American International has announced the promotion of Matthew Woodard to Associate Technical Director.
“[Matt Woodard] “She’s been a great addition to our staff,” AIC head coach Eric Lange said in a statement. “Matt is a careful, organized, and meticulous recruit. Our student-athletes are better because Matt is involved in their lives. An AIC graduate, Matt is a true yellow jacket.”
Woodard expressed his gratitude for Lange’s decision to promote him.
“I am very grateful for Eric Lang’s decision to promote me to an assistant position,” said Woodard. “There is no doubt that the support he has given him and the rest of this team has helped me get the best out of me. I love this group and being surrounded by incredible people.
“I would also like to thank our management for their continued support and help in making this decision come true. Finally, I would like to thank my wife, Ronwen, for her love and support. There are so many hours we spend apart during a season, and she is always there to support me and push me to be the best version of myself.” “.
Woodard recently completed his third season as an assistant coach, having helped lead his alma mater to the team’s fifth straight winning season. Woodard managed AIC defense and penalty kicks, and in 2022-23, the Yellow Jackets led Atlantic Hockey in goals allowed with just 99 in 39 games, a 2.54 goals-against average. In addition, he helped lead the recruitment process for the Yellow Jackets.
Following his tenure at AIC, Woodard previously coached women’s ice hockey at Dartmouth, Yale, and Rochester Institute of Technology. With RIT, he helped lead the Tigers to two College Hockey America titles.
Woodard, who graduated from AIC with degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology, competed in 133 games for the Yellow Jackets, scoring six goals and 23 assists for 29 Blueline points from 2005-top of 2009, including playing for Lang when he was a graduate assistant. Coach from 2006 to 2008. In 2006-2007, Woodard had his best season statistically, with four goals and seven assists for 11 points, all career highs.