A new Head Coach and a few new recruits aim to revive the Penmen after a turbulent season in Manchester.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has been a part of the Northeast-10 since 2000, just a year before they changed their name from New Hampshire College to SNHU. The Penmnen captured two conference championships in 2014 and 2019. SNHU was a goal away from a third title, but ended up bested by Assumption in a 2024 double overtime nail bitter.
The Monroe Moccasins hosted the Baton Rouge Zydeco for a pair of theme games in the Snake Pit on Thursday, February 13 and Friday, February 14. Thursday night's Mardi Gras game treated the crowd to an overtime and shoot out with Mocs winning 4-3. Friday night's sell out Valentine's Day crowd saw the Zydeco win 3-2. The Moccasins will return to the Snake Pit on March 28th. Michelle Tripp/Special to the News-Star / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesA recent alumni success story is that of Jake Cox. Cox played for SNHU from 2018-2022, joining the Single A Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) upon graduation. He spent 2023-26 on the now defunct Baton Rouge Zydeco, and will stay with the newly minted Baton Rouge Kingfish.
Currently, the team is looking to bounce back after a tumultuous 2025-26. On Oct. 3, 2025 SNHU Director of Athletics and Recreation Anthony Fallacaro and Head Coach Sean Walsh were placed on administrative leave. This shakeup no doubt had an impact on the ice, as the Penmen went 5-14-1, their worst finish since 2011-12.
SNHU issued a statement saying, "Southern New Hampshire University is committed to fostering a supportive and professional environment that supports the health and well-being of all members of our community. Following recent concerns brought to the attention of SNHU administration, two employees within the athletics department have been placed on administrative leave. This is a proactive measure and does not reflect any conclusions or imply any finding of wrongdoing."
Both were ultimately replaced, as Tricia Cote was promoted to Interim Director of Athletics and Recreation in December 2025. Chris Moquin and Matt Osgood served as interm Head Coaches. Current Head Coach Brooks McQuade was hired on April 6, 2026.
McQuade had served as both an Assistant and Head Coach at the Tilton School since 2010 prior to his appointment behind the bench at SNHU. The good news for Penmnen fans is that last year's group appears to be largely intact, save for the five graduating seniors and no reported transfers according to Gopher Puck Live.
Nolan Nemecek is an incoming freshman I have my eye on. In his age out 2025-26 season with the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League's (NOJHL) Soo Eagles, Nemecek more than quadrupled his points from 12 to 53. If Nemecek's scoring gels with returners in Manchester, SNHU could see a bounce back campaign.
