple Leaf
organization in Odenton, MD and Laurel, MD for thirteen seasons and served as the organization’s Coaching Director for
the 2009-2010 season. In 2002, Coach Krampf represented USA Hockey’s Southeastern District at the National Coaching
Educators Institute in Lake Placid, NY and in 2009 he represented USA Hockey’s Southeastern District at the National
Team Development Program (NTDP) four day co-op in Ann Arbor, MI. Coach Krampf is a Level 5 Certified Coach with
USA Hockey.
Greg Leger
Head Coach, University of Maryland
Gregory has been the head coach of the Maryland DIII club team since they formed and is currently serving his 5th
season behind the bench. In his second season, Gregory guided the team to the Mason Dixon League championship and
helped with the team's transition into the Blue Ridge Hockey Conference before the start of their 3rd season. In his 4th
season Coach Leger led his team 1st in the divisions. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with
a degree in Mechanical Engineering and should be finishing his masters in the same field at Johns Hopkins this
spring. He works as an engineer at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. When he is not at work or coaching,
he spends most of his time training for triathlons. He will be racing in several triathlons this summer, but his main focus
is completing his first Ironman in Lake Placid this July. He is happily married to his wife, Jayme, who is a PhD student at
Maryland. They have two dogs, Brooke and Lucy.
Tom McKinnon
Head Coach & GM, Mercyhurst College
Thomas McKinnon is entering his 8th year as general manager and head coach of the Mercyhurst College ACHA D1
hockey program. His teams have averaged 18 wins a season accumulating an overall record of 108-82-13, which includes
1 ECHL league championship. During his tenure, McKinnon has produced 3 ACHA All-Americans, 1 ACHA All-Rookie, 4
ACHA All-Stars and numerous Academic All-Americans. McKinnon is a candidate for his Level 5 coaching certification
through USA Hockey and his Development 1 and High Performance 1 certification through Hockey Canada. A graduate of
Mercyhurst College with a Master of Science in Leadership Studies, McKinnon played his junior hockey with the Barrie
Colts Organization and professionally for the Flint Generals of the UHL. Coach McKinnon has close to twenty years of
experience in hockey camp instruction and private goaltending consultation. McKinnon has also worked with various
teams as a mental training consultant...mentoring, guiding and empowering student athletes to reach their full potential
in athletics, academics and life.
Mike Markham
Head Coach, East Carolina University
Coach Markham brings a unique perspective to coaching at the collegiate level. As the former Chief Referee for the New
York Central Area AHAUS (Amateur Hockey Association of the United States) and as a former coach at the Junior A level,
he understands, better than most, the need for wide open, aggressive and often physical hockey, delivered with
discipline to be successful at this level. He has coached several well know athletes including Brian Gionta of the New
Jersey Devils, Robert Esche of the Philadelphia Flyers, but his favorite player is Robbie Schremp, of the newly formed
Winnipeg Jets, because of his positive attitude, focused approach to the game, disciplined play, and willingness to work
through adversity. In his first meeting with the 2007-08 Pirate Hockey team, Coach Markham reminded the players that
they represent themselves, the team, the university, and community at all times. While no stranger to winning, Coach
Markham indicated that his most important job is “to mold, teach, and develop” every student athlete, to help them be
a better athlete on the ice, and better person off the ice.
Ken Felix
Head Coach, The College of William and Mary
Ken's coaching career started in 1998 as an assistant when his son took up the sport at age 8 at the Mite level. Over the
next 10 years, he held various coaching positions in the youth organization as his son progressed through the age
groups. He joined the W&M team as an assistant under then head coach Phil Morris at the start of the 2006-07 season.
When Phil stated his intentions to retire at the end of the season, the team asked Ken to stay on as head coach. He is
now in his 8th season in that position with the Tribe.
Andy Gojdycz
Head Coach, Rutgers University
A native of Old Bridge, NJ, Coach Gojdycz comes from a line of hockey tradition. He attended Christian Brothers
Academy (CBA) in Lincroft, NJ where he helped captain the Colts to New Jersey state record of three consecutive State
Championships, three consecutive Gordon Cup Championships and three consecutive NJ Star-Ledger trophies
His career at Rutgers was no less impressive. He captained the Ice Knights for four seasons, earning American Collegiate
Hockey Association (ACHA) All-American status in 1998, the first season Rutgers competed at the Division 1 Level. The
Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association (ECHA) nominated Coach Gojdycz three consecutive years onto the ECHA All-Star
Team. He also holds the Matt Couzins Award for All-Time Leading Scorer among Defensemen (167). After a brief stint in
the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the 2003 Kelly Cup Champion A.C. Boardwalk Bullies, Coach G hung up his
blades to coach on a full-time basis. He is entering his 20th season coaching a variety of hockey teams
In 2006, he was recognized as the Rutgers University Club Sports “Coach of the Year” following his team’s efforts in
2006-2007. In 2007-08 Coach G was selected as the NECHL “Coach of the Year” after guiding the men’s team to a 20-8-2
record, its best in ten years at the Banks. In addition, the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) recognized him
as a Division 1 “Coach of the Year” Finalist for his efforts. In 2008-09, Coach G was selected as the Courier-Post and
Central Jersey Star-Ledger Newspaper High School Hockey “Coach of the Year”, following Hunterdon Central’s Kelly Cup
Championship and 19-5-1 record, his first year back to the program after its inaugural year in 2004-05.
In 2008 & 2010, Coach G was also recognized by the ACHA and USA Hockey as being selected as part of the World
University Games player selection committee for the tournaments held in Harbin, China & Erzurum, Turkey. Finally,
Coach G is the head coach for the U18AAA & Junior Achieve Performance (AP Selects) Teams, an organization firm on
player training & development.
Off the ice, Coach G participates as an instructor and direct liaison for Rutgers University to the Atlantic District of USA
Hockey (CEP) Coaches’ Education Program. In May 2012, after being involved in the program for 10 years, Coach G was
named an Associate Coach in Chief for the Atlantic District. He is certified as a Strength & Conditioning Coach (CSCS) and
is also a Masters Level Coach (Level 5) for USA Hockey. Coach G is the Founder / President / CEO of Achieve Performance
Hockey Systems, a company designed to train & consult youth hockey players. In addition, he is the Commissioner to the
Northeast Collegiate Hockey League (NECHL) at the ACHA D-1 level and the President of the GNCHC at the ACHA D-2
level.
Nick Williamson
Head Coach, The Catholic University of America
Nick Williamson, who will enter his 4th season at the helm of Catholic University in the 2015-16 season, was named
head coach of the Catholic University men's hockey team on April 16, 2012.
During the 2014-15 campaign, Williamson led the Cardinals to their first-ever Blue Ridge Hockey Conference (BRHC)
Championship. Williamson also guided the Cardinals to a championship win at the 3rd Annual East Coast Collegiate
Hockey Showdown Tournament in Aston, PA. Williamson and the Cardinals ended their championship season with a
record of 18-4-0-2.
Under his tutelage, Williamson has had several players named to the All-BRHC Team and he was also a finalist for
BRHC Coach of the Year honors in 2014-15. Since taking over at Catholic, Williamson has led the Cardinals to the
BRHC playoffs in each of his seasons, advancing to the semi-finals during the 2012-13, and 2013-14 seasons.
Before joining the collegiate ranks, Williamson spent a season (2011 -12) as head coach for the Prince William
Panthers U18 Midgets, and also as an assistant coach with the Pinckney, MI Varsity High School hockey team. While
at Pinckney, he helped lead the Pirates to their first ever winning season during the 2007 -08 campaign. Williamson
has also coached at the Mite travel ranks. Williamson is a USA Hockey Level 5 certified coach. Level 5 is the highest
level of certification offered by USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program.
Wayne Whitmore
Head Coach, University of Miami
Head coach for the Miami Hurricanes since 2013, with back to back appearances in the southeast regional championship
game. Coached the 'Canes to their first regional championship in 2014, as well as their first trip to the national
tournament. Originally from Rochester, NY, and older brother of professional hockey player Derek Whitmore. Wayne
relocated to the sunshine state five years ago where he is heavily involved in the growth of hockey. He also coaches
hockey at North Broward Prep, and the South Florida Golden Wolves. Wayne has a military background in the US Army,
and was a captain on many travel hockey teams, and his high school hockey team. His goal is to grow the Miami
Hurricanes club hockey team into a respectable college hockey program that offers an incredible experience to all of the
players.
Kevin Silver
Head Coach, University of Richmond
Kevin Silver took over the reins of the University of Richmond Ice Hockey team at the beginning of the 2008-2009
season. Kevin had a long career as a player, and served as an assistant coach of U of R for 3 seasons. Growing up in
Richmond, VA before there were ice rinks in the city, Kevin was forced to travel to northern Virginia and Maryland to
play hockey. At the age of 14 he played his first year of Junior hockey as the Captain of the Junior B Washington Junior
Capitals. He went on to have an outstanding Junior hockey career playing all over North America. Kevin played Junior A
hockey for several seasons in the USHL, the NAJHL, the KIJHL (British Columbia), and the Frontier League. When his
playing career was over, Kevin returned to Richmond and enrolled at U of R. The following year, he became one of the
founding members of the Men's Ice Hockey Team. Kevin played for U of R from 2001-2004, and served as an assistant
captain all 3 years he played. After graduation, Kevin returned to the program as an assistant coach and served in that
capacity until the departure of Tom Occhino, Richmond's original head coach, before the 2008-2009 season. Kevin brings
a great deal of passion to the program and a wide open attacking style of play.
Barrett Haga
Head Coach, NVCC
Dr. Barrett Haga is entering his seventh season as head coach for NOVA. Coach Haga is proud of his players who have
gone on to schools such at New York University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, SUNY- Cortland, Mississippi
State University, George Mason, University of Maryland, Utah State, Slippy Rock, James Madison, Old Dominion, and
many other top caliber schools. His players have also gone on to serve proudly in the Army, Coast Guard, AirForce,
Marines Corp, and the Navy.
Haga played hockey throughout the Upper Midwest and Canada including for the famed Fargo Flyers organization. He
was named a top goalie at the International Hockey School and was on the training staff of the ECHL- Pensacola Ice
Pilots during their Kelly Cup Final Run. Although Haga was recruited to play hockey in college, he decided to run track
and cross country where he earned eight NCAA Varsity Letters, three NCAA All Academic Team awards, and won
three Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Championships at Rhodes College.
When not coaching hockey, Coach Haga works for the federal government in the areas of legislative and
intergovernmental affairs. In addition, he is also an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Maryland.
He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Development, Leadership, and Policy from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, a
M.P.A. in Public Policy and Administration from Florida State University (Askew School), and a double B.A. in Political
Science and Greek and Roman Studies from Rhodes College. He is a Level 5 USAHockey certified coach and is also an
elite level registered USA Track & Field (USATF) coach.
Ed Schulman
Christopher Newport University
Ed Shulman is a Level 5 Masters USA Certified Coach with over 13 years of coaching experience. Growing up in New
York, Ed played youth and high school hockey before taking his talents to Temple University. Year after year Ed has
coached his teams to several regular and postseason championships in the CBHL and in Southeastern District
Championships, with three of these teams advancing to the International Silverstick Championships. Over the past three
years Shulman has brought his Richmond Royals teams to the U18AA Hockey National Tournament, winning a bronze
three years ago and a National Championship in 2011. This past season he took his team on a miracle run to the national
tournament and finished with the bronze.
Ed has devoted much of his time to youth hockey over the years, and will continue in his role as Hockey Director for the
Richmond Royals.
Rich Appleby
Head Coach, Old Dominion University
Head Coach Rich Appleby grew up in Detroit Michigan and began his coaching career in 1973 at the midget level. After
taking his team to the Michigan State Championships in their second year, Coach Appleby took a break from coaching
and resumed his playing career with the Detroit Nomads and Hudepohl Brewers until 1978 when he stopped playing
after suffering a fractured kneecap. After moving to Virginia Beach Coach Appleby became involved with the Hampton
Roads Youth Hockey Association as VP of Business Operations and coach. He took over the Travel program and amassed
a 186-25-12 record with his teams winning 4 league championships in the Carolina Hockey League and over 21
tournaments in 5 years. Coach Appleby is a Level 4 USA Hockey certified coach and has a simple hockey philosophyPRACTICE HARD/PLAY HARD. Coach Appleby teaches a puck control strategy with tape to tape passing, aggressive
skating, and tight team defense.
Bob O’Brien
Head Coach, Southern Connecticut State
Bob O'Brien is going into his second season as Ice Owls Head Coach. A 21 year coaching veteran, Coach Bob, a USA
Hockey Level 4 Coach has coached at all levels from learn to skate, all the way up the college level. He spent his early
coaching years studying under the tutelage of Yale's Bruce Wolanin, and Sacred Heart's Sean Hannah. Bob also served as
Greater New Haven Hockey's Director of Coaches, as well as Manager Coordinator certifying many coaches for the first
time, including Stanley Cup Champion Goaltender, Mike Richter, and SCSU's former coaches, Gerry Couden and Rich
Minnix. Coach Bob brings his fiery passion, as well as an agressive coaching style to the Ice Owls.
Emily Paquin
University of Maryland, Lady Terps
Emily Paquin has been the Head Coach of the Club Hockey team at the University of Maryland for the past 3 years,
beginning her tenure as an assistant coach during the 2011-2012 season. In her first season as Head Coach, the Terps
took home their first ever DVCHC division title and coach Paquin was awarded Club Sports Coach of the Year. Prior to
coaching at UMD, Paquin played division two college hockey for St. Michael’s College in Burlington, Vermont.
Throughout her hockey career, Paquin played in 100 games, acted as team captain her senior season and is on the alltime leaders list for points, goals and assists as a defensemen. Paquin grew up playing local hockey in Maryland for the
Washington Pride and also captained her high school Varsity boys program at St. John’s College High School in
Washington, D.C. When Paquin is not coaching the Terps she is the Business Development Director for a The Choice Inc,
a small women owned staffing firm in Washington, DC.
Scott Bragdon
Assistant Coach, East Carolina University
This is Scott's first season behind the bench for the Pirates. Recently relocating from the metro-Chicago area, Scott has
over 15 years of coaching experience at all levels ranging from Bantam AA to Midget Major and Varsity High School
hockey. Scott also served as the General Manager and Hockey Director of the Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena of Kankakee
Valley Park District, from July 2007 until July 2011. Scott's passion for the game and desire to play a key role in helping
the program grow makes him a great fit for the ECU Ice Hockey Club.