Grillo Resigns as Bears' Head Coach

PROVIDENCE, RI -- Brown University head men's hockey coach Roger Grillo has announced his resignation as head coach of the Bears to become a Regional Manager for USA Hockey's American Development Model. The ADM, with support from the NHL, is a nationwide initiative that was announced by USA Hockey in January. It will provide local associations across the country - for the first time ever - a blueprint for optimal athlete development that focuses on age-appropriate training utilizing long-term athlete development principles.

"I'm extremely happy for Roger," said Brown Athletic Director Michael Goldberger. "This is a wonderful opportunity for him and his family. Roger served Brown extremely well, winning an Ivy League Championship, and is a great educator. He brought in superb student-athletes who were incredible representatives of Brown on the ice and in the classroom, earning an incredible number of Academic All-ECAC awards. We will miss him."

A native of Apple Valley, MN, Grillo's tenure at Brown was highlighted by three straight winning seasons, 2003-2004, an Ivy League Championship in 2004, and an appearance in the ECAC Hockey Championship weekend in 2003. While at Brown, Grillo coached one Hobey Baker Award Finalist (top three), two All-Americans, one ECAC Player of the Year, one ECAC Goalie of the Year, one ECAC Rookie of the Year, and one ECAC Best Defensive Defenseman. He also coached one Ivy League Player of the Year, one Ivy League Rookie of the Year, eight All-ECAC selections, and 18 All-Ivy selections. Following his first season behind the Brown bench (1997-98), Grillo was named a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Memorial Trophy and was runner-up for the ECAC Coach of the Year Award.

Prior to his arrival at Brown in June of 1997, Grillo spent seven years as an assistant coach at Vermont, helping to coach the Catamounts to the 1997 ECAC regular season title and NCAA Tournament appearances in 1996 and 1997.

Grillo has been actively involved in USA Hockey during his career, serving as a coach at USA Hockey player development camps over the past 17 years. In addition, he served as the Head Coach for the U.S. Under-18 Select Team in both 2004 and 2007.

"Brown is an exceptional place," said Grillo. "I had 12 great years here and will always have the pride of having worked at one of the best schools in the world. The past 12 years have been a special time in my life, providing great memories for both myself and my family. I leave Brown with the excitement of this new challenge, but also with some sadness in leaving the wonderful people at the University. The group of young men who will take the ice next season are not only talented athletes, but more importantly, they are excellent people who will be missed greatly."

A national search for his successor will be launched immediately.