On Tuesday morning, Lindenwood University's Vice President For Intercollegiate Athletics, Jason Coomer, has announced the hiring of Max Gavin to be the next Lindenwood Women's Hockey Head Coach. Gavin brings over 10 years of coaching experience across NCAA Division I Women's and Men's hockey programs, spending the last four years as an assistant coach on the Women's side with two-year stints at Dartmouth (2022-24) and Boston College (2024-26). Prior to Dartmouth, Max was the director of hockey operations for the University of Vermont's Men's Hockey team (2021-22) where he directed all daily program operations, including budget, facility coordination, and team logistics, while also monitoring academic progress of student athletes to maintain NCAA eligibility.

Prior to being a coach, Gavin played four seasons at Adrian College (2010-2014) and played professionally for one season with the Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL (2014-2015).

"We are thrilled to welcome Max Gavin to Lindenwood as our new Women's Hockey Head Coach. Max brings tremendous energy, passion, and experience to our program, and his commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the ice makes him an outstanding fit for our university." said Jason Coomer. "We are excited about the vision and leadership he will provide as we continue to build upon the strong tradition of Lindenwood Women's Hockey. We can't wait to see him take the helm and lead our program into an exciting future."

Gavin began his coaching career in 2015 as the head coach of the Adrian College Men's Hockey team (ACHA D3) and also spent time as the assistant coach of the ACHA Division I Men's program, a position he held until 2018.  In his final season as an assistant coach with Adrian, Gavin helped capture the 2018 ACHA Division I National Championship as the Bulldogs defeated the University of Illinois by a score of 8-1 in the Championship game to claim the title. Adrian finished the 2018 season with an overall record of 34-1-0 while posting a perfect 15-0-0 record in the GLCHL.

Following his time with the Bulldogs, he became the head coach in the Men's Junior A Ice Hockey League beginning in 2018 with the Powassan Voodoos of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. Gavin led his team to a first place league finish (45-9-1-1) and maintained a top 20 ranking in Canada during his second season at the helm in 2019-20. He directed the special teams units during his tenure as a head coach, posting a league-leading power play percentage of 24.5% during the 2019-20 season, and compiled a record of 78-28-4-2 in two seasons with the Voodoos while overseeing a staff of three.

"I am honored and thrilled to be chosen as the Head Coach of the Lindenwood Women's Hockey program. I would like to thank Dr. John Porter, Jason Coomer, Katie Zingg and all the individuals I met with during the interview process who shared genuine passion and excitement for the community on campus and this program. I would also like to thank my wife for being an incredible partner. I would not be where I am today without her constant support, encouragement, and sacrifices made along the way. To the student-athletes and staff, we cannot wait to get to campus and are excited to be proud members of the Lindenwood community" said Gavin.

Throughout his coaching career, Gavin has developed eight All-Conference players, coached three All-Conference Defensemen, and two Conference Defensemen of the Year finalists while helping multiple players sign contracts in professional hockey leagues including the PWHL and NHL.

Max is a native of Edina, Minnesota and graduated in 2017 from Adrian College with a Bachelor's degree in communications. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Sports Administration from Boston College.  
 
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Liz Keady Norton: MA Hockey CCM Hockey High Performance Director/Milton Academy Head Coach.
"Max has elevated every program he has touched; he is a high end recruiter, coach, and role model. Above all else he is an excellent human who will lead with integrity, character, and enthusiasm."
 
Jeff Kampersal: Penn State Women's Hockey Head Coach.
"I'm excited that Max is part of the AHA family. He is humble, hardworking, and transparent. The Lindenwood hockey community will enjoy Max's passion and knowledge as a teacher and leader." 
 
Steve Wielder: University of Vermont Men's Hockey Head Coach
"I'm really excited for Max and this new opportunity. He is an incredible coach and human. While at UVM his daily enthusiasm was infectious, and he made the workplace environment extremely positive. His personality, work ethic, and ability to find a way to get things done will set Lindenwood up for success."