Hill Joins Engineers' Staff

Photo by Amie Canfield

TROY, N.Y. -- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) director of athletics Jim Knowlton has announced the hiring of Brent Hill as women’s ice hockey assistant coach. A former standout at Saint Michael’s College, he will aide seventh-year head coach John Burke.

“We are excited to add Brent to the staff," said Burke. "Between his own collegiate playing experience, his work with USA Hockey and his focus on skill-development training, Brent brings a wealth of knowledge to our student-athletes."

"I would like to thank Jim Knowlton and John Burke for this tremendous opportunity," said Hill. "I am excited to be part of Rensselaer Women's Hockey and an anxious to share my expertise with the student-athletes as the program continues to reach new heights."

A native of Edmonton, Alb., Hill spent the last two years as the Director of Player Development for the Vermont Stars – Tier 1 Youth Girls. During his tenure, he helped develop and execute practice plans and off-ice training for all levels. Hill also served as a head coach, most recently with the U14 Stars in the winters of 2008 & 2009.

Prior to joining the Vermont Stars, Hill spent a year as an assistant coach for the women’s program at his alma mater.

As a player, Hill was a defenseman for the Purple Knights, serving as a captain in his senior season. He helped lead Saint Michael’s to three consecutive Northeast-10 Championships and was named to the All-Northeast-10 Second Team in 2003-04. Hill, who earned the school’s Victor Lemieux Award for strong loyalty and leadership within the athletic department, was also an All-ECAC Division II Second Team selection as a junior.

Following his college career, Hill served as an assistant coach with the Green Mountain Glades – Tier 1 Youth Boys in South Burlington, Vt. In addition to serving as the assistant for both the Squirt Major and PeeWee Major teams, he was the power skating instructor & skills coach for the entire organization.

Hill, who is a level 4 certified USA Hockey coach, has served as an instructor and coach with various organizations since 1999, including Full Stride, a hockey services company based in Vermont, and at numerous development camps and regional festivals through USA Hockey.

Hill graduated cum laude from Saint Michael’s in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.