Schenectady, New York – Mike Zanella has been named assistant coach and head coach of the Union University men’s hockey team. Josh Hauge It was announced on Tuesday.
“We are excited to welcome Mike Zanella and his fiancée, Erin, to the Union hockey family,” Hauge said. “Mike is a loyal, hard-working individual who will be a great addition to our staff. We are confident he will join our team immediately and get to work developing our players.”
“I am extremely grateful Josh Hauge, [Athletic Director] Jim McLaughlin, and [assistant coach] John Ronan “I am grateful for this incredible opportunity,” said Zanella, “and excited to represent Union College and begin developing our student-athletes. This is an exciting time for Union College and the city of Schenectady, and I can't wait to get started.”
Zanella comes to the Union from the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League where he served as an assistant coach the past two seasons, leading the team to a record of 62 wins, 59 losses, six ties and three draws. In the 2022-23 season, Zanella coached the now-second-year players. DJ Heart Final year of junior hockey.
Prior to his time with the Lincoln Stars, Zanella served as an assistant coach at Elmira College for five years. During his time with the Soaring Eagles, the team improved year after year, winning the 2021 UCHC Conference title and the UCHC Pat Thompson Trophy. Zanella also played a key role in the team's first appearance in the 2021-22 NCAA Tournament in a decade.
A native of Ithaca, New York, Zanella began his coaching career at Skidmore College during the 2016-17 season after playing two years of professional hockey.
Zanella played four years of college hockey at Buffalo State and was captain of the Bengals for three years. As a senior, he led the team to more wins than any other class and finished his collegiate career in 10th place.Number The highest points ever.
