University of Maine Athletics

Kevin Ritz enters his 10th year as the Head Athletic Equipment Manager and his 15th year on the bench with the men’s  ice hockey team for the 2025-26 season.

A native of East Greenbush, N.Y., Ritz started as a student assistant with the hockey programs in 2008 while attending the University as an undergraduate student. Ritz spent the 2009-10 campaign at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. as the primary equipment manager for both the men’s and women’s ice hockey programs. In 2010-11, Ritz took his talents to Syracuse University where he worked with the women’s ice hockey team. The 2011-12 season saw Ritz make his return to the Alfond and take over the equipment operations for the Black Bears men’s and women’s hockey teams.

Along with his primary responsibilities with the men’s ice hockey team Ritz, with the help of his staff, oversees the operation of equipment and apparel for the other varsity sports on campus. Ritz has also been an integral piece of the partnership between the University and New Balance, helping to provide Black Bear student athletes some of the best apparel in college athletics.

Ritz reached the milestone of working in 500 NCAA games during the 2021-22 season. He is currently a member of the Society of Professional Hockey Equipment Managers (SPHEM).

Ritz resides in Milford where he enjoys long walks to get coffee, and can perform one singular magic trick: making donuts disappear. To see a behind the scenes view of the Black Bears equipment room follow Ritz on Instagram @MaineRitz47 and Twitter @MaineRitz.