Kyle Richards was promoted to head coach in July 2021 after returning to the Spartan bench as an assistant coach prior to the 2020-21 season. A Spartan standout from 2010-2014, Richards owns the program record for face-off percentage at 72. He was named the team's most-improved player following the 2011-2012 campaign and earned ECAC All-Academic honors all four years.Â
In his fourth season, Richards led the men's ice hockey team to a 5–18–2 overall record and a 3–16–1 mark in its final season in the NEHC. The Spartans claimed the Terry Moran Invitational Title after taking down MCLA and King’s College (Pa.).Â
Luke Chakrabarti had a strong rookie season, earning two Rookie of the Week, and one Player of the Week awards. He finished the season leading the team in goals with 11 and points with 22. Andrew Stefura was again named a semifinalist for the Joe Concannon Award which is given to New England's best American-born NCAA Divison II/III hockey player.
Under Richards in his third season as head coach, the Spartans put up an overall record of 7-19-0 and a conference record of 4-14-0, and headed back to the NEHC Tournament again with an exit in the Quarterfinals. Under Richards, Andrew Stefura was named a semifinalist for the Joe Concannon Award which is given to New England's best American-born NCAA Divison II/III hockey player. Stefura also earned All-NEHC Third Team honors.Â
The 2022-23 squad put up an overall record of 9-17-0 and a conference record of 7-11-0 under Richards in hs second season, leading the Spartans to their most wins since the 2016-17 season. The Spartans made another NEHC Tournament appearance and exited in the quarterfinals. Bryce Irwin was named to the NEHC All-Conference Third Team, and Zack Whittaker was named to the NEHC All-Conference Rookie Team.
In his first season at the helm, Richards led the 2021-22 Spartan squad to an overall record of 5-19-2 and a conference record of 1-15-2. The Spartans made and appearance in the NEHC Tournament, entering in the first round. Zach Papapetros was named to the New England Hockey Conference All-Rookie Team.Â
Following his time in green and white, Richards went on to head West Virginia University's D-I club hockey program. He helped the Mountaineers to a 21-16-1 record, including the team's first win over nationally-ranked Delaware. The squad featured three all-conference players.Â
Beginning in 2016, Richards served as Associate Head Coach for University of Alabama's club team. It didn't take long to earn the promotion to Head Coach. In July 2017, Richards began leading the Crimson Tide to new heights. Under his direction, Alabama saw the most D-I wins and highest national ranking in program history. Additionally, Richards coached two All-Americans and two would-be pros. The Tide excelled in the classroom under Richards, earning an average GPA greater than 3.0 in each year.Â
Community involvement has been a priority for Richards throughout his coaching career. He organized children's hospital visits at both WVU and Alabama, and also worked with several youth programs.Â
Richards resides in Rutland, Vt.Â
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| Year |
Overall |
Conference |
Post-Season |
Season Finish |
| 2024-25 |
5-18-2 |
3-16-1 |
N/A |
N/A |
| 2023-24 |
7-19-0 |
4-14-0 |
0-1 |
Lost in NEHC Quarterfinals to Hobart |
| 2022-23 |
9-17-0 |
7-11-0 |
0-1 |
Lost in NEHC Quarterfinals to Hobart |
| 2021-22 |
5-19-2 |
1-15-2 |
0-1 |
Lost in NEHC play-in at Southern Maine |
| Total |
26-73-4 (.252)Â |
15-56-3 (.202) |
0-3 |
|
