GORHAM, Maine – Matt Pinchevsky, a veteran hockey coach with strong connections to the state of Maine, has been named the next head coach of the University of Southern Maine men's ice hockey team.  University of Southern Maine Director of Athletics Al Bean made the announcement as the Huskies prepare for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year and Pinchevsky will officially begin his duties on Monday, August 21.  Pinchevsky replaces Ed Harding who left the program in June after eight seasons (2015-2023) as the head coach after stepping into an interim role halfway through the 2014-15 season.
 
"I'm very excited to announce the appointment of Matt Pinchevsky as our men's hockey coach.  Matt has a truly outstanding hockey background, is greatly respected in the hockey community by athletes and colleagues alike, and brings contagious energy, positivity, and excitement to the position," said Bean.  "I'm confident he will be a tremendous addition to our staff and a fantastic leader for the young men in our program.  I'm looking forward to the next era of Husky Hockey under Matt's leadership."

Pinchevsky, an experienced junior hockey coach, spent the past four years with the Maine Nordiques organization in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).  Pinchevsky served as Associate Head Coach and Director of Player Development for the Nordiques from their 2019 inception until partway through the 2021-2022 season when he pivoted into the head coach role.  During the 2022-2023 season Pinchevsky guided the Nordiques to 33 regular season wins and an exhibition win against the USA U17 National Team (USNTDP).  Pinchevsky led his team to clinching a playoff spot, which carried the team's momentum all the way to the NAHL Eastern Division finals.  Nine members of Pinchevsky's most recent Nordiques squad are moving on to play NCAA hockey, including six Division I level commits. 
 
"I would like to sincerely thank the University of Southern Maine and its Athletic Department for this incredible opportunity," said Pinchevsky.  "Al and the selection committee have handled everything with such professionalism and detail.  I am honored to have been selected and look forward to the bright future ahead for Husky hockey.  We will create a culture with competitive drive to instill growth in the classroom, on our ice, and throughout the community.  The character and caliber of our student-athletes will represent USM with pride.  The opportunity to be surrounded by an athletic department that gives everything they have for its programs and this institution is truly special to be a part of.  My family and I are very excited and grateful to be joining our new team."

Prior to his time with the Nordiques, Pinchevsky served as the Director of Skill Development & Associate Head Coach at the Seacoast Performance Academy from 2018-2019 and spent two seasons with the Seacoast Spartans program from 2016-2018.  Additionally, Pinchevsky was the head coach and general manager of the Portland Jr. Pirates U18 team in the Premier Division of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) during the 2015-2016 season.  He also coached the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights in 2014-2015 and helped his team become division champions.

Pinchevsky's 15-year coaching career also includes helping build and establish the Selects Academy at the South Kent School (2011-2014), serving as head coach of several East Coast Selects teams (2011-2018), and a head coaching stint within the Florida Alliance AAA program (2008-2012). 

Pinchevsky graduated from Curry College in 2007 with his bachelor's degree in communications and was a member of the ice hockey team.  In addition to his coaching experience, Pinchevsky has taken part in professional development opportunities through programs such as the National Hockey League Coaches' Association (NHLCA) BIPOC Mentorship and the NHL Bruins Diversity and Inclusion Scouting Mentorship.