Women's Hockey | 8/24/2020 11:45:00 AM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Rochester Institute of Technology Bruce B. Bates Women's Hockey Coach Celeste Brown named Justin Simpson assistant coach for the Tigers, Monday.
Simpson spent the last two seasons in the same role at Division III Colby (Maine) and also previously spent five seasons with the Providence women's program, including four as Director of Hockey Operations.
Simpson brings an extensive background in video analysis and breakdown to the Tigers staff. In addition to directing the Friars' efforts during his time in Rhode Island, he also served as Video Coach for Hockey Canada and the Women's National Development Team from 2015-17.
"We are ecstatic to welcome Justin and his wife, Jessica, to the Tiger family. Justin is a great human, conducts himself as a professional in all facets of coaching and puts the student-athletes first," Brown said. "He has worked with some of the top coaches in our game and I know he will play a substantial role in our pursuit of excellence. His impact will be felt immediately and will help push our program to new heights!"
Colby made back-to-back New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Tournament appearances during Simpson's tenure. Last winter, the Mules compiled a 15-6-5 record for the winningest season in 12 years, including a 9-3-4 NESCAC mark to clinch the tournament second seed for the first time in program history. Senior forward Tess Dupre landed second-team All-NESCAC honors after tying for 10th in the league with 20 points, including a team-high 12 assists, while sophomore goalie Nina Prunster finished eighth nationally with a .949 save percentage.
"I would like to thank Coach Brown, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Lou Spiotti Jr. and the entire hiring committee for their efforts during this process and for the opportunity to join Tiger Nation," said Simpson. "I am extremely excited to get to campus and feel the energy with all the students back. I am looking forward to meeting, getting to know, and working with all of the women's hockey players. I would also like to thank all of the coaches I have worked with during my career, as well as my family, especially my wife, Jessica, for all their support and guidance in helping me get to this point in my career."
Simpson's duties at Providence included managing all team travel, recruiting database management and special event coordination while assisting the coaching staff's day-to-day operations. He saw the Friars go from six wins during his first season in 2014-15 to back-to-back 17-win campaigns in 2016-17 and 2017-18. Simpson also completed a Master's of Business Administration in 2016.
Simpson was also a hockey operations intern with the Friars during the 2012-13 campaign before spending the following year as video coordinator at Laurentian (Ontario) while completing a bachelor's degree in sport administration.
The Ontario native spent the 2011-12 season working for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Sudbury Wolves in the marketing department, overseeing brand activation, game statistics and sponsorships. He additionally worked with Capital Sports Management, the sister company of the NHL Ottawa Senators, where he took care of pre- and post-game preparation and venue supervision.
