From Cleary Athletics

(Nov. 14, 2018 - Howell, Mich.) -- Cleary University announced today that it is adding men and women's ice hockey teams to its lineup of athletics programs. Both teams will play their inaugural season in 2019-2020.

Coaches Colin Ronayne will lead the men's team and Matthew Kendziuk will serve as head coach for the women's team.

Ronayne served as the head coach for Oakland University 2016-2018 while Kendziuk was an assistant coach and the recruiting director at Oakland University 2015-2018. Both coaches played collegiate hockey at Oakland University.

"We have selected talented, experienced coaches to lead the debut of our hockey teams," said Ward Mullens, director of athletics, Cleary University. "Both have college coaching experience and are ready to build a winning tradition at Cleary. Colin and Matt both understand what it takes to build a winning program and we look forward to seeing the puck drop next year."

Cleary plans to join and compete in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). Cleary teams will practice and call The Hartland Sports Center in Hartland, MI home ice. New locker rooms and coaches' areas will be added to the facility to accommodate the Cleary University programs.

"The Hartland Sports Center and our team are looking forward to helping Cleary University develop a successful and prominent collegiate hockey program," said Mark Schaffer, owner of the Hartland and Brighton ice arenas. "They have been a leader both academically and athletically on a national stage. Adding Cougars ice hockey to the Hartland Sports Center will allow children in the community to pursue their hockey dreams throughout their formative years and into adulthood."

Cleary has experienced significant growth in its athletics program since the University reintroduced athletics in 2012. The school now boasts 18 varsity sports. In August 2017, Cleary joined the NAIA from the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The school also won the USCAA Director's Cup in two consecutive years (2016 and 2017, the school's last year of USCAA competition before joining the NAIA), which recognizes with the top finishers in each sport.

In addition, Cleary is in the process of fully opening its new Lake Trust Credit Union Stadium on its Livingston campus. The athletic complex features lighting for nighttime play, seating for over 300 spectators and more than 147,000 square-feet of artificial turf for nearly year-round play and events.

"The success of our athletic programs has enriched the student experience across our university," said Jayson Boyers, Ed.D., president, Cleary University. "By adding hockey to our athletics program, especially in our region of Livingston County, which has exceptional hockey programs and talent at all levels, we are providing an opportunity for even more students to enhance their education through the athletic experience."

"Hockey has such a rich tradition in this region and our community. We feel collegiate hockey will add to both. It's truly a unique opportunity, with strong support and passion from our board," said Joe Parker, chair of the board of trustees at Cleary.

(Originally published at http://www.clearycougars.com/article/880.php)