Former NAHL, Ice Dogs coach Hauge named Head Coach at Union

Josh Hauge led the Fairbanks Ice Dogs to the first of their three Robertson Cup Championships in 2011.

Following an extensive national search, former NAHL and Fairbanks Ice Dogs coach Josh Hauge has been named the next head coach of the Union College men's hockey program, Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin has announced.

Hauge becomes the 22nd head coach in program history and the seventh in the program's Division I era, which began in 1991.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be named the new head coach at Union College," Hauge said. "I would like to thank Athletic Director Jim McLaughlin, President David Harris, Vice President Fran'Cee Brown-McClure and the rest of the search committee for this opportunity. I am looking forward to helping build upon the rich and successful tradition of Union Hockey on and off the ice."

Hauge finished his seventh season on the bench at fellow ECAC Hockey member Clarkson University in 2021-22, including the last three years as the associate head coach alongside Casey Jones. In that time, Hauge played a large role in recruiting and player development for the Golden Knights, helping Clarkson post five 20-win seasons, capture the 2019 Whitelaw Cup as the ECAC Hockey Tournament champions, and appear in two NCAA Tournaments.

"We are incredibly excited to have Josh Hauge as the next head coach of our men's hockey program at Union College," McLaughlin said. "Josh stood out among an impressive pool of candidates given his experience at multiple levels of junior and collegiate hockey as well as his vision for the future of this program."

"This is an exciting time for Union hockey and we're pleased to welcome Josh to the Union community," said President David R. Harris. "We're confident Josh will continue to build on the legacy of success around our men's program and, more importantly, help our student-athletes reach their full potential on and off the ice."

Before his time in the North Country, Hauge spent six seasons in the NAHL as a coach with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs from 2005-2011. He was an assistant coach under now Fairbanks Ice Dogs GM Rob Proffitt for three seasons. He then took over as head coach for the Ice Dogs during the 2008-09 season. During his three seasons as head coach he posted a 110-49-15 record, led Fairbanks to two regular season division titles, and the 2011 Robertson Cup National Championship.

Hauge also spent four seasons in the USHL, first as the head coach and general manager of the Tri-City Storm before assuming the roles of assistant coach and director of scouting for the Fargo Force.

Hauge played collegiately at Division III Bethel University, appearing in 76 games over three seasons for the Royals.

"We were very encouraged by the interest brought on by this search, and this hire – combined with momentum toward a new hockey facility at Mohawk Harbor and the ability to offer athletic scholarships for the first time – showcases the positive direction in which our hockey program is headed," McLaughlin added. "We look forward to beginning the next chapter of Union Hockey with Josh at the helm, building upon our tradition of great students and great athletes within this program."

A native of Rosemount, Minn., Hauge will be joined in the Capital Region by his wife, Allison, and two sons, Hanley and Landry.