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Thibodeau looking forward to working with River Hawks

The newest Director of Hockey Operations. (Courtesy Troy Thibodeau)

Brooke Keating
Connector Contributor

Troy Thibodeau will be a fresh face in the coaching staff for the 2016-17 hockey season. Thibodeau was hired as the Director of Hockey Operations for the UMass Lowell River Hawks in July 2016.

Prior to joining the university, he worked as Video Coordinator and Director of Analytics for the Merrimack College Warriors after graduating from the University of Southern Maine (USM) in 2014.

This past summer, Thibodeau competed in three triathlons, and has always taken an interest in athletics. In addition to being a two season athlete at USM, after graduation he briefly pursued a career in Strength and Conditioning, and has competed internships at the University of Florida and the University of Denver before deciding to pursue a coaching career.

This led him first to his position with Merrimack, and ultimately to his current place in the UMass Lowell coaching staff.

On a day-to-day basis, Thibodeau takes care of all aspects of video for the team, including presentations, pre-scouting opponents, game clips for review, and the filming of practices. In addition, he is responsible for all team travel – transportation, hotel, and meals for home and away games –  as well as acting as an “Academic Liaison” for the Academic Support staff, where responsibilities include maintaining connections between players and Academic Support and overseeing study halls.

Thibodeau is a firm believer in that success that comes with teamwork, “selflessness, detail and passion,” and highlights the importance of taking pride in his work.

“I… hold myself accountable to stay organized and detailed so that we can continue the winning culture that has been built at UMass Lowell,” Thibodeau said.

In comparison to other organizations where he has worked and played in (Thibodeau played both hockey and baseball at USM), the new director of hockey operations can see how the values of the UMass Lowell River Hawks reflect those of a successful organization.

In particular, Thibodeau pointed out the River Hawks’ commitment to a common goal: to win hockey games.

“When no one cares who gets the credit, it’s amazing what can be accomplished,” said Thibodeau. He credits this fact for the Riverhawk’s recent success on the ice, which has included two back-to-back Hockey East championships.

Thibodeau was attracted to UMass Lowell in part to the team’s success and establishment as a national contender and his experience as Video Coordinator for Merrimack. He looks forward to overcoming challenges and taking on new responsibilities – both which will shape him into the successful coach he hopes to be in the future.

Becoming a hockey coach is a long term goal for Thibodeau, and this fueled him to apply to the position. Although not looking for a lifelong career as a Video Coordinator, getting his foot in the door with an “elite coaching staff” is the stepping stone to getting there.

But even if this position is not his lifelong dream, Thibodeau does not let this inhibit his work ethic and drive for success, and plans to do “everything [he] can to help this program get better and ultimately win a National Championship.”

He says that he takes pride in the responsibilities that he has and is looking forward to working with the River Hawks.

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