Roy Sommer named men’s ice hockey player development coordinator

WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross men's ice hockey coach Bill Riga has announced the addition of Roy Sommer as the program's Player Development Coordinator.

A new role for the Crusader men's hockey program, Sommer will oversee the program's player development model, creating the unique opportunity for Holy Cross players to learn and develop under his expertise.

"Having someone of Roy Sommer's caliber join our staff to oversee our player development model is an absolute home run for our program," said Riga. "His track record of winning hockey games and developing talent at the highest levels of hockey is well documented and will be invaluable to both our players and our staff. We are excited to get him here and get started."

Sommer, a member of the American Hockey League (AHL) Hall of Fame, holds the AHL record for victories (828) and games coached (1,814). In his 24 seasons of coaching in the San Jose Sharks organization, Sommer saw more than 150 of his players continue on to the National Hockey League (NHL), including players like Joe Pavelski, Jonathan Cheechoo, Logan Couture, and Holy Cross alum Patrick Rissmiller. Sommer also won the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award following the 2016-17 season as the AHL's most outstanding coach.

"Roy has a proven track record of developing players during his time as an AHL head coach for 25 years," said Rissmiller. "His dedication to helping players on and off the ice is extraordinary and I was fortunate to have started my pro career under his watch. A wealth of knowledge and a great person, Roy is a tremendous addition to the program."

Prior to his coaching career, Sommer played ten seasons of professional hockey after being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1977. He represented the United States at the 1976-77 World Junior Championships, and suited up for the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980-81 season, scoring a goal in his NHL debut.

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Roy Sommer named men’s ice hockey player development coordinator