A fresh coaching staff and eleven newcomers signal a cultural shift as the Bears look to build something special in Providence.
Brown University, like fellow Ivy Leaguer Yale, had significant turnover on their Coaching Staff going into 2026-27. The Bears are no doubt hoping these changes can assist the Bears in an ECAC Comeback Campaign. Alterations behind the bench began in late January when longtime Head Coach Brendan Whittet took family medical leave which included a transfer to an administrative role. Assistant Jason Smith was named Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the 2025-26 season and recently took a job as Division III Wentworth Institute of Technology's new bench boss.
However, the Bears' new leaders soon arrived in Providence starting with Head Coach Tom Upton. He worked his way through the college coaching ranks making stops in Stevens Point, Mercyhurst, and Amherst. The former Minutemen assistant did not mince words about expectations in the announcement.
"Our goal is to consistently compete for an ECAC championship, and it starts with creating and implementing a winning culture and environment, Upton said. "We want our players pushed and developed every day. I believe we have all the resources to create a winning program."
Matt Plante returns for his fifth season as an assistant with new faces Michael Garteig and Tom Peffall joining him as assistants. If Peffall's name sounds familiar, that's because he was the Head Coach in Waiting at Mercyhurst before the university's blindside move to cut the Men's Program. His addition to Brown will immediately accelerate the Bears' rebuild and recruiting, something Peffall oversaw in Erie. Upton concurs with my assessment saying in part "Tom has tremendous experience coaching and recruiting at the Division 1 level...He will have a great impact on the development of our players."
Garteig spent a decade as a goaltender in professional ranks across the globe, including a 2019 Kelly Cup while playing for the Newfoundland Growlers. Upton said of Garteig, "Michael's reputation for his competitiveness, work ethic, integrity and professionalism is something that will align perfectly with our new culture and standards at Brown."
Eleven new players are inbound to Brown, including seven freshman. However, it's junior transfer Brian Lonergan that gives me the most hope for the Bears' blue line. I worked with Lonergan during a challenging year of junior hockey and his work ethic is impressive to say the least. Lonergan's rare paring of puck movement and defensive responsibility elevates his teammates, especially his defensive partners.
Between new players and fresh faces at the helm, Brown is poised for a transformation starting this fall. I expect them to garner at least three more than their five wins from last year. Given Peffall's prowess recruiting, 2027-28 could bring Brown back into the national spotlight.
