OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Associate Athletic Director and Head Men's Lacrosse Coach, Paul Cantabene, and Interim Athletic Director, Matt Grimm, announced the hire of Ben Halford to lead the women's ice hockey program as Head Coach on Thursday morning.
"We can't be more excited to have Ben be part of our family here at Stevenson University. He did a great job of separating himself through the interview process with his energy and passion for the game," stated Cantabene. "We believe he's going to be one of the best young coaches in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) in the near future. He's a great teacher of the game and an even better person."
Halford is no stranger to the MAC, as he comes with experience from working most recently with NCAA Division III Wilkes University as an assistant coach for the past five years. As a coach, he worked with leading the Colonels to a nationally ranked program and assisted with many players continuing to professional opportunities in the AHL and ECHL.
Prior to Wilkes, Halford served a five-year stint at Penn State University, serving as an assistant coach for the NCAA Division I women's hockey program. While he was with the Nittany Lions, the team notched three Regular Season CHA Titles, two CHA Championships, and two NCAA Tournament Appearances for the first time in program history. He trained the first ever NWHL Draft pick from Penn State and trained the program's top goaltenders to receive Goalie of the Year, all-conference accolades, and invitees of the USA High Performance Goaltender Camp.
A self-starter, Halford runs and is the founder of Accelerate Goaltending. The program offers training programs and campus across the United States, working with over 500 goaltenders. For the past six years, the program has been focusing on technique, game tactics, mental approach, and organizational development. The program has had five goaltenders play for Team USA in international competition.
Halford also comes with an array of playing experience. The goaltender competed in the AHL, ECHL and SPHL following his collegiate career at NCAA Division I Princeton University. As a Tiger, he was part of the 2018 League Champion team.
"I am incredibly honored and excited at the opportunity to lead a new era of hockey at Stevenson. It was clear from the beginning of this process that the University's level of commitment to the Mustang hockey program is among the best in the nation," said Halford. "I would like to thank Matt Grimm, Paul Cantabene and the rest of the search committee for their professional, detailed approach. I cannot wait to get started working with our staff and student-athletes."
Halford and the women's ice hockey squad will open their season on October 31 against SUNY Canton at Reisterstown Sportsplex. Puck drop is slated for 3 p.m.
