[Update, 11:45 a.m. on Thursday: Here’s a full story in today’s Daily Free Press about the promotions, complete with quotes from O’Connell and Young.]
The departure of former associate head coach Steve Greeley to the New York Rangers in mid-August left a hole to be filled in the Boston University men’s hockey coaching staff.
On Wednesday, BU announced that assistant coach Albie O’Connell will fill Greeley’s spot, and director of hockey operations Scott Young will be promoted to assistant coach.
Young was originally reported to be the one slated to get Greeley’s job, per Jeff Cox of SB Nation, but some hiccups along the way made that difficult. Mike McMahon of College Hockey News tweeted that “Young was said to be the man in line for Greeley’s vacant spot as soon as it opened. Small hurdle with admin, not major, & now official” and added that the “issue was that he doesn’t have a degree. Left BU after 2 yrs.”
O’Connell and Young joined the Terriers last summer but had spent their college hockey careers with BU as well. O’Connell played for the scarlet and white from 1995-99 and captained the team during its 1998-99 season. Young skated for BU for two seasons from 1985-87 before leaving to begin his 17-season NHL career that included two Stanley Cup championships and three Olympic appearances.
Prior to returning to BU, O’Connell served as an assistant coach around the region, including stints with Harvard (2011-14), Northeastern (2008-11), Merrimack (2007-08), Holy Cross (2006-07) and Niagara (2004-06). And after Young hung up his skates, he was the head coach at the St. Mark’s School from 2010-14.