The University of Delaware Men’s Division 1 Hockey team is pleased to announce John Donahue as the program’s new head coach. The search for the new head coach produced several strong candidates, but it was clear that Coach Donahue was the right fit to lead the Blue Hens as the team continues their quest for another National title. The program is confident that Coach Donahue will continue the proud tradition of UD hockey, and add to the prominence as one of the top D1 ACHA programs in the country. Coach Donahue has a thorough understanding of what it takes to build a championship team, and he understands the importance of balancing both education and sportsmanship.
Donahue’s coaching experience goes back more than 20 years coaching top teams in the tri-state area. He has coached AA programs for both the Mt. Laurel Jaguars and Hollydel Hurricanes hockey programs of South Jersey, and has taken teams to compete at both the State and National levels. Donahue stated, “My teams have the reputation of being extremely disciplined, well mannered and well coached. Nothing is given freely and you earn the right to play based on your actions on and off the ice”. John also added that he still maintains great relationships with his former players, some who have gone on to play at the Junior, NCAA, AHL and NHL levels. John not only coaches players, but he also has experience teaching and mentoring new coaches starting out in the game.
John grew up in Southern New England where he played youth hockey. He played 4 years NCAA D3 college hockey at Nichols College. In addition to hockey, he also played lacrosse at Nichols and was selected captain for both teams in his senior year. John works for Hamburg Sud North America, as an Assistant Vice President for Equipment and Logistics. John and his wife, Linda, reside in South Jersey. You can contact Coach Donahue at johndonahue1234@gmail.com.
In his introduction interview, John stated: “I am excited to get started and look forward to establishing ourselves as a team that upholds the expectations of the University and its commitment to excellence on and off the ice.” The UD Hockey program, players, UDHAA, alumni and fans all now look forward to having Coach Donahue behind the bench this upcoming season and to the return of UD D1 Men’s hockey team for the 2017-18 season.
