Entering its third season of existence, Lindenwood’s men’s hockey program will have a new coach behind the bench: Bill Muckalt.
Lindenwood introduced Muckalt as its second head coach in program history Thursday afternoon after making his hiring official Tuesday. Muckalt spent the previous six seasons as associate head coach at the University of Michigan.
“He’s the right guy for this position,†Lindenwood athletics director Jason Coomer said during an introductory news conference. “He’s the right guy to lead those young men. He’s the right guy to take Lindenwood to the next chapter and to new heights.â€
Muckalt is one of the most decorated players in Michigan history, ranking top 10 in school history in goals (105, sixth), assists (121, ninth) and points (226, seventh). He also played six seasons professionally, including NHL stops with the Canucks, Islanders, Senators and Wild.
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As an associate coach, he won Big Ten championships with Michigan in both 2022 and 2023.
“We’re going work every day relentlessly with predictability, with passion,†Muckalt said. “We’re going to be a relentless team to play against. We’re going to outwork teams. We’re going to grind teams down, and we’re going to play an exciting brand of hockey that’s going to be fun to watch, it’s going to be fun to play and it’s going to be fun to coach. It’s going to make Lindenwood proud.â€
Muckalt succeeds Rick Zombo as Lindenwood’s head coach. Zombo led the program since 2010 from its days as a club hockey team as it transitioned to Division I hockey. The Lions won the ACHA national championship in 2022.
In Lindenwood’s first two years in Division I, it went 13-40-5 as an independent program.
“Lindenwood is the Division I hockey program in this community, so what I would say to the public and to the fans out there is: Get behind this guy, get behind our young men,†Coomer said. “Now is the time to build this fan base because where we’re going, you’re going to want to be a part of that ride, so get on now. Winning also helps, Coach.â€
Lindenwood plays its home games at Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights.