Women's Hockey | 5/6/2015 12:50:00 PM

  Mankato, Minn. ---  Kevin Buisman, Minnesota State Director of Athletics, has announced that John Harrington has been named head coach of the Maverick women's hockey program.

"We are thrilled to attract someone of John's caliber to our program," said Buisman. "The depth of playing and coaching experience that he brings will be a major asset.  John's name is well-recognized throughout the hockey community, providing instant credibility and opening new doors for us in the recruitment process.  Coach Harrington's leadership marks the start of an exciting new era for Maverick women's hockey."

Harrington brings a wealth of hockey coaching experience to Minnesota State. The former men's hockey coach at St. John's (1993-2008) led the Johnnies to a 241-142-31 record with four Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play-off and five regular-season titles, along with five NCAA tournament appearances.

Harrington, who has spent the last four years serving as an amateur scout for the National Hockey League's Colorado Avalanche, was the head coach of Asiago in the Italian National League from 2009-11 and head coach for Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss National League in 2008. The Virginia, Minn., native also served a stint as associate head coach with the men's program at St. Cloud State from 1990-93 and as an assistant coach with the University of Denver men's program from 1984-1990.

A 1979 Minnesota Duluth grad where he played four seasons with the men's hockey program, Harrington was a member of the United States men's hockey team that captured a gold medal at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid.

What They're Saying About John Harrington

Lou Vairo, USA Hockey Director of Special Projects
"Everywhere John has coached the players got better and improved.  That's the mark of a great coach and that's what matters the most. John sets a perfect example, he works very hard, he's committed and he transfers that to his players. He understands tactics, he's played on and coached championship teams. He's the complete package and can coach anywhere. This is a big plus for women's hockey in our country and a great hire for Minnesota State."

Mark Johnson, Head Coach, University of Wisconsin Women's Hockey
"I think it is exciting for Minnesota State and the Maverick women's hockey program. John has a real deep background in the coaching world, whether it is at the Division I level or the Division III level. He understands college hockey and he's got a history with the WCHA. Certainly he has a history at the Division III level with what it takes to be successful. It bodes well for our league to bring in an experienced, veteran coach."

Natalie Darwitz, Head Coach, Hamline University women's hockey
"While I have never had the privilege to work directly with John, I am certainly familiar with his strong reputation across the sport.  Based on what others have related about their personal experiences with John, I believe this is an excellent hire for Minnesota State and that it will be well supported in the hockey community.  I am familiar enough to know that  John has a high character family and that integrity will be part of the culture he brings as a head coach.  As a female hockey player, I always wanted to be coached by someone who has 'been there, done that' and in that context, John brings great credibility.  The Maverick women's hockey program is craving success, and I think Coach Harrington can help lead them in that direction."

Buisman said that a press conference will be scheduled later this month to formally introduce Harrington as Minnesota State's new women's hockey coach.