Some Success Stories from Coaches transitioning from Junior Hockey to College Hockey…
We’ve all heard of the great success stories from Coaches like Jon Cooper (NAHL to USHL to AHL to NHL Champion) and Derek Lalonde. Coaches who worked their way up from Tier I US Junior Hockey to Minor Pro or College Hockey. These outstanding coaches are prime examples of career coaches who developed at younger and lower levels before making their jump to some of the highest levels in the sport.
With my involvement in the EHL, I have seen first-hand some terrific young coaches work their way up through Tier III Junior Hockey to NCAA DI, DII, and DIII.
Many EHL or EHLP coaches have moved through the league and now find themselves coaching at the NCAA Division III level. These include Jim Mosso (Vermont Lumberjacks to Concordia- Wisconsin), and Josh Fusco (Team Maryland to Franklin Pierce in 2023-24). Others, including Vinny Calguiri have moved onto roles at the NCAA Division I level (NH Avalanche to Head of Hockey Operations at Princeton University).
Jenine Weber and Ryan Durocher are exceptional young coaches who are coaching the womens and mens games at the NCAA Division 1 level and look back on their experiences coaching in the EHL as integral parts of their development. “I had a great experience coaching in the EHL. I always felt welcome by the other teams and coaches. The competitive schedule we had with HC Rhode Island prepared me for this next opportunity of coaching at Holy Cross.” commented Weber, now the assistant women’s hockey coach at Holy Cross. Durocher commented, “My experience coaching with the New England Wolves was a very positive one. After two years at SNHU as an assistant I got the opportunity to work in the EHL, help recruit two teams, work with future D1 and D3 college players as well as an experienced staff. Being utilized in many different roles helped prepare me for college and pro hockey.”
Much like a player’s journey, a coach’s journey takes time to develop and grow. Junior Hockey and places like the EHL, provides a fertile place for both players and coaches to hone their craft and work their way up into higher levels of amateur and professional hockey. “The EHL is one of the leaders In producing D3 college hockey players which is impressive in itself. But I like the way the league markets itself and has a major footprint not only in New England but around the eastern US. It’s easy for colleges to get out and catch games any time.” said Durocher, now the Assistant Coach for Men’s Hockey at Robert Morris University.
Looking back on each of their journeys so far in hockey, Weber and Durocher provided these words of advice for aspiring NCAA student/ athletes. “Enjoy the process, work hard and don’t look too far ahead. Enjoy what you have in front of you and focus on having a great season.” said Durocher. Weber added, “The advice I would give young players is to try to get 1% better on and off the ice every day and to be a good teammate. I would say finding a way to leverage the strengths in their game and being dialed in with their habits and details is important.”
The EHL should take great pride in coaches such as Jenine Weber and Ryan Durocher for helping them reach their goals and fulfilling our league motto, “Where Players Come First”. Players… also remember that the Junior Hockey coach that you are speaking to now, may also be the coach that has great influence with your playing at next level. Whether it be a recommendation, scouting, or coaching, these coaches may be Tier I or Tier III now, but they could be in the college ranks before you know it.
Every story is different.
BY Andrew Trimble
Andrew Trimble is the General Manager and Co- Owner of the New England Wolves Hockey Club. He is also the Owner of Scoring Concepts LLC, a New Hampshire based hockey training company that offers camps, clinics, private lessons and teams. He has coached at all levels from Learn to Skate to College Hockey. For more info on his teams and programs check out- www.scoringconcepts.com or www.ne-wolveshockey.com
Andrew’s new book- “The Hockey Planner: A Year-by-Year Plan to Assist You on Your Hockey Coaching Journey: From Learn to Play to Junior Hockey.” is available now.
This essential guide is designed to elevate the coaching experience for those involved in Amateur Hockey, providing invaluable insights and practical tools for coaches, parents, and players alike.
Click Here to Purchase- The Hockey Planner: A Year by Year Plan to Assist You on Your Hockey Coaching Journey: From Learn to Play to Junior Hockey: Trimble, Andrew: 9781963743388: Amazon.com: Books
