.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Simpson, Newkirk, Complete Women’s Hockey Staff
6/24/2021 2:34:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – First year women's hockey head coach Melanie Ruzzi has announced the addition of Justin Simpson and Makenna Newkirk as assistant coaches to complete the program's staff on Thursday.
Simpson comes to College Hill after serving the 2020-21 season as an assistant coach for RIT. Prior to coaching the Tigers, Simpson spent two seasons in the same role at Division III Colby (Maine). Colby made back-to-back New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Tournament appearances during his tenure. In his last season, the Mules compiled a 15-6-5 record for the winningest season in 12 years, including a 9-3-4 NESCAC mark to clinch the tournament's second seed for the first time in program history.
Prior to Colby, Simpson spent five seasons with the Providence College women's program, including four as the Director of Hockey Operations. While at PC, Simpson managed all team travel, recruiting database management and special event coordination while assisting the coaching staff's day-to-day operations. He saw the Friars go from six wins during his first season in 2014-15 to back-to-back 17-win campaigns in 2016-17 and 2017-18. Simpson also completed his Master's of Business Administration in 2016. Concurrently, he served as video coach for Hockey Canada and the Women's National Development Team from 2015-17. Prior to his operations role at PC, Simpson was an intern with the Friars during the 2012-13 campaign.
Simpson spent the 2013-14 season as video coordinator at Laurentian (Ontario) while completing a bachelor's degree in sport administration. In 2011-12, he worked for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Sudbury Wolves in the marketing department, overseeing brand activation, game statistics and sponsorships. Simpson additionally worked with Capital Sports Management, the sister company of the NHL Ottawa Senators, where he took care of pre- and post-game preparation and venue supervision.
"I was fortunate to work with Justin early in his career and knew that when I had the opportunity to build my own staff, he would be my first call," said Ruzzi. "His knowledge of the game and tireless work ethic will push all of us to be better. I am most thankful our program will benefit from Justin's positive energy and care for the people around him."
Newkirk was most recently a coach and assistant director at the North American Hockey Academy, where she transitioned the program from Vermont to Massachusetts. She managed all of the U16 team's dynamics and worked with the U19 group during practice and games for two seasons.
Prior to the North American Hockey Academy, Newkirk was an assistant coach at Milton Academy for one season (2019-20) and was a marketing specialist and skill development coach for Eagles Elite Sports, LLC.
Newkirk starred at Boston College from 2015-19, where she was a two-time captain and ranked fifth all-time in points (73-116-189) for a career. She helped the Eagles appear in the NCAA National Championship and win two Hockey East Championships and three Beanpots. She was voted the conference's Best Defensive Forward in 2019 and was named Rookie of the Year in 2016.
Following her stellar career with the Eagles, Newkirk competed for USA Hockey and attended three National Team Festivals. She was a member of the U22 National Team in 2016 and was an invitee to the Olympic Tryouts for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Newkirk additionally played two seasons in the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association in the New Hampshire Region and was drafted seventh overall in the 2019 NWHL Draft.
"Makenna brings a champion's mentality to our program after having an incredibly successful playing career at Boston College and opportunities with the USA National Team," said Ruzzi. "Her passion for developing student-athletes on and off the ice will raise the individual skill of our players and help to strengthen the culture and leadership within the program."
Simpson comes to College Hill after serving the 2020-21 season as an assistant coach for RIT. Prior to coaching the Tigers, Simpson spent two seasons in the same role at Division III Colby (Maine). Colby made back-to-back New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Tournament appearances during his tenure. In his last season, the Mules compiled a 15-6-5 record for the winningest season in 12 years, including a 9-3-4 NESCAC mark to clinch the tournament's second seed for the first time in program history.
Prior to Colby, Simpson spent five seasons with the Providence College women's program, including four as the Director of Hockey Operations. While at PC, Simpson managed all team travel, recruiting database management and special event coordination while assisting the coaching staff's day-to-day operations. He saw the Friars go from six wins during his first season in 2014-15 to back-to-back 17-win campaigns in 2016-17 and 2017-18. Simpson also completed his Master's of Business Administration in 2016. Concurrently, he served as video coach for Hockey Canada and the Women's National Development Team from 2015-17. Prior to his operations role at PC, Simpson was an intern with the Friars during the 2012-13 campaign.
Simpson spent the 2013-14 season as video coordinator at Laurentian (Ontario) while completing a bachelor's degree in sport administration. In 2011-12, he worked for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Sudbury Wolves in the marketing department, overseeing brand activation, game statistics and sponsorships. Simpson additionally worked with Capital Sports Management, the sister company of the NHL Ottawa Senators, where he took care of pre- and post-game preparation and venue supervision.
"I was fortunate to work with Justin early in his career and knew that when I had the opportunity to build my own staff, he would be my first call," said Ruzzi. "His knowledge of the game and tireless work ethic will push all of us to be better. I am most thankful our program will benefit from Justin's positive energy and care for the people around him."
Newkirk was most recently a coach and assistant director at the North American Hockey Academy, where she transitioned the program from Vermont to Massachusetts. She managed all of the U16 team's dynamics and worked with the U19 group during practice and games for two seasons.
Prior to the North American Hockey Academy, Newkirk was an assistant coach at Milton Academy for one season (2019-20) and was a marketing specialist and skill development coach for Eagles Elite Sports, LLC.
Newkirk starred at Boston College from 2015-19, where she was a two-time captain and ranked fifth all-time in points (73-116-189) for a career. She helped the Eagles appear in the NCAA National Championship and win two Hockey East Championships and three Beanpots. She was voted the conference's Best Defensive Forward in 2019 and was named Rookie of the Year in 2016.
Following her stellar career with the Eagles, Newkirk competed for USA Hockey and attended three National Team Festivals. She was a member of the U22 National Team in 2016 and was an invitee to the Olympic Tryouts for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Newkirk additionally played two seasons in the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association in the New Hampshire Region and was drafted seventh overall in the 2019 NWHL Draft.
"Makenna brings a champion's mentality to our program after having an incredibly successful playing career at Boston College and opportunities with the USA National Team," said Ruzzi. "Her passion for developing student-athletes on and off the ice will raise the individual skill of our players and help to strengthen the culture and leadership within the program."
Brown University 50th Anniversary Event Recap
Friday, April 11
Monique Lyons Goal vs Quinnipiac
Tuesday, April 08
Women’s Hockey Weekend Recap
Tuesday, February 11
Tuesday's 10 with Margot Norehad - Women's Ice Hockey
Monday, February 10
