COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State has hired Nate Handrahan as the head coach of the women's hockey team, Chris Schneider, associate athletics director and women's hockey administrator, announced Monday. Handrahan is the second women's hockey coach in the 12-year history of the women's hockey program.
"My family and I are grateful for the opportunity athletics director Gene Smith and the hiring committee has given me to be the head coach of the Ohio State women's hockey team," Handrahan said. "This program has great people and players and we are going to put together a recipe of success that will result in winning on and off the ice."
"We are excited to have Nate Handrahan join the Ohio State family," Schneider said. "He has a great work ethic and philosophy about developing the entire student-athlete; not only has hockey players but as people.
"Coach Jackie Barto did an outstanding job in building this program from the start and I look forward to working with Coach Handrahan as he works to continue the growth of Ohio State Women's Ice Hockey," Schneider added.
Handrahan joins Ohio State after serving five years as head coach of the Robert Morris women's hockey program. Taking over the team following its inaugural season in 2005-06, Handrahan's coaching style has established a young program that has shown great strides of growth each year.
Under his direction, the Colonials contended with some of the top teams in the nation as the squad has picked up key victories over nationally-ranked opponents. During the 2009-10 season, Robert Morris knocked off the eventual national champion Minnesota-Duluth, 4-1, on the road. The Colonials followed with a 3-1 upset over defending national champion Wisconsin.
Several student-athletes have reached exceptional levels during their careers under Handrahan's guidance. Among those was goaltender Brianne McLaughlin who became the NCAA Division I all-time career saves leader in 2009. She also earned a spot on the U.S. National Team and competed for the U.S. Olympic team at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, winning a silver medal.
During his time at Robert Morris, Handrahan has produced two All-CHA First Team, three Second Team and three All-Rookie Team selections. The Colonials have also had success in the classroom as Handrahan's teams have earned 46 CHA All-Academic team honors.
Before taking the helm of the women's program, Handrahan served as an assistant coach to the RMU men's hockey team for two seasons under head coach Derek Schooley. He assisted in the day-to-day operations of the team as well as instructing on and off the ice.
A 2000 graduate of Niagara University, Handrahan assisted his alma mater in 2001 under Dave Burkholder and served as assistant coach for three seasons. His duties included recruiting, producing game strategy and practice plans, skill development, scouting, equipment management and strength and conditioning. While at Niagara, the team earned an automatic berth to the 2004 NCAA Tournament after capturing the CHA tournament title. While with the Purple Eagles, Handrahan recruited and coached four players who would see action in the NHL.
A standout defenseman for the Niagara, Handrahan was a two-time All-ECAC West selection for the Purple Eagles. He played in every game during his four-year career and led the team to a No. 6 seed in the 2000 NCAA Tournament. He finished his collegiate career with 13 goal and 68 assists for 81 points, ranking 10th on Niagara's all-time assist list.
At the conclusion of the 1999-2000 season, Handrahan was signed by the Roanoke Express of the ECHL. He played the remainder of the 2000 season as well as the 2000-2001 season with the Express.
Handrahan and his wife, Nicole, have three daughters, Haylee, Mara and Lila.
Coaching Experience
2006-2011 - Robert Morris head women's hockey coach
2004-2006 - Robert Morris assistant men's hockey coach
2001-2004 - Niagara assistant men's hockey coach
Playing Experience
1999-2001 - Roanoke Express (ECHL)
1996-2000 - Niagara University
Release Courtesy of OhioStateBuckeyes.com
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