A sudden coaching change and new NCAA transfer rules could leave the Eagles scrambling to solidify their roster and leadership before the puck drops in October.
Post University is the youngest of the seven Division II programs. Inaugural Head Coach Pete Whitney helped start the program 2016 as a DII Independent before joining the Northeast 10 (NE10) as an associate member in 2019. Whitney retired following the 2021-22 campaign, where the Eagles reached their first and only NE10 Championship game to date. Tim Richter took over as bench boss following five years as an Assistant Coach.
However, on Thursday, Aug. 6, Division III Albertus Magnus College announced the hire of now former Post Head Coach Richter. This leaves the Eagles with a glaring hole to fill just over two months prior to their Oct. 30th season opener against Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. At the time of publication, Andrew DeAngelis was the only Assistant Coach listed on Post's website. DeAngelis has been the Eagles' Assistant Coach since Richter took over as Head Coach in 2022.
Richter may not be the only departure. Per new NCAA Regulations, men's hockey players can enter the transfer portal in an additional 15 day window following a Head Coaching change. While no rumored transfers have been reported yet, it is important to explain how this new rule could impact Post's 2026-27 roster. The text of the rule reads as follows:
"When a head coaching change occurs, an additional 15-day period will open five days after the new head coach is announced. If a new head coach is not announced within 30 days of the previous head coach’s departure — and the 31st day after the head coach’s departure is after the championship game — a 15-day window will open. The additional head coach departure window is available only after the ice hockey transfer window opens through Jan. 2."
Following 10 combined seniors and graduate students in 2025-26, younger players may be thrust into leadership roles. If that pans out, look for incoming freshman Kelton Bradshaw to make an impact. Bradshaw served as captain on two different United States Premier Hockey League teams (Bold City Battalion and Coral Springs Jr. Cats) from 2024-26 and averaged near or above a point per game.
The next 30 days for Post University will be extremely intriguing to watch. There could be no changes or there might be major shakeups on the Eagles' roster. Either way, I will have my eyes on Waterbury, CT for the remainder of August and into September.
