July 30, 2015
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - After serving as the interim assistant coach last season, Nittany Lion head coach Josh Brandwene has named Alex Dawes to the role of assistant coach/director of operations. Dawes is entering his third season with the Nittany Lion women's hockey program.
"I am very excited to have Alex on board to continue the excellent work he did this past season," Brandwene said. "He's an outstanding teacher, communicator and recruiter who always has a positive influence on our program."
With the Nittany Lions, Dawes primarily works with defensemen, the penalty kill and video coaching. He also oversees the day-to-day operation of the program including game scheduling, away trip management, home game day coordination, and hockey technology.
"I would personally like to thank Coach Brandwene, Dr. Kurtz, and Athletic Director Sandy Barbour for the opportunity to continue to be a part of the Penn State family," Dawes said. "I've had the pleasure of working with our amazing student-athletes for two years now and they are prime examples of everything Penn State stands for in the classroom and on the ice. I cannot wait for our season to begin and I am honored to be a member of this staff."
.@CoachBrandwene Names @adawes24 Assistant Coach. Congrats, Alex! #WeAre http://t.co/SW7zRNC46a pic.twitter.com/M4B9A1KrqJ
- Penn State WHKY (@PennStateWHKY) July 30, 2015
A 2012 graduate of Utica, he served as assistant coach/director of hockey operations for the Pioneer men's team (2009-12).
While at Utica, Dawes primarily oversaw the day-to-day operations of the men's hockey team and helped develop scouting reports and video breakdowns. Additionally, Dawes assisted in Utica's recruiting efforts and the team's expenditures.
During his time at UC, the Pioneers improved every season, going from a 8-14-4 record in 2009-10 to a 21-6-1 record in 2012-13 en route to the NCAA Division III Semifinals. Dawes also played a part in Utica College's fundraising effort.
Prior to Utica, Dawes spent his freshman year, 2008-09, at Vermont as the director of hockey operations. That year, the Catamounts reached the NCAA Frozen Four for the first time since 1996 as he created all video breakdowns and was responsible for logistical and physical operations.
The Nittany Lion women's hockey program is coming off the best year in school history, as they finished 17-16-4 overall and advanced to its first College Hockey America (CHA) Tournament semifinal appearance.