Nick Cotroneo named Head Girls Ice Hockey Coach at St. Mary's Ryken

 

St. Mary's Ryken (SMR) announces the hiring of Nick Cotroneo as Head Girls Ice Hockey Coach. Coach Cotroneo was the assistant girls coach in the 2023-24 season and will begin his position effective immediately.  

Born and raised in Eagan, Minnesota, Coach Cotroneo attended Catholic school from 1st grade through graduate school. He attended St. Thomas Academy, earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, and a graduate degree at Duquesne University.

With nearly 40 years of experience in playing and coaching hockey, he relocated to Maryland in 2015 after serving almost 13 years as a Naval Flight Officer. Since moving, Coach Cotroneo has been teaching skating and coaching at the Capital Clubhouse. 

"My goal for the girls' team is to grow the sport and foster a love for the game, emphasizing access for all who want to play, learn, and have fun," said Coach Cotroneo. "I aim to instill a bit of the "State of Hockey" mentality in our small community. Inspired by Coach Chris Palombi (SMR head boys ice hockey coach) and his passion for the sport, I strive to build on the strong foundation he has established."

"Coach Nick Cotroneo has been a great addition to our community serving as an assistant coach with the girls ice hockey program in 2022-23," said Athletic Director, Jon Lombardo. "I am excited to elevate Nick to the head coach role as his leadership thrives through relationship building. Coach Cotroneo is a great organizer and communicator. I am excited for him to continue to build on the program's foundation established by Coach Chris Palombi. I am confident Nick will lead girls ice hockey by offering a transformational experience for our student-athletes that aligns with the mission of SMR."

Coach Nick is optimistic about the upcoming season because he's seen a significant increase in interest and a dramatic rise in the number of players pursuing opportunities to play hockey during the offseason with local travel teams. "Our aggressive off-ice training plan is in full swing, with many players taking lessons, heading to the rink on their own time, and participating in summer leagues."

"Additionally, we have a fantastic opportunity to engage with current and future players, ages 8 to 17, during our St. Mary's Ryken  Summer Knights Hockey Camp at the Capital Clubhouse." For more information and to sign up for camp, visit www.smrhs.org/summerknights.

"My experience with the team last year has motivated me to bring success by building on the high-quality student-athletes already in our program. We are dedicated to providing smart and motivated players with the tools to better understand the game of hockey. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love of hockey with St. Mary’s Ryken."

Coach Cotroneo has been happily married to Mia for 19 years, and together they have three daughters, one of whom is a rising junior at St. Mary’s Ryken.

If you have any questions about the SMR Girls Ice Hockey Program, please contact Athletic Director, Jon Lombardo at jonathan.lombardo@smrhs.org.