Mike Harder ’97 Returns to Raiders
Colgate’s All-Time Leading Scorer Joins Vaughan’s Staff
HAMILTON – Mike Harder ’97, who recorded 214 career points in four years with the Raiders, has been hired by head coach Don Vaughan as a volunteer assistant coach.
“I am thrilled that Mike Harder ’97 will be joining our staff as the volunteer assistant coach,” Vaughan said. “He has a wealth of knowledge from his experience as a professional hockey player in both North America and Europe and that will certainly serve him well as a Division I college hockey coach.”
Harder returns to his alma mater after coaching for I Play Harder (IPH) Hockey. IPH Hockey provides training lessons and quality instruction for players who want to improve their game. Harder leads a staff that gives private lessons and clinics.
Prior to his coaching career, he was a 13-year professional player with the American Hockey League, German Elite League and Swedish Elite League.
“He is a proven winner having won a Calder Cup in the American Hockey League and a Championship in the German Elite League,” said Vaughan. “He also knows what it takes to be successful as a student athlete at Colgate University. He was an outstanding student during his time here and his accolades on the ice speak for themselves.”
Harder is the all-time leading scorer for Colgate with 214 points and is in the top five in both goals and assists. He finished his career with 88 goals and 126 helpers, which is second to Steve Smith ’84. Harder’s best season came in 1995 as he scored 58 points on 22 goals and 36 assists. He was an All-American and a Hobey Baker Finalist while with the Raiders.
“Mike’s communication skills, enthusiasm for the game and desire to help kids get better makes him a perfect fit on our staff,” said Vaughan. “We can’t wait to get started.”
“I am so excited that I dusted off my retro 1997 Reebok Colgate hockey track jacket,” Harder said. “I can’t wait to get started with the staff and team and I am already looking forward to the season opener against Ferris State.”
The Raiders kick off the season on Oct. 5 and 6 at Starr Rink against the Bulldogs.
