Rivier University has hired its first head coach. The program, which is slated to begin Division III play next season, has tabbed Williams College assistant coach Eric Sorenson has its first head coach.
Sorenson, 31, was a four-year goaltender at Western New England from 2010-14. After graduating he had a four-year stint on staff as an assistant at Nazareth College before moving to Williams College two years ago.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to help build this program,” said Sorenson. “As the program leader, I will support a character-based culture with a focus on skill development, team, academics, and community involvement aimed at providing each student-athlete with the foundation to be successful in life.”
Sorenson begins his role immediately and will begin recruiting players for the program’s launch in 2021-22. Rivier will play its home games at Conway Arena in Nashua, N.H. The university announced the launch of the program in October.
“The addition of hockey is great news for local high school players who want to compete at the University level without leaving the state of New Hampshire,” said Brad Kreick, Chair of Rivier’s Board of Trustees and former NCAA Division I Ice Hockey student-athlete, in a statement last month. “Bringing college ice hockey to Nashua is a win for both the University and the city. We look forward to our inaugural teams taking the ice in 2021.”
“We are pleased to welcome Eric to Raiders Athletics and to work with him to achieve our vision for the Men’s Ice Hockey program,” said Joanne Merrill, Rivier’s Athletic Director. “I believe his coaching experience and leadership will motivate student-athletes to achieve their full potential as scholars and athletes.”
