ELMIRA, N.Y. – Elmira College Men’s Ice Hockey head coach Aaron Saul ’98 has announced the hiring of assistant men’s ice hockey coach, Mike Grace. Grace takes over for Mike Zannella, who departed earlier this month. Grace most recently served as a coach with the Boston Jr. Rangers of the Eastern Hockey League.
A Rochester, New York native, Grace played his collegiate hockey at Plattsburgh State from 2009-13 as a defenseman for the Cardinals. During his time in cardinal red, Grace received AHCA Second Team All-American and First Team All-SUNYAC nods, while leading the team in plus/minus rating as a junior, and goals amongst Cardinal blueliners as a freshman. Playing in over 100 collegiate games, Grace would notch ten goals and 42 assists
Following his time in Plattsburgh, Grace would go on to play professionally with the Mississippi River Kings from 2013-17. During his time in the SPHL, Grace would play in over 200 games while recording over 85 total points.
Grace began his coaching career with King’s College, beginning in 2017-18 which marked the Monarch’s inaugural season of play at Division III. After three seasons, Grace would go on to coach Boston Jr. Rangers of the EHLP and EHL. This past season with the Jr. Rangers, Grace would go on to win the EHLP Championship against the New Hampshire Avalanche, 4-3 in overtime.