| BUFFALO, N.Y. — Nichols School has announced that after a thorough search, Michael Benedict will serve as the new Boys’ Prep Hockey Coach and Jon Christiano will serve as Associate Boys’ Prep Hockey Coach beginning with the 2020-2021 season. Michael Benedict is a USA Hockey Level IV Certified Coach who has served as the Assistant Coach for Nichols’ Boys’ Prep Hockey Team for the past season. Michael is a Niagara University graduate and holds New York State teaching certifications in Business and Marketing, Health Education, and Physical Education. Michael will also join the Nichols faculty next year. Prior to joining the Nichols hockey program, Michael served as the Director of Hockey Operations for the men’s team at the Division 1 Minnesota State University. There, he assisted coaches and administrators with scheduling and coordination of games, practices, meetings and student-athlete community service projects, and was responsible for all video needs of the program, including taping games, editing, scouting and recruiting. Previously, Michael served as the Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager for the NAHL’s Minnesota Wilderness from 2016-2018, the Assistant Coach for the NAHL Corpus Christi IceRays from 2015-2016, and as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the men’s team at Niagara University. Jon Christiano, incoming Associate Head Coach, is currently a Managing Partner and Professional Skills Coach for NewEdge Hockey Development Academy, an elite level skating and skills development and full service hockey academy for Western New York’s top hockey players. From 2004-2017, Jon served as the Director of Professional Scouting for the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, where he worked directly with GM Darcy Regier and was responsible for all NHL and AHL scouting and evaluations for the team. He also served as the Assistant Coach of the Italian National Hockey team from 2004-2008, and as the assistant coach of the AHL’s Rochester Americans from 1998-2003. He formerly served as a Video Coach for the Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers and New York Rangers. About Nichols School Nichols School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school serving grades 5 through 12. Located in Buffalo, N.Y., Nichols is non-denominational. Nichols provides access to challenging academic programs, and extensive athletics, arts and more. Students are empowered to think critically, creatively and go beyond the test. Founded in 1892, Nichols is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools. Visit www.nicholsschool.org |
