The Lady Ice Lions have named Jeremy Bean as the team's new head coach for the 2017-18 season.
Bean has a deep background in hockey, starting when he was three years old. His full competitive career began at age six, where he quickly learned and advanced through the sport. His playing career took him to places near and far where he had the opportunity to compete with, against, and for some of the best in hockey world. His highlights include playing in the USA Olympic Development Program for the late Herb Brooks of the famed 1980 Miracle on Ice team, playing Junior A in Canada, and a short playing stint at Penn State.
After his career was cut short due to injury, he returned to Penn State and was the offensive assistant coach of the ACHA Division 2 Ice Lions under Mo Stroemel for two years, helping the squad to the ACHA National Tournament and top five finishes to end both years. He subsequently spent time in New England and away from hockey, but returned to the coaching world in a different sport - high school boys volleyball - assisting with a team that finished ninth in the state.
Bean is excited to return to the ice with the Women's Ice Hockey Club. "The cupboard has been left plenty full, and I'm excited to help lead these ladies to their fullest potential," he said, adding that he brings an offensive mindset to Happy Valley and plans to play an up-tempo, attacking style of hockey. A full stable of freshmen coupled with key returners on defense and in leadership positions should help the coaching transition, as well as the implementation of just about any style and systems.
Outside of hockey, Bean works for the Penn State Sustainability Institute, which has the mission of crafting a more sustainable university from an operational perspective. He is also the single father of a four-year-old son, Brighton, who seems destined to follow in dad's athletic footsteps and is excited to be the hockey team kid.
Now-former head coach Patrick Fung led the search to find his successor and offered a statement on Bean and the state of the program he guided for five seasons.
"I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished over the years and where we have progressed: from taking ten skaters to the Division 2 championship game in year one, to a quicker than expected jump to Division 1 in year three that left us seconds of overtime from the national semifinals.
Even in the rebuilding years, we have managed to develop players at both ends of the spectrum. We have continued the tradition of placing a Penn Stater on the World University Games team every two year, most recently a player who was not formerly an NCAA Division I athlete. As a program we also had our first player signed to play professional hockey, after multiple training camp invitations.
The program is in outstanding hands with [returning staff member] Kyle Rossi and Jeremy Bean.
Kyle is a jack of all trades and rock steady ACHA veteran who knows the league in and out and has been with us since day one. He will be instrumental in facilitating a seamless transition between coaches.
Jeremy and I have known each other for years, going back to the early 2000s with the Ice Lions, and we reconnected this summer. He was one of the best offensive hockey players in the district when we were growing up and he will be able to share his many gifts with the team. He has experience working with NCAA women's players during his time living in New England and brings a high level men's hockey resume to the table.
Featuring an outstandingly-qualified new coach, a great compliment of veterans, and a stellar freshman class, I anticipate this team will grow quickly and be the final piece of the rebuild. With Penn State's great academic, campus and career offerings and our program's list of accomplishments in just a few years' time, I anticipate this will be a destination for hockey players with the academics to get into Penn State for years to come."
Penn State Lady Ice Lions:Twitter | Facebook | Instagram