New coach Mayotte ‘cannot wait to get to work’

New Colorado College coach Kris Mayotte soon realized he had a chance to take over a storied program with the means and the will to become a consistent contender again.

“It became clear to me that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to come to an institution with everything in place to build a championship program,” Mayotte said during a media conference introducing him to fans and media Monday morning. “CC offers the complete package.

“The incredible tradition of winning and producing NHLers, world-class education and playing in the best conference in college hockey along with the near completion of a game-changing on-campus rink in Robson Arena. I look forward to playing in front of sold-out crowds very soon.”

Mayotte recognized the opportunity during his first conversation with CC vice president of athletics Lesley Irvine, who said she soon knew Mayotte would be a great fit for the Tigers.

“We knew quickly Kris was a special talent who had excelled in the areas we were searching for.” Irvine said, referring to the balance of both academic and athletic success. “Kris is the right leader at the right time.”

“One of the things, while more subtle, but very important, is the network and reputation Kris has diligently crafted within in the hockey community over his years,” she added. “He is tremendously respected, highly regarded and known as a coach with immense integrity and clear values. He has learned under the very best in the business.”

The reaction to Mayotte’s hire affirmed the private college’s decision.

“The match is very clear and the momentum it brings is truly exciting,” Irvine said. “Kris, simply put, is a winner. He understands the tremendous work that needs to go into a winning culture, the community of support we need to build, the hard-working culture that is always present in winning teams and the recruiting and player development that is critical in the college game.”

Mayotte’s reputation as an assistant made him a frequent mention when media speculated on who would fill open head coaching positions in recent years.

At 38, he already has considerable experience working as an assistant for well-regarded, winning coaches including Cornell coach Mike Schafer, then-St. Lawrence coach Greg Carvel, Providence’s Nate Leaman and most recently Mel Pearson at Michigan. Carvel won his first NCAA title this past Saturday in his firth year at UMass.

Mayotte won an NCAA title in 2015 as a Providence assistant and has won two golds (2017, 2021) and a 2018 bronze as a Team USA assistant at the world junior championships under Minnesota coach Bob Motzko and Leaman.

“I have been fortunate to learn from some of the best people and leaders in our business,” Mayotte said. “I have a complete understanding of what it takes to build a championship program, championship culture and championship teams. I look forward to bringing that to CC.”

That starts with recruiting and Mayotte gave a glimpse of the kind of player he wants to bring into CC, citing the desire to succeed on and off the ice.

“Our team will be fast, tough, detailed and will play with a confidence, a confidence only earned through work ethic and preparation,” he said. “We want to be a puck-pursuit, pressure team that when we have it, we’re in attack mode. We want to be a relentless team in all facets of the game.”

“I am here to build a championship program that all Tiger alumni, supporters and fans will be proud of.” Mayotte said. “I am excited to begin a new era.”

“We have a lot of work ahead of us,” he added. “I cannot wait to get to work.”

His hire was announced on Friday. Former coach Mike Haviland and CC mutually parted ways on March 20. The longtime pro coach recorded seven-straight losing seasons (67-153-22, 35-111-20 league) while leading the National Collegiate Hockey Conference program to one playoff series win.

In the past, Haviland was credited for his work helping line up the main funding behind Robson Arena, whose namesake, Ed Robson, served on the search committee that hired Mayotte.

Haviland was hired in 2014 by former athletic director Ken Ralph, succeeding longtime coach and alum Scott Owens (324-228-54), who will enter the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame later this year.

Mayotte, a Pittsburgh native, was Union College’s starting goaltender from 2002-06, with the final three playing for Leaman.

His wife Juli was unable to attend the conference, which was broadcast live on Facebook and at cctigers.com. Recordings are available for fans and supporters to watch at their leisure.

*Image courtesy CC hockey Facebook page*