Rivier names Sorenson as its inaugural men’s hockey coach

Photo courtesy of Rivier University Former Williams and Nazareth assistant Eric Sorenson has been named the first ever Rivier men's ice hockey coach.
NASHUA – Rivier University has found its choice to lead its history-making first men’s hockey team.
The Raiders on Friday announced they have hired former Williams College and Nazareth College (Rochester, N.Y.) assistant Eric Sorenson as their head coach for the school’s inaugural men’s hockey team that is set to take the ice next fall.
Sorenson is seen as having vast experience in coaching, player development, and recruiting, according to a release issued by the school.
“We are pleased to welcome Eric to Raiders Athletics and to work with him to achieve our vision for the men’s ice hockey program,” longtime Rivier athletic director Joanne Merrill said. “I believe his coaching experience and leadership will motivate student-athletes to achieve their full potential as scholars and athletes.”
Sorenson, a Framingham, Mass. native, joins Rivier after coaching on the Division III level over the last six seasons. He was on the staffs of teams that advanced to conference playoffs in five of the six seasons.
Prior to his tenure in college hockey, he held head coach and assistant coach/goaltending coach positions with the Rochester Jr. Americans. Also, for nine years, he coached and managed off-ice operations for Mitch Korn Goaltending Camps.
Sorenson was the starting goaltender when he played for Western New England University’s hockey team and is the program record holder for career wins by a goalie, career saves, and career shutouts.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to help build this program,” Sorenson said in the release. “As the program leader, I will support a character-based culture with a focus on skill development, team, academics, and community involvement aimed at providing each student-athlete with the foundation to be successful in life.”
In addition to his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Sport Management from Western New England University, Sorenson has a master’s degree in Sport Administration from Canisius College.
“Eric is the whole package–player, coach, mentor, scholar, and operations manager. His knowledge and experience support a strong start for our men’s ice hockey program, which will add new dimensions to student life at Rivier,” Riv VP for Student Affairs, Kurt Stimeling, said.
The Raiders announced last month the creation of their men’s and women’s hockey programs, which will play at Nashua’s Conway Arena in 2021. Merrill said last month the hope was to have hired coaches for both programs by Thanksgiving.
One down, one to go.