ORONO, Maine -- University of Maine men's ice hockey head coach Ben Barr announced the hiring of director of player development Matthew Vanden Berg on Monday, September 13.

Vanden Berg has coached, scouted players, and served in player development for the past nine years. He has coached at the national midget AAA level for organizations including Team Carolina, the Milwaukee Jr Admirals, and, most recently, the Phoenix Jr Coyotes prior to joining the University of Maine.

He has also served as a scout for the Fargo Force of the USHL and the Maryland Blackbears of the NAHL. He specializes in on-ice and off-ice player development focused on tailoring specific athletic/skills training to student-athletes of all ages. Matthew has also served as a professional player development video coach working with players of all levels including NHL, AHL, NCAA, and Midget.

Vanden Berg has earned his master's degree in Sports Industry Business from Northeastern University, an MBA from Marquette University, and is currently working on his Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership from Creighton University.

The Black Bears open the 2021-22 season with a closed road exhibition against Quinnipiac. To view the entire schedule, click here. Tickets are also on sale for every home game. Grab your favorite seat HERE!

-UMaine-