April 22, 2011

Bennett Takes Reins at Union

SCHENECTADY, NY -- Rick Bennett has been named the Head Men's Ice Hockey Coach at Union College. The announcement was made today, April 22, by Union Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin. Bennett has served the Union program since 2005-06 and has been the Associate Head Coach since the 2007-08 season.

Bennett replaces Nate Leaman. Bennett becomes the program's 20th coach all-time and the fifth in the Division I era that began in 1991-92.“We will sorely miss Nate as our head coach and are grateful for the integrity, leadership and dedication he brought to the College,” said President Stephen C. Ainlay. “This was an intensely personal decision for Nate and his family, and we wish them nothing but the best.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone like Rick Bennett step in to take over the men's hockey program at this time. We know he expects the same type of commitment from the scholar-athletes he coaches and recruits, and will continue the success our students have enjoyed on the ice, in the classroom and in the community.”

"Rick has done a truly remarkable job in recruiting and developing the student-athletes of the Union men's ice hockey program," said McLaughlin. "Rick had an outstanding playing career at both the collegiate and professional levels, ending up as a Hobey Baker Finalist in his senior year, and spending time with the New York Rangers in the NHL. He has recruited eventual All-Americans, Academic All-Americans, ECAC Scholar-Athletes, and other well rounded, extraordinary individuals to our campus. He has played a significant role in the rise of this program over the last five years. We look forward to him continuing our successes as he takes over our program."

“I am very pleased to receive this opportunity,” said Bennett. “Union College is a special place and it has been an honor to be a part of this program as we have developed it not only regionally in our league but also nationally. We bring in the finest young men to the college, and these individuals have brought us to where we are today. I appreciate Jim's confidence and support and look forward to serving as the head coach of this prestigious and historic program at Union College.”
Union set school records for overall wins (26) and conference wins (17) en route to the school's first Cleary Cup (ECAC regular season title) and first NCAA Division I tournament berth. The Dutchmen went 14-1-1 in their final 16 regular season games to clinch the league title. Union led the nation in power play efficiency with a 29.5%. 

Since stepping foot on the Union College campus in the 2005-06 season, Bennett has helped mold the Dutchmen into one of the top defensive teams in the nation. Highlighting the 2010-11 season's accomplishments, Union allowed just 2.10 goals per game, and was second in the nation. The team allowed two or fewer goals in 24 of its games. Last season Bennett mentored one of the top defensive teams in the ECAC, as Union allowed just 100 goals in 39 games.
Playing a key role in the latter statistic was sophomore goaltender Keith Kinkaid, who was voted an Old Time Hockey First Team All American, just the second Union player to be so honored in the school's Division I history.
Before joining the Union coaching staff in 2005, Bennett spent five years as an assistant coach at Providence. His first two years with the Friars he worked with the defense and then worked with the forwards his final three seasons. During his tenure Bennett also coached the team's power play, handled team travel, recruiting, and academics.

Bennett was named to the Providence College Athletics Hall of Fame last fall. He enjoyed a standout career as a student-athlete at Providence, where he was best recognized for his versatility. In his years at PC, the powerful left wing played center, played defense, played on the power play and killed penalties. The culmination of years of hard work and dedication led Bennett to be a 1990 Hobey Baker Finalist. A former Friar co-captain, Bennett earned Second Team All-HOCKEY EAST honors in 1990. In 1987, he was named to the HOCKEY EAST All-Rookie Team. He was a two-time winner of the Lamoriello Trophy as Team MVP for Providence. In 1989, he tallied 46 points and was named Second Team All-American. Bennett participated in two U.S. Olympic Sports Festivals where he won a gold medal for the West Team in 1989. Bennett ranks 24th all-time at Providence with 134 points in 128 games. Bennett played three seasons with the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League.