Roy Named Assistant Head Coach at Clarkson University

Phil Roy, who spent the last three years as an assistant coach at will join the Clarkson University men’s hockey staff as the top assistant coach.

Roy helped turn around Merrimack’s program that went from last place in Hockey East in 2007-08 to challenging for the top spot in the Hockey East conference this past season. Merrimack enjoyed its best campaign ever at the Division I level in 2010-11, posting a 25-10-4 overall record, including a 16-8-3 conference mark. The Warriors finished as runners-up in the Hockey East Tournament and made their first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1988.

“Phil has spent each of the last three seasons helping us to get to our record-breaking season, said head coach Mark Dennehy. “We appreciate all his efforts, his passion for the game and his hockey intellect. He got the chance to go to his alma mater as the head assistant, and part of my job is to move coaches forward, and I am thrilled he has this opportunity. Coach Stewart and I are looking forward to getting back to the task at hand which is making sure this program is in good standing going forward.”

Roy worked primarily with the defense and the power play unit in his three seasons with Merrimack.

“This is a great opportunity coming back to my alma mater,” said Roy. “I want to thanks all the people at Merrimack, especially head coach Mark Dennehy, Athletic Director Glenn Hofmann, and President Dr. Christopher Hopey for the opportunities they gave me. I am leaving a great program to return to my alma mater.”

The power play unit was among the best in the country the past two seasons. It keyed the Warriors in 2010-11, ranking as high as second nationally during the season, scoring at a 22.8% clip. Roy coached a defense that allowed 97 goals during the 2010-11 season, which ranked second in the league.

Roy returns to Clarkson where he played a key role in their success during the late 1990s. He recorded 77 career points, including 53 assists in 144 games with the Knights. The Knights made three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (1997, 1998, 1999), won two ECAC Regular Season titles (1997 and 1999) and claimed a conference tournament championship (1999) with Roy on defense.

Roy will officially start his duties at Clarkson on July 20.

A national search for Roy's replacement at Merrimack will begin immediately.