WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross and head men's ice hockey coach Bill Riga have agreed to a restructured contract that will keep the coach in Worcester until 2029, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes announced Thursday. 

"Crusader men's ice hockey has experienced unprecedented growth under Bill's leadership, and I am thrilled to announce this new deal to keep the Riga family home here at Holy Cross," Hughes said. "Bill's sense of urgency and attention to detail are just two of many qualities that have greatly benefited our program these last three years, and I am excited to support him as we continue to pursue our highest, championship tradition here at the College. We are committed to excellence and the continued growth of our program, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds under Bill's leadership." 

The Holy Cross program has shown constant improvement during Riga's three-year tenure, increasing their victory total every season. After the Crusaders won just four games the year prior to Riga's arrival, the team totaled 12 wins in 2021-22, 17 in 2022-23 and 21 in 2023-24. 

"I would like to thank President Rougeau and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes for this continued opportunity for our staff to lead the Holy Cross men's ice hockey program into the future," Riga said. "My family and I have been welcomed with open arms into the community and we are happy to continue to live and work at such a special place.

"Our work here does not change. We continue to push forward for comprehensive excellence in all areas each day, every day. And I am excited to do it here with our talented student-athletes and my incredible staff."

During the 2023-24 campaign, Riga led Holy Cross to an overall record of 21-14-4 and a 13-10-3 mark in Atlantic Hockey play. The Crusaders finished in second place in the conference regular season standings, and advanced to the semifinals of the Atlantic Hockey Tournament. Following the season, Liam McLinskey earned Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year and American Hockey Coaches Association All-America honors, while Jason Grande and Jack Ricketts were named All-Atlantic Hockey.

In 2022-23, Riga's squad ended the year strong by winning six of its final nine regular season games. Holy Cross then finished as the runner-up in the Atlantic Hockey Tournament, winning road series over AIC in the quarterfinals and No. 20 RIT in the semifinals. In addition, Nick Hale and Jack Ricketts earned All-Atlantic Hockey honors.

Prior to his time with the Crusaders, Riga spent 13 years on the coaching staff at Quinnipiac University, helping lead the Bobcats to five ECAC regular-season championships, six NCAA Tournament appearances and two Frozen Fours.

ABOUT HOLY CROSS
The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass., is among the nation's leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,200 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life. 

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS
Be sure to follow the Holy Cross men's ice hockey team — and all things Crusader Athletics — on social media!
Twitter - @HCrossMHockey | @goholycross
Instagram - @hcrossmhockey | @goholycross
Facebook - Holy Cross Men's Ice Hockey | Holy Cross Athletics
YouTube - GoHolyCross