UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Ryan Patrick, a Pittsburgh-area native and Penn State alumnus, has been named the Hockey Director for Pegula Ice Arena, it was announced Monday (April 29).
In his role, Patrick will oversee and implement all aspects of the community's youth, student and adult hockey programs. He will manage the facility's learn to skate and play hockey programs, the youth amateur hockey program and the student and adult hockey leagues. In addition, Patrick will coordinate and organize youth hockey tournaments and high-level independent travel teams.
"Ryan brings a myriad of hockey playing, administrative, coaching and instructional skills, including youth hockey, college, minor-pro and elite hockey camp experience, to the position," said Joe Battista, associate athletic director for Pegula Ice Arena and Hockey Development. "He has experience running high-level independent teams and youth tournaments. Ryan has spent his whole life around some of hockey's greatest coaches and players, and we are very excited to have him on our staff."
"We are thrilled to add a person of Ryan's background to Pegula Ice Arena. His experience running youth programs, high-level independent teams, tournaments and skills clinics will be so important in enhancing the development of, and love for, hockey in the Centre region," said head men's hockey coach Guy Gadowsky. "Ryan is a hockey guy through and through and has an obvious passion for developing youth hockey players. I am extremely excited to welcome Ryan to Hockey Valley."
A 2003 graduate, Patrick wrapped up his first season as head boys' hockey coach at Sewickley (Pa.) Academy. While head coach at Sewickley, Patrick simultaneously worked as the director of coaching and player development for the Pittsburgh Aviators' youth hockey organization and served as the program director for Airport Ice Arena in Moon, Pa., where he designed and implemented on- and off-ice hockey programs for the Pittsburgh Penguins' Learn to Play Hockey program. He was also the owner of PV Hockey, which specialized in skill development.
Prior to his time in the Pittsburgh area, Patrick served as assistant commissioner for the National Junior Prospects Hockey League, which is a Midget AAA showcase held in five cities in the Northeast and Midwest. Patrick also served as the assistant director of hockey operations for the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers and spent time with the Pittsburgh Penguins as a draft day assistant and front office intern.
A former member of the University's ACHA club hockey team, Patrick is the son of Craig Patrick, who is the senior advisor of hockey operations for the Columbus Blue Jackets. His brother, C.J., and cousin, Curtiss, also attended Penn State and played hockey for the University. Patrick and his wife, Colleen, a 2002 Penn State graduate, have a son, Declan, and a daughter, Molly.