SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – American International College Head Ice Hockey Coach Eric Lang '98/'08 announced that Brendan Riley has been promoted to assistant coach on Wednesday, July 20.
“Brendan is a rising star in our industry. I have watched him grow, develop, and mature as an outstanding young man. First and foremost, he is a man of incredible moral fiber and integrity, he has an incredible hockey mind, and has a great understanding of AIC hockey, having spent the last year on our campus. Brendan will be a great addition to our student-athletes; his communication skills, understanding of player development, and genuine care for our players makes this a seamless transition. We are incredible lucky to have him with us in a full-time coaching capacity,” Lang said.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to be named assistant ice hockey coach at AIC. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cory Schneider, Matt Woodard, and especially Eric Lang for bringing me onboard last year and preparing me for this position. Getting to work on a staff like this, day in and day out has been very rewarding and I'm so grateful for the opportunity. After spending a year at AIC, and working with Eric, Matt, and Cory, it is clear why the program has had so much recent success. Finally, I would also like to thank the administration for their support of not only me but for our hockey program at AIC,” Riley said.
Riley served as the team's Director of Hockey Operations during the 2021-22 campaign, helping with administrative duties as well as video breakdown both of opposing teams for scouting purposes and in-game adjustments. His skill and tactical knowledge of the game was critical for AIC's success as the team advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive campaign in which it was played following winning Atlantic Hockey Association Regular Season and Tournament Championships.
Riley joined AIC's staff following a four-year playing career at AHA rival Mercyhurst University. He played 91 games for the Lakers from 2016-2020, and was an alternate captain as a senior. His career at Mercyhurst included the 2017-18 AHA Regular Season Championship.
Riley's father, Brian Riley, is the longtime head coach at Army West Point; his grandfather, Jack Riley, was the legendary coach of Army Hockey who led the 1960 US Olympic Team to the Gold Medal in Squaw Valley and the namesake of the AHA's championship trophy; Brendan Riley became the first member of the family to win the trophy since it was named prior to the start of the 2017-18 season.
The Yellow Jackets open the 2022-23 season on October 1 at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks; the team's home opener will be October 8 at the MassMutual Center against the University of Massachusetts. For season tickets, single-game tickets, and more, visit the MassMutual Center website by clicking here.
