University Of New England Men's Hockey
The University of New England Men's Hockey team is a rising star in the college hockey world. Founded in 1998, the team has quickly made a name for itself thanks to its talented players, dedicated coaching staff, and impressive record on the ice. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or simply interested in learning more about one of the top teams in the nation, read on to discover everything you need to know about the University of New England Men's Hockey team.
History of the Team
The University of New England Men's Hockey team was founded in 1998 by then-athletic director Kim Allen. The team's first season was a bit of a struggle, with a final record of just 2-21-1. However, the team quickly rebounded in its second season, finishing with a record of 16-5-1 and making it to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time.
Since then, the team has gone from strength to strength. In the 2018-2019 season, the team finished with a record of 23-4-1 and won the Commonwealth Coast Conference championship. The team has also made multiple appearances in the NCAA tournament, including a run to the quarterfinals in the 2018-2019 season.
The Coaching Staff
The University of New England Men's Hockey team is led by head coach Kevin Swallow, who has been at the helm since 2004. Swallow is widely regarded as one of the top coaches in the country and has led the team to multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.
Swallow is assisted by a talented coaching staff that includes Chris Cerrella, who serves as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, and Tom Carroll, who serves as an assistant coach and director of hockey operations. Together, the coaching staff works tirelessly to develop the team's players and maintain a winning culture both on and off the ice.
The Players
The University of New England Men's Hockey team is made up of some of the top players in the country. Many of the team's players come from New England and the surrounding areas, but the team also attracts talent from across the country and even internationally.
One of the team's top players is senior forward Ryan Bloom, who was named the Commonwealth Coast Conference Player of the Year in the 2018-2019 season. Bloom finished the season with 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) and was a key player in the team's run to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament.
The team also boasts a number of other talented players, including senior defenseman Ben Churchfield, junior forward Liam Neuman, and sophomore goaltender Tom Aubrun. Together, these players and many others form a dynamic and skilled team that is capable of competing with the best in the country.
The Facilities
The University of New England Men's Hockey team is fortunate to have a state-of-the-art facility in which to practice and play. The Harold Alfond Forum, which opened in 2010, is a 3,000-seat arena that features a full-sized ice rink, training facilities, and locker rooms for both the men's and women's hockey teams at the university.
The arena is widely regarded as one of the top college hockey facilities in the country and has hosted a number of high-profile events, including the NCAA Division III Frozen Four in 2014. The facility is a major asset for the University of New England Men's Hockey team and helps to attract top talent to the program.
The Future of the Team
The future looks bright for the University of New England Men's Hockey team. With a talented coaching staff, skilled players, and top-notch facilities, the team is well-positioned to continue its success both on and off the ice.
In the coming years, the team will look to build on its recent successes and continue to compete at the highest level of college hockey. With a dedicated fan base and a strong tradition of excellence, the University of New England Men's Hockey team is a team to watch and a program that is sure to produce many more great players and memorable moments in the years to come.
