Andy Jones, associate head coach at UMass Lowell was recently named coach of hockey at Bentley.
Jones takes over for Ryan Soderquist, who left in April After 21 seasons with the Falcons.
Jones, a 2000 graduate of Amherst, has spent the past eight years on the River Hawks’ staff, including the last five years as an associate head coach. His time at UMass Lowell included three bids to the NCAA tournament, five Hockey East semifinal appearances, three Hockey East tournament appearances, and a championship win over Boston College in 2017.
Finally, Jones has over 20 years of experience coaching at various levels. Eighteen of his former players have gone on to compete in the NHL.
“I am honored and excited to be appointed to the next head coaching position at Bentley University,” Jones said in a statement. “I believe there is a tremendous opportunity here for the ice hockey program to grow into a formidable force in Atlantic and NCAA Division I hockey. The energy and vision of Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams and President E. Labrente Cherite, along with the support of Bentley’s diverse and dynamic community and the newest Bentley Arena demonstrate a clear commitment to the success of Ice hockey at Bentley.
“I deeply appreciate being given the task of leading the Bentley ice hockey program into its next chapter. I look forward to building a program centered on positivity, intensity, and determination that reflects the high standards of excellence and innovation that represent Bentley University.”
“As we prepare for the 25th season of Division I hockey, we look forward to taking our program to the next level,” Williams added. “Coach Jones is the right man to help us build a championship program as he brings enthusiasm, energy and experience to Bentley. I can’t wait to see us get started.”
At UMass Lowell, Jones was involved in player development and leadership. Oversaw the defense and worked with the Penal Homicide Unit. Last winter, the River Hawks finished eighth nationally in scoring defense and 11th in penalty taking percentage.
“UMass Lowell hockey is proud to have Andy Jones as the next coach of Bentley University,” said Riverhawks coach Norm Bazin. “He has worked hard to earn this opportunity and Bentley will add an amazing person/coach to their sporting department. He has been an important part of our staff for eight years and we wish him and his family well as they start a new chapter in their lives.”
“Playing for Andy Jones is about playing with structure and competition. Andy doesn’t care if you have 15 goals or no goal,” said Lucas Condota, 2021-22 UMass Lowell captain now with Montreal. “If you compete and show up every day to work, you put Yourself in a position to be successful.Canadiens Organization.”Playing for Andy through college, it helped me a lot personally. If I wanted to shoot pucks, work on something, do video extras or had any questions, he was always there for me and his players. I know he will be a great coach, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Prior to joining the River Hawks, Jones spent four years as an assistant coach at Clarkson (2011-15) and five seasons as an assistant coach with the Sioux Falls Stampede.
The Golden Knights tallied 21 wins during the 2013-14 season, their most in seven years, and Stampede had a . 620 winning percentage during his tenure and brought home the Clark Cup in 2007. Jones also helped create a unique leadership development program that has produced collegiate leaders with an average Twice as other teams in the USHL.
Jones represented his country in 2009 as an assistant coach on the gold medal winning team during the World Junior A Challenge in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
Jones was a dual-sport athlete (hockey, baseball) and captain of the hockey team at Amherst. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2000 and a Master of Business Administration from UMass in 2004.
A native of Excelsior, Minnesota, Jones resides in Nashua, New Hampshire with his wife, Tracy, and their two daughters, Acadia and Maya.