DUDLEY, Mass. – Nichols College Director of Athletics Eric Gobiel has announced the hiring of Mike Parnell '17 as men's ice hockey head coach. He replaces Parker Burgess, who resigned last month to accept a position with the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Parnell spent the 2019-20 season as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Nichols, effectively recruiting the BCHL, AJHL, SJHL, NAHL, OJHL, GJOHL, CCHL and other various junior hockey leagues throughout the United States, Canada and Europe to the tune of 13 incoming freshman this fall. Parnell assisted in all aspects of pre-game, in-game and post-game adjustments while also dissecting and preparing video on opponents. He was also responsible for the implementation, teaching, and execution of the penalty kill.

The 2019-20 edition of the Nichols College men's hockey team overcame an 0-9-0 start to earn points on 12 straight contests (10-0-2) and quality for the CCC playoffs. The fifth-seeded Bison went on to upset Salve Regina University, 5-4 in overtime in Portsmouth, R.I. and nearly took down eventual champion Endicott in the semifinals, falling 3-2 in overtime.

"I am so excited to have the honor of coaching such a special program," said Parnell. "This is a dream to have the responsibility to ensure our student-athletes have an amazing experience during their time at Nichols College. Our staff will work tirelessly to ensure we maintain the foundation of success and tradition. I am thrilled to get to work with this special group of players."

Off the ice, Parnell became proficient with video software across InStat, Hudl, Game Breaker, iCoda, XOS, and IceBerg. He helped raise $30,000 for the program during the 'Bison Blitz' last September and monitored the academic prowess of the student-athletes in the program; 23 student-athletes finished with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

"I am thrilled to announce Mike Parnell as the next head coach of our men's ice hockey program," said Gobiel. "Throughout our search process, he rose to the top of a very deep candidate pool at every stage. He is an articulate and driven coach with a clear plan for keeping Nichols hockey among the top teams in the Commonwealth Coast Conference. His experience at Alaska-Fairbanks and Trine University far exceeds that of a traditional assistant coach and I have no doubt that he is ready to lead our program into the next chapter of Nichols hockey."

Parnell returned to Nichols following stints as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks (2017-18) and Trine University (2018-19). Just two months after graduating, he left Dudley and drove cross-country to 'The Last Frontier' to become a volunteer assistant for the Nanooks, who compete in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). Parnell assisted the Nanooks' coaching staff in developing practice plans which focused on skill development and conditioning for non-traveling student-athletes. The Roseville, Minn. native also assisted the Director of Academics in managing the student-athletes' academic progress at while assembling goalie analytics and devising an analytical system to track face-offs and scoring chances.

At Trine, Parnell was an assistant coach and the director of recruiting, twice spending 20 days on the road recruiting for head coach Alex Todd. He recruited 2018-19 National Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) co-Freshman of the Year and All-Freshman Team pick Garrett Hallford, as well as 2019-20 NCHA All-Freshman Team defenseman Brad Jenion. This past season, four of Trine's top five scorers were recruited by Parnell: Hallford, Brendan Prappas, Justin Meers, and TJ Delaney.
 
"I am thankful for the support of the Nichols hockey program alumni who have gone above and beyond to show their support and belief in my abilities," added Parnell. ""I want to first extend a sincere 'Thank You' to Director of Athletics Eric Gobiel, along with Bill Boffi, Bill Pieczynski, and the entire search committee for providing me the opportunity to be the next Nichols College men's ice hockey head coach. I want to thank my entire family – in particular, my mom, dad, brother and sister – for their unwavering support throughout my career. I would be remiss to not thank my mentors Parker Burgess, Alex Todd, Lance West and Erik Largen. These great coaches have challenged me to grow, all while providing me opportunity and responsibility."

Parnell – who has worked as an assistant coach with the USA Hockey Minnesota District since 2015 – was a three-year member of the Nichols men's ice hockey program, appearing in 69 games on the blue line over a three-year span after transferring from Wisconsin-River Falls. He helped the Bison capture the 2014-15 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Northeast Championship, which earned the program their second-straight NCAA Tournament berth. Named to the ECAC Northeast Academic All-Conference Team in 2015-16, Parnell amassed 19 points during his time in black & white (6-13-19) and served as team captain as a senior, when he received the Hal Chalmers Memorial Award for Dedication and Sportsmanship.

Parnell received his bachelor's degree in business administration in 2017 and is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership.
"Mike is the hardest worker I have ever worked with. There is nothing that he won't do and no place he won't go to recruit the players he needs for his team. Great hire!" -Alex Todd, Trine University Head Coach

"Over the past few years, I've had the privilege to coach with and get to know Mike on a more personal level. His knowledge about the game and his ability to communicate with his players is something special to be apart of. You've got a good one in Mike." -Austin Poganski, St. Louis Blues player

"Mike is a tireless worker who is truly passionate about the development of student-athletes and the game of hockey. I'm excited to see Mike take the next step." -Erik Largen, University of Alaska-Fairbanks Head Coach

"I was fortunate to work with Mike during my first year as head coach and now am extremely happy and excited for him in his new position as Head Men's ice Hockey Coach at Nichols College. Mike showed a tremendous work ethic and contagious energy. He was always looking for ways to help improve the program, the student-athlete experience and his knowledge of the game. Mike's passion to coach is matched only by his drive to continually learn. He is a student of the game. His players and the program will benefit from his energy, work ethic and passion." -Lance West, Alabama-Huntsville acting head coach

"Mike Parnell is a fantastic hire for Nichols College. He will be successful because he is authentic as he radically empathizes with everyone he meets. His innate ability to communicate, his positivity, and his enthusiasm will help him to connect with all of his players." -Don Krause, Minnesota Hockey High Performance (HP) 15 Head Coach

"I am thrilled that Mike is taking the reins of the Nichols men's ice hockey program. He is the right hire and I have no doubt that he is ready for this opportunity. 'Parns' provides direction and continuity for the players and will protect the brotherhood culture that so many have worked to create. The CCC is an incredibly competitive conference and I know Parns is looking forward to the challenge. I am excited to follow Mike and the Bison this season and in the future." -Parker Burgess, former Nichols current Janesville Jets head coach

"The best captain and teammate I've ever had. Nobody works harder and nobody cares more than Mike. He embodies what it means to be a member of the Nichols hockey program better than anyone I've met. His passion and love for Nichols College will drive the program to succeed." -DJ Goldstein '18, former Nichols College teammate