WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross men's ice hockey assistant coach Castan Sommer has been promoted to associate head coach, as announced by head coach Bill Riga.
"I am happy to promote Castan Sommer to associate head coach of our hockey program," said Riga. "In addition to his great work ethic, an eye for talent and a comprehensive knowledge of the game, Castan demonstrates a passion for what he does and often takes initiative for new projects, while also finding creative ways to make us better on his own accord. We are better for it as a staff, and our program has grown quickly because of it. This title is well-earned, and we are fortunate to have him."
Sommer is entering his fourth year on the men's ice hockey staff at Holy Cross. Over the past three years as an assistant coach, Sommer has helped lead the program to its first Atlantic Hockey championship game appearance since 2006, and its first 20+ win season since 2013.
Prior to joining Riga's staff, Sommer served as an assistant coach for the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) from 2017-2021. There, he coached 10 players that went on to get drafted by or sign professional contracts with NHL organizations and nine players who have represented their countries in international competitions. Before joining the Thunderbirds, Sommer worked as a skating coach at the San Jose Sharks Development Camp.
As a player, Sommer spent time with the Manchester Monarchs (ECHL) in 2016 before playing for Kallinge/Ronneby Ishockey Forening in Sweden during the 2016-17 season.
During his time as a student-athlete on The Hill, Sommer helped the team to 66 victories, including a 54-40-16 mark in Atlantic Hockey action. The Shrewsbury native recorded 29 goals and 35 assists for 64 points over his four seasons in Worcester. Sommer attended the San Jose Sharks Development Camp from 2008-2013 and again in 2015.
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