New Varsity Hockey Coaches Introduced

September 6, 2012 - Laurentian University Athletics Director Peter Hellstrom today introduced the two coaches who will lead the University’s Varsity men’s and women’s teams for the 2013 Canadian Interuniversity Sports (CIS) season.

“We had a huge amount of interest in these two positions, and some very compelling candidates.  We couldn’t be happier with the two coaches we’ve selected, and we have very high hopes for the Voyageurs’ hockey prospects in 2013 and beyond,” said Hellstrom at a news conference.

Stacey Colarossi joins the Voyageurs as Head Coach of the Women’s hockey team from York University, where she has been the lead associate coach of the women’s Lions hockey team for nine seasons.  She has also served as assistant coach for Team Ontario and for the Canadian women’s team at the FISU World event in 2011.  Colarossi is a fully-certified NCCP level 3 and Hockey Canada high performance level 2 coach, and played her junior hockey in Brampton, Ontario. Colarossi is extremely highly regarded in the elite hockey community and is seen as a tremendous hire by Laurentian around which to build the program.

“The talent that’s out there in women’s hockey both locally, as well as across the country is phenomenal, and I’m thrilled about the prospect of building a team from the ground up,” said Colarossi. “I’m confident that we can be competitive from the outset, and I’m anxious to get on the ice and prove it,” she added.

A familiar face will be at the helm of the men’s varsity team for Laurentian.  Craig Duncanson was head coach of the university’s men’s varsity team from 1997-99, following his own professional career as a player from 1985-1997.  Duncanson was a first-round draft pick in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft, and went on to play five seasons with the Los Angeles Kings.  Duncanson later played with the Winnipeg Jets, and the New York Rangers, along with stints in the AHL and the IHL over the course of his career.

Duncanson also has a long resumé of coaching and development assignments.  Most recently, he has served as Head Coach of the OHL’s Under 16 Development Program, Associate Coach of the Sudbury Wolves Minor Midgets, and an evaluator in the Hockey Canada Under 17 Program.

“I’m honoured to be coming back to Laurentian for the return of varsity hockey in this community,” said Duncanson.  “This is a proud hockey town, and Laurentian’s Voyageurs are going to take their rightful place in the game.  Building a team from the ground up is a dream job for me, and there’s no question that Laurentian should be a powerhouse in the CIS.”

“We’re all tremendously excited about the return of varsity hockey,” said Laurentian Chief of Staff Chris Mercer.  “This is a ‘game-changer’ for the University,” he added.