Jr. Blues tab Hardy as new head coach

The Springfield Jr. Blues have announced that Ryan Hardy has been named the team's new head coach. He replaces interim head coach Joe Dibble, who will remain with the team as the associate head coach.

Hardy recently completed his first season as assistant hockey coach at Division III Williams College (NESCAC) in Massachusetts. He spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach at Connecticut's Sacred Heart University (Atlantic Hockey).

"The things that impressed me (about Hardy) are his work ethic, his understanding of college recruiting strategy and knowledge of what it takes to get players to the next level," Blues board president Rick Maiocco told Springfield's State Journal-Register.

Hardy will begin his duties with the team on May 1. He's the ninth head coach in the 18-year history of the organization.

“I’m excited more than anything else," said Hardy. "I think good times are ahead.”