Recently retired Mercyhurst hockey coach Rick Gotkin has expressed dismay upon the Friday announcement that the school will end its men’s hockey program.
“Obviously I am devastated on so many fronts,” said Gotkin, who retired earlier this month after 38 seasons as the program’s head coach. “I’m devastated for our student athletes. I’m devastated for (coach in waiting) Tom Peffall. I’m devastated for (assistant coach) Karlis Zirnis. I’m devastated for all the alums that we’ve had over the last 38 years. The sole focus needs to be on helping our student athletes find new homes and helping Tom Peffall and Karlis Zirnis find new positions.”
Mercyhurst men’s hockey has competed in all three divisions of NCAA hockey, starting in Division III, moving in 1992 to Division II and joining Division I in 1997, where it began as a member of the MAAC and later Atlantic Hockey America. Gotkin took over in 1988 and was the coach during the program’s entire existence in Divisions I and II.
“Hockey was a pretty important sport (at Mercyhurst) especially back in the early days of Atlantic hockey,” Gotkin said. “It was a pretty important sport in the MAAC years. It was a pretty important sport when we were playing Michigan in the 2000–2001 NCAA tournament. I like to think that hockey helped bring a lot of sports, other sports to campus. I like to think hockey helped drive this whole (Mercyhurst athletics) Division I move.”
Gotkin’s all-time record at the school was 616–576–114. Mercyhurst won the Atlantic Hockey America tournament under Gotkin in 2005.
In a statement, the school said the decision was made in the interest of “aligning academic and athletics offerings with evolving student interests and workforce needs.”
“These were thoughtful and consequential decisions,” Mercyhurst president Kathleen Getz said in a statement. “They reflect our responsibility to ensure Mercyhurst remains strong, responsive, and focused on providing students with the opportunities and experiences that will prepare them for success.”
Mercyhurst began its D-I tenure as a member of the MAAC and later Atlantic Hockey America.
“Atlantic Hockey America is deeply disappointed by the news regarding the Mercyhurst men’s ice hockey program,” AHA commissioner Michelle Morgan said in a statement. “We recognize the weight of this decision and the significance it has for the student-athletes and staff members who are affected. Our focus remains on supporting those impacted by this transition and ensuring the continued stability of our conference. The AHA will remain steadfast in continuing to elevate our league while remaining nimble in the continually changing landscape of collegiate athletics.”
Mercyhurst’s women’s hockey program will continue to operate, according to the school. All affected athletes will have their scholarships honored, the school also said.
“Our focus is on supporting every student-athlete through this transition,” Mercyhurst athletic director Joe Spano said. “We are committed to providing the resources, guidance, and individual support needed as they determine their next steps.”