SCHENECTADY, NY -- Union College head men's ice hockey coach Nate Leaman has signed a four-year contract through 2010, announced Athletic Director Jim McLaughlin Tuesday afternoon. Leaman became the 15th head coach at Union in 2003 and guided the Dutchmen to a program-record tying 16 wins and the team's fourth straight ECACHL home playoff series last season.
"I'd like to thank President Stephen Ainlay and Athletic Director Jim McLaughlin for the opportunity to work as part of this community for the next four years," said Leaman.
"Union College is a special place because of the type of education young men can obtain here as well as the close-knit relationships coaches have with the campus community," continued Leaman. "I know with their leadership, our program is going to continue to go in the right direction. I look forward to the continuation of their demonstrated commitment."
"Nate Leaman has demonstrated incredible leadership of our men's hockey program over the last three seasons and it makes sense for the College to secure him with a long term contract," said McLaughlin. "Nate's respect and reputation in collegiate hockey circles as well as his commitment to academic and athletic excellence has benefited the program, the student-athletes and the campus community—we are extremely fortunate to have his talent in place for the future."
In June, Leaman was named an assistant coach for the 2007 U.S. National Junior Team which will compete at the 2007 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship in Mora and Leksand, Sweden, December 26, 2006-January 6, 2007.
Leaman came to Union after four seasons as an assistant coach at Harvard, where he served as the team's top assistant and recruiting coordinator. Prior to his stint in Cambridge, Leaman served as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Maine during the Black Bears' NCAA Championship season in 1998-99.
Leaman is a 1997 graduate of Cortland State University (NY), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences with a concentration in environmental science. He received a Master of Science degree in biological sciences in 1999 from the University of Maine. Prior to attending Cortland, Leaman spent a season with the Enkoping Sports Klubb in Enkoping, Sweden. He also played one year with the Indianapolis Junior Ice in the North American Junior Hockey League.
