Fisher Athletics Welcomes Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coaches

General | 6/20/2024 9:39:00 AM

The St. John Fisher University Athletics Department has named Reid Lesswing head coach of men’s ice hockey and Scott McDonald will take the helm as head coach of women’s ice hockey. The University announced the addition of intercollegiate men’s and women’s hockey teams earlier this year broadening its total number of athletic teams competing in the NCAA Division III to 26.

“We are excited to welcome Reid and Scott to our roster of talented and committed coaches at Fisher. We are thrilled that they will serve as the inaugural head coaches for our men’s and women’s hockey programs, and look forward what they will bring to the University; their experience and enthusiasm, and most importantly, their support of our student-athletes,” said Jose Perales, vice president for enrollment management.

Lesswing comes to Fisher from SUNY Plattsburgh, where he has served as the assistant coach of men’s hockey and operations manager since 2019. Under his leadership, the team finished this last season with a 21-5-2 record. Prior to his time at Plattsburgh, he was the assistant coach of men’s hockey for SUNY Fredonia, Castleton University, and for Team South Africa IIHF Division 3. Professionally, he played for the Louisiana Ice Gators in 2014.

A collegiate athlete himself, Lesswing was a member of the Castleton University men’s ice hockey team as an undergraduate student, competing in the NCAA Division III ECAC East Conference. He was selected as team captain in his senior year.

He has been recognized with the SUNYAC Coaching Staff of the Year Award and most recently, his team ended the season as the USCHO #8 ranked team in DIII.

Lesswing is a two-time graduate of Castleton University, where he earned a B.S. in Business Management and a M.S. in Athletic Administration.

“I am excited to join the St. John Fisher community and begin building a hockey program that aligns with the success that St. John Fisher Athletics is known for,” said Lesswing. “To be named the first coach of the men’s varsity hockey team is a tremendous honor for me. I certainly would not be in this position without the support of other coaches that have mentored me throughout my coaching career. I am thankful for this opportunity to develop our players into leaders in the community as well as student-athletes both on…