Josh Hand joined the the Penn State Icers Hockey Staff in 2010-2011. Coach Hand works with all aspects of the Icers program, as well as serving as the teams Recruiting Coordinator and Video Analyst. Coach Hand assists in the development of ice practices and game strategies. Prior to joining the PSU staff Coach Hand spent two seasons as Assistant Coach and Hockey Director at Texas A&M University where the Aggies captured their school's first ever birth into a regional tournament, going 20-8-2 on the season. The 2009-2010 season was the first time the state of Texas ever sent a collegiate representative to a regional hockey tournament.
Hand has also been a part of many top coaching staffs, including with Mitch Korn (Nashville Predators), Graeme Townsend (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Terry Ruskowski (Laredo Bucks). Hand's playing career consisted of four years (2004-2008) at Concordia College (MIAC) where he played both ice hockey and football. Coach Hand has a B.A. in communications and political science.
Sylvain ("Sly") Theriault joined the Penn State Ice Lions Hockey Staff as an Assitant Coach in the 2010-2011 season. Coach Sly works primarily as a defense coach, but also serves as the team's fundraising and marketing coordinator. In addition to these tasks, Coach Sly assists in developing team schedules, practice programs, and in recruiting. Prior to joining the Ice Lions staff, Coach Sly spent three years living in Scotland (United Kingdom) where he helped develop the Ellon Youth Hockey program. Previously, Coach Sly worked in Canada as a hockey referee at the university level while completing his B.A. in Criminology and Psychology. Since moving to Pennsylvania in 2009, Coach Sly has also worked on a volunteer basis with the State College Youth Ice Hockey Association (SCYIHA) as the Bantam Head Coach.
Sly has been heavily involved in the sport since he was just 3 years old; first as a player, then as a referee, and now as a coach. Having played competitive hockey for over fifteen years, refereeing for seven years, and coaching for six years, he has been able to gain a unique understanding of the sport from a variety of different perspectives. Coach Sly is hoping to see the Ice Lions through to Nationals this year after narrowly missing that mark last season.
Matthew Morrow is the newest addition to the coaching staff, joining the Ice Lions as an assistant coach this year. Matthew also has the responsibility of Recruitment Coordinator; a program cornerstone that Ice Lions are hoping to revamp in a big way. Matthew comes from sunny south Florida where he assisted former NHLer Peter Worrell at the North Broward Preparatory School. During the three years coaching at his alma mater he was part of two state championships and the school's first ever appearance at the High school National Championships. Altogether Matthew has over 10 years coaching experience across several skill levels. Matthew received his BBA from The University of Miami(FL) and is currently pursuing his MBA at the Smeal College of Business at Penn State.
Will Gigante served as an assistant with the Penn State Icers for six seasons (2006-2011). A graduate of IUP in 1993, he is originally from Pittsburgh where he worked with the All Pittsburgh High School Travel team. He was also an assistant with the Lady Icers for two years (2003-2005). Gigante's primary responsibilities include serving as Team Chaplin as well as coordinating the Ice Lions community service efforts. He is currently employed by the CCO to work at Penn State in campus ministry.
