UMass coach Greg Carvel hoists the NCAA trophy after winning the school’s first Frozen Four title. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
After spending more than a decade getting his self-described “Ph.D” in hockey as an NHL assistant, 41-year-old Greg Carvel decided to try his hand as a head coach in the NCAA, taking the reins of his alma mater — St. Lawrence University — in the 2012-13 season.
His Saints slogged through a losing season, culminating in a first-round knockout in the ECAC playoffs. Carvel sought help within seconds of elimination.
“My first year we lost to Yale in the quarterfinals,” said Carvel. “I had a ton of respect for Keith Allain and how that team played. After the game, we shook hands, and I said, ‘Can I talk to you for a few minutes?’”
