PITTSBURGH, PA.–Chatham University Head Men’s Ice Hockey Coach Coach Michael Callan has named former Bear Todd Thomas ’16 (Davidsville, Pa./Hartford Wolfpack) his first assistant coach.
“I am very excited to announce the addition of Todd Thomas of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, as our first assistant coach. Todd served as the captain the last two years while I was coaching at SUNY Potsdam where he played an exceptional 101 career games. In many exit meetings over the course of both years, several players remarked that he was the best captain they had ever had. Todd’s leadership and on-ice abilities were instrumental in leading the Bears to back to back playoff bids.”
“On the ice, Todd excelled as a 200-foot player with high work ethic, abrasiveness, and skill. His style of play is akin to an all-terrain vehicle capable to perform in multiple situations. That skill set is representative of what we would like to instill in Chatham Men’s Ice Hockey. Off the ice, Todd is responsible, intelligent, and compassionate. He is relatable, and has a high level of understanding for what needs to occur to meet expectations and managing the room to attain those goals.”
“Every Friday morning, I would run the healthy scratches through skill sessions, and every Friday morning, Todd was there for an optional skate. I can’t tell you how many times Todd would hop into drills with those players. He would do the same following team practices for players coming off injury, or players who needed extra skill work. It is incredibly uplifting as a coach, and a remarkable example of his leadership skills to see that happen on a consistent basis.”
Thomas earned a B.A in Environmental Studies, and a minor in Sociology. He was a member of the SUNYAC All-Academic Team, and the Dean’s List. Prior to playing NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey, he played for the Hartford Junior Wolfpack, El Paso Rhinos, Pittsburgh Junior Penguins, Pittsburgh Viper Stars, and Pittsburgh Predators.
Chatham announced the addition of men’s ice hockey in March and hired former Potsdam assistant coach Callan to be its first head coach in June. They will begin varsity play during the 2017-18 season as a member of the United Collegiate Hockey Conference.
