RPI names Bryan Vines interim women’s ice hockey coach

TROY, NY — Days after firing women’s head ice hockey coach John Burke in an “annual evaluation” of its program, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) named Bryan Vines as the team’s interim coach.

A former defenseman at the University of Denver, Vines has overseen the Engineers’ defensive and penalty killing units on the men’s side since the 2009-10 season.

“Bryan is a total professional who brings extensive hockey knowledge and leadership to our women’s ice hockey program,” said RPI Director of Athletics Dr. Lee McElroy. “He is a tremendous teacher and coach, who will provide our student-athletes with a passionate and successful experience.”

Vines served as assistant general manager and assistant coach with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the British Columbia Hockey League.

“I am very excited to work with the women’s hockey team this coming season,” said Vines. “I would like to thank Dr. Jackson and Dr. McElroy for the opportunity to stay at RPI and help continue to build the program with Jake and Christie. We have a wonderful staff and a great group of players and I can’t wait to get started. I am very familiar with the team and we will be looking to make the transition as smooth as possible, so we can have a successful year in the classroom and on the ice.”

He also has coaching experience with Miami University (Ohio) and the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL.

The Lady Engineers open their 2017-18 season with an exhibition game against Université de Montréal at Houston Field House on Saturday, September 23 at 5:00 p.m.