SCHENECTADY — Union College men’s hockey has named Lennie Childs as its new assistant coach, first-year head coach Josh Hauge said on Thursday.
Childs becomes the third Black assistant coach in NCAA Division men’s hockey, joining Leon Hayward (St. Thomas) and Paul Jerrard (Omaha).
Childs’ hiring comes a week after the Dutchwomen named Olivia Soares an assistant coach, the second active Black women’s assistant coach in NCAA Division I women’s hockey.
“I am beyond honored and excited to be joining the men’s hockey program at Union College,” Childs said in a press release. “The people and energy surrounding the program is something special and I am thrilled to be a part of the future here. I want to thank Athletic Director Jim McLaughlin, Josh Hauge and [assistant coach] John Ronan for giving me this opportunity with this phenomenal institution.”
Childs comes to Union from the U.S. Hockey League’s Des Moines Buccaneers, where he primarily led player development, the penalty kill units, and offensive zone production. Prior to his time with the Buccaneers, Childs spent three seasons with the Janesville Jets of the NAHL, serving two years as an assistant coach before earning a promotion to associate head coach.
“We are thrilled to be adding Lennie to the Union family,” Hauge said in the press release. “Throughout the hiring process, it was evident that he is an up-and-coming coach who can really help develop our players. He is, first and foremost, a high character individual who fits in with our philosophy of doing things the right way, both on and off the ice. He coaches with energy and has a player-first mindset. We believe Lennie is a perfect fit to complete our staff.”
It’s the second time Union has had a Black assistant coach. Guy Logan was an assistant coach under Bruce Delventhal in the early 1990s.
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