After 21 seasons at the helm of the Bentley Falcons, head coach Ryan Soderquist stepped down back in April.

Thank you @BentleyHockey for last 26 years. I am extremely proud of what we all accomplished together and look forward to the growth of the program. Daughters Cora/Madelyn and loving wife Jess, whom have been by my side every step, love you. I will forever bleed blue and black!!

— Ryan Soderquist (@SoderquistBU) April 24, 2023

Soderquist played four years at center with the Falcons from 1996-2000, setting the standing records for single-season goals (33) and single-season points (59).

He also holds the program records for career goals (84) and points (173), amassed during the Falcons’ shift to Division I play during his career.

Soderquist returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach ahead of the 2001-2002 season, ending the campaign 4-26-2 record and the lowest winning percentage in program history (.156).

He then was promoted to head coach for the 2002-2003 season. The 25-year-old was one of the youngest head coaches in NCAA hockey history, and he led the program to a swift turnaround with 15-19 record in his first season, plus the first conference tournament win since 1996 (dating back to Bentley’s Division III era).

“I appreciate everything he has done to grow the program, and I wish him and his family the very best,” Bentley vice president for student affairs J. Andrew Shepardson told BentleyFalcons.com. “I am confident Bentley Falcons hockey will thrive long into the future thanks to Coach Soderquist.”

That future starts with new head coach Andy Jones.

Jones spent the past eight years with the UMass-Lowell River Hawks, including the last five years as an associate head coach. During his time with the program, the Hawks had three appearances at the national tournament.

Introducing our new Head Coach, Andy Jones!

Andy was the Associate HC at UMass-Lowell for the past five seasons. His time there included three NCAA Tournament bids & the 2017 Hockey East championship.

Join us in welcoming Andy to Bentley!!

Release: https://t.co/DFOEemfmda pic.twitter.com/N7aJnfCVvQ

— Bentley Hockey (@BentleyHockey) June 28, 2023

“I am honored and excited to be named the next head coach at Bentley University,” Jones said in a statement to BentleyFalcons.com. “I believe there is tremendous opportunity here for the ice hockey program to grow into a formidable force in Atlantic Hockey and NCAA Division I. 

“The energy and vision of Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams and President E. LaBrent Chrite, coupled with the support of the diverse and dynamic Bentley community and the state-of-the-art Bentley Arena, demonstrate a clear commitment to the success of Bentley ice hockey.”

Jones was an assistant coach at various levels over the past 20 seasons, including four with Clarkson University (2011-2015) and five with the USHL’s Sioux Falls, which captured the Clark Cup in 2007 during his tenure.

And, Jones brings a defensive hockey system.

During the 2022-2023 season, the Hawks ranked eighth in scoring defense and 11th in penalty killing. His blue line showed a strong dedication to their own zone.

Jones is taking over a Bentley team that ranked 43rd in penalty killing and 59th out of 60 teams in scoring defense.

“As we prepare for our 25th season of Division I hockey, we're looking for our program to move to the next level,” Bentley Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams said. “Coach Jones is the right man to help us build a championship program, as he brings enthusiasm, energy and experience to Bentley. I can't wait to see us get started!”

Bentley opens its 2023-2024 season on Oct. 7, hosting Boston University, a more-than-familiar program from Jones’ time with UMass-Lowell.

Have a question or a comment for Jacob Messing? You can find him on Twitter @Jacob_Messing.