Boston University has named Jay Pandolfo coach of the men’s hockey team.
Pandolfo and athletic director Drew Marrochello met with the team Thursday morning before announcing the move in the afternoon.
Pandolfo, 47, becomes the 13th coach in the program’s history. He served as associate head coach last season after spending the previous seven years in the Bruins organization.
“I want to thank Drew Marrochello and President Robert A. Brown for this incredible opportunity,” Pandolfo said in a statement. “It was a thrill to return here last year, and to now lead a program that holds such a special place in my heart is a dream come true.
Advertisement
“Choosing to play at BU was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I hope that the players I coach feel the same way when they complete their careers here. I’m excited to get to work and keep BU among the elite college hockey programs in the country.”
🔴 National champion
— BU Athletics (@BUAthletics) May 5, 2022
🔴 2-time Stanley Cup champion
🔴 Terrier through and through
Jay Pandolfo is the new head coach of @TerrierHockey.https://t.co/5FoMjYEb7r pic.twitter.com/rLMmvA8LWP
The Burlington native was a standout for the Terriers from 1992-96, totaling 79 goals and 90 assists as BU went to four straight Frozen Fours, winning the 1995 national championship. His hiring means that a Terrier has now held the head coaching job in all but one season since the end of World War II.
Drafted by the Devils with the 32nd pick in 1993, he played 899 games in the NHL, winning a pair of Stanley Cups in New Jersey. He finished his career with the Bruins, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2013 before calling it a career.
In 2014, he joined the Bruins as a development coach, before being promoted to director of player development in 2015. The following year, he was named an assistant coach, serving first under Claude Julien, then under Bruce Cassidy before returning to the Terriers last summer.
Advertisement
Pandolfo replaces Albie O’Connell, whose contract was not extended after he went 58-49-16 in four seasons.
“This is truly a great day for the Boston University men’s hockey program,” said Marrochello in a statement. “Jay was an elite player during his four years at BU and then proved to be a consummate professional during a decorated NHL career.
“He understands the tradition of BU Hockey and how important it is to our university, our alumni, and our fans.
“Our student-athletes learned a lot from Jay during his first season here and we look forward to having him prepare them for future success while guiding us to championships. He certainly knows what it takes to win and we’re excited to keep him home at BU, leading our program for years to come.”
Follow Andrew Mahoney on Twitter @GlobeMahoney.