Ben Barr is entering his third season as an assistant coach and already his impact on the program can be felt. An offensive specialist at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Barr helped guide the Dutchmen to unloading 134 goals last season – the most in school history. Union finished second in ECAC Hockey in goals and second for shots (1306).
Barr’s responsibilities with the Dutchmen include recruiting, working with the forwards on the ice, assisting with special teams, managing the team’s off-ice strength and conditioning program, coordinating team travel and video analysis.
"We were really excited to land Ben as a member of this staff," said head coach Nate Leaman. "He is done a great job with our offense and the off-ice training. He is a guy that has played within our league and was a very good captain. He brings great leadership."
Prior to joining the Union staff, Barr spent the 2004-05 and 2007-08 seasons as a volunteer assistant coach for his alma mater.
A native of Fairbault, Minn., Barr served as a coach for the USA Hockey Select 14 Team during the summer of 2008 and for the Select 17 Team in 2007. From 2005 to 2007 he was the head coach for the Capital Districts Select AAA PeeWee Major Hockey Team.
As a student-athlete for RPI, Barr produced 64 points (25 goals and 39 assists) in 140 career games. He was the team’s most valuable player in 2002-03 and was given the team’s coaches award in 2002-03 and in 2003-04. His junior season he produced a team-best three shorthanded goals and a team-high tying three game winning goals. He served as a captain during his senior season and again led the team in shorthanded goals (two) and game-winners (three).
As a four year athletic scholarship recipient and letterman, Barr was named to the Rensselaer Dean’s List all four years and was on the 2004 President’s List. He was also selected to the ECAC All-Academic Team during the 2003-04 season.
Prior to RPI, he was awarded the Williams Cup (best all-around athlete) at Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep School in 2000.
Ben resides in Troy, N.Y.
