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Now entering his 11th season as Head Coach of the Providence College men's hockey team, Paul Pooley has the second longest tenure of a head coach in PC men's hockey history. In addition, he ranks second all-time among Friar head coaches with 173 wins.
In 1994, Pooley took over a team which had lost 19 games the prior season. In his rookie year behind the Friars' bench, Pooley's squad experienced the ups and downs of a long season before the team meshed late in the year as PC made a run at the HOCKEY EAST title. Pooley saw his team come together the last 10 games and post a 5-2-3 mark, including upset wins over seventh-ranked New Hampshire and top-ranked Maine in the HOCKEY EAST playoffs. Pooley became the first rookie coach in HOCKEY EAST history to bring his team to the finals, where PC's magical run ended with a 3-2 loss to eventual national champion Boston University.
In 1995-96, the Friars were one of the biggest surprises in college hockey. Picked to finish seventh in the Preseason HOCKEY EAST Coaches' Poll, the Friars registered a 12-9-3 mark in league play and earned a fourth-place finish. Again Pooley led the underdog Friars on a late-season run as they swept Boston College in a HOCKEY EAST Quarterfinal series, upset top-ranked Boston University in the Semifinals and defeated Maine in the Finals to earn their first HOCKEY EAST title since 1985. With the win, Pooley, the 10th head coach in the history of Providence College, became only the second Friar head coach to lead PC to a HOCKEY EAST title and the first to guide the team to two consecutive HOCKEY EAST Championship Game appearances.
In addition to winning the 1996 HOCKEY EAST Championship, Pooley's amazing Friars made their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1991. Although the Friars were defeated, 5-1, in the West Regionals by Minnesota, Pooley's squad finished the year with a 21-15-3 mark. Coaching in only his second season, Pooley had led his team to one of the most successful seasons in the history of Providence College hockey.
In 1996-97, Pooley led his team on yet another late season run in which the Friars recorded a 6-2 mark in February, including a 3-2 win against third-ranked New Hampshire. With the strong finish in February, PC concluded the season with a 12-11-1 mark in HOCKEY EAST play and wrapped up its second-straight fourth-place finish in league play. The 12-11-1 record marked the first time since 1992 that PC had put together consecutive winning seasons in HOCKEY EAST action.
In 1997-98, Pooley saw his team jump out to an 11-3-1 mark and a No. 10 national ranking. Although the Friars struggled the second half of the season, the young team gained experience and confidence which proved to be valuable in 1998-99.
In 1998-99, PC recorded the 11th 20-win campaign in the history of PC hockey with a 20-17-1 mark. The Friars, who finished the regular season in fourth place, advanced to the HOCKEY EAST final four at the FleetCenter for the third time in Pooley's five years as the head coach. Pooley also guided the Friars to one of the team's top offensive performances of all-time.
With 159 tallies, PC produced its highest goal total since 1992 and its 10th highest total of all-time. The Friars finished fourth in the nation in scoring, averaging 4.18 goals per game. The team also had the nation's top-ranked power play at 25.4 percent.
Pooley guided the 1999-00 Friars to an 18-18-2 mark and a fifth-place finish in the HOCKEY EAST standings. Included in the team's record was a remarkable seven wins against ranked teams.
In 2000-01, Pooley's Friars were picked to finish sixth in the HOCKEY EAST coaches' poll. PC opened the season with a pair of wins and jumped into the national rankings. The Friars remained ranked among the nation's elite for 22-consecutive weeks, peaking at No. 8 along the way to their most wins ever under Pooley.
The final 22-13-5 overall record and 13-8-3 mark in league play had the Friars tied for second place in HOCKEY EAST -- their highest league finish ever.
The Friars survived the HOCKEY EAST quarterfinals matchup with Boston University, as the third and final game of the best-of-three series went 96 minutes. PC then defeated Maine in the semifinals to make their third appearance in the HOCKEY EAST Championship game in Pooley's seven years.
The championship game against Boston College did not go Providence's way as the Friars were defeated, 5-3, but the Friars season turned heads and PC earned the school's ninth appearance in the NCAA Tournament and the second appearance under Pooley. For his team's success, Pooley was named the HOCKEY EAST Coach of the Year and New England Hockey Writers' Coach of the Year.
In 2001-02, Pooley's squad posted a 13-20-5 record, including an 8-13-3 finish in HOCKEY EAST play. The Friars recorded a 4-3 victory at third-ranked New Hampshire. PC also defeated Brown, 4-3, to capture the third Mayor's Cup under Pooley.
In 2002-03, the Friars finished with a 19-14-3 overall mark and tied for fourth-place in league play with a 12-9-3 record. Providence just missed out on its third NCAA Tournament bid under Pooley, but there were many highlights to the season. The Friars, who were ranked as high as No. 8 nationally, posted their best start in school history with seven consecutive victories.
On January 24, 2003 Pooley became just the third head coach in Providence College history to record 150 or more wins as the Friars defeated Boston College, 4-1, in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Pooley has 157 wins, which is second all-time at Providence, behind legendary coach Lou Lamoriello. Pooley's squad also went undefeated (6-0-2) in the month of February for the first time since the 1988-89 season. The season also was highlighted by PC's 5-1 victory at Maine on February 14. The win marked the Friars' first triumph at Maine's Alfond Arena since 1989. The Friars also earned a 4-2 victory over the Black Bears at Schneider Arena on January 3, when Maine was ranked No. 1 nationally. The victories over Maine were among the six wins the Friars had against ranked opponents in 2002-03. In addition, Pooley led the Friars to their second consecutive Mayor's Cup with a 3-1 win over cross-town rival Brown on January 28.
Last season, the Friars posted a 16-14-7 overall record and a fifth-place finish in Hockey East.
Prior to arriving at Providence College, Pooley spent three seasons at Lake Superior State. He was the associate head coach for the 1994 NCAA Champions at Lake Superior. In each of his three seasons as an assistant to Jeff Jackson, the Lakers advanced to the NCAA championship game, winning in 1992 and 1994.
It was these winning qualities and his strong commitment to academic achievement which brought Pooley together with Providence College. In making the announcement of Pooley's hiring on July 28, 1994, Providence College President, Reverend Philip A. Smith, O.P. said, "Providence sought a coach supportive of its mission as an educational institution who could also lead our ice hockey program to the highest competitive level possible. Paul's academic background obviously underscores his commitment to this mission and his ice hockey accomplishments prove his ability to balance excellence on two fronts."
Pooley got his start in collegiate hockey coaching at his alma mater, Ohio State, after retiring from professional hockey. He served as an assistant to Jerry Welsh with the Buckeyes from 1988-91.
As a player at Ohio State, Pooley and his twin brother, Perry, played for some of the most successful teams in Buckeye history. Paul finished his career as Ohio State's all-time leader in goals (114), assists (156) and points (270). He was the Central Collegiate Hockey League's Player of the Year and the Bauer Player of the Year as college hockey's leading scorer with 32 goals and 64 assists for 96 points in 41 games. He graduated cum laude with degrees in accounting and marketing. In September of 1994, the high scoring forward was named to Ohio State's Athletic Hall of Fame.
A three-time member of the CCHA's All-Academic Team, he was an Academic All-American in 1984. Among his other accomplishments in the CCHA was Co-Rookie of the Year honors in 1981 and First Team All-Star in 1984. Pooley is the league's third all-time leading scorer with 207 career points on 82 goals and 125 assists.
Following his college career, Pooley was signed by the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League. He played two seasons with the Sherbrooke Canadiens of the American Hockey League, playing on a Calder Cup Champion in 1985. In 1986, Paul moved on to Fort Wayne of the International Hockey League where he served as co-captain and led the Komets to a regular season title. During his three professional seasons, Pooley saw action in 15 NHL games collecting three assists for Winnipeg. After the 1986-87 season he retired from pro hockey to go into private business with his brother.
A hard working, highly organized bench boss, Pooley and his wife, Kelly reside in North Providence, Rhode Island with their 10-year-old son, Scott, and 6-year-old daughter, Taylor.
The Paul Pooley File
FULL NAME: Paul R. Pooley
BIRTHDATE: August 2, 1960
FAMILY: Wife, Kelly; son, Scott (10 years old); daughter, Taylor (7 years old)
COLLEGE: Ohio State `84 -- Cum Laude in Accounting and Marketing
COACHING: Head Coach, Providence College, 1994 - present;
Associate Head Coach, Lake Superior State University, 1993-94;
Assistant Coach, Lake Superior State, 1991-93;
Assistant Coach, Ohio State, 1988-91
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Signed by Winnipeg Jets, May 24, 1984;
Winnipeg Jets 1984-86 (15 games);
Sherbrooke Canadiens (AHL) 1984-86 (127 games);
Fort Wayne Komets (IHL) 1986-87 (77 games)
AWARDS AND HONORS:
1980-81 CCHA Co-Rookie of the Year
1981-82 CCHA All-Academic Team
1982-83 Honorable Mention All-CCHA; CCHA All-Academic Team
1983-84 First Team All-CCHA; CCHA All-Academic Team;
CCHA Player of the Year; First Team All-American;
Bauer College Hockey; Player of the Year;
Hobey Baker Finalist; Academic All-American
1984-85 Member Calder Cup Champion Sherbrooke Canadiens (AHL)
1986-87 Co-captain Fort Wayne Komets (IHL);
Huber Cup Winners (Regular Season Champions)
1991-92 NCAA Champions - Lake Superior State
1993-94 NCAA Champions - Lake Superior State
1994-95 Chosen to the Ohio State Athletic Hall of Fame
1995-96 HOCKEY EAST Champions - Providence College
Spencer Penrose Award
(National Coach of the Year)Finalist
2000-01 HOCKEY EAST Coach of the Year
New England Coach of the Year
Spencer Penrose Award (National Coach of the Year)
Finalist
Named to the CCHA All-Decade Team 1980's
2002-03 Received the Partners In Philanthropy Award for his work
with non-profit,charitable organizations
Pooley vs. All Opponents
Team Record PCT
Air Force 4-0-0 1.000
Army 4-0-1 .900
Boston College 12-19-4 .400
Boston Univ. 15-23-4 .405
Brown 4-5-1 .450
Clarkson 2-5-0 .286
Connecticut 0-0-1 .500
Colgate 0-3-0 .000
Colorado College1-0-1 .750
Cornell 2-1-0 .667
Dartmouth 2-3-0 .400
Denver 1-2-1 .375
Ferris State 1-0-0 1.000
Holy Cross 1-0-0 1.000
Illinois-Chicago0-1-0 .000
Iona 2-0-0 1.000
Lake Superior St.4-0-0 1.000
Maine 8-23-3 .279
Merrimack 17-7-3 .685
Miami 3-2-0 .600
Michigan 0-1-0 .000
Minnesota 0-2-0 .000
Minnesota-Duluth3-1-0 .750
Minnesota State 4-0-0 1.000
Nebraska-Omaha 0-1-0 .000
New Hampshire 11-21-3 .357
Northeastern 16-8-6 .633
Notre Dame 1-0-0 1.000
Princeton 1-1-1 .500
Quinnipiac 2-0-0 1.000
Rensselaer 3-0-0 1.000
Sacred Heart 2-0-0 1.000
St. Cloud State 0-4-0 .000
St. Lawrence 1-2-0 .333
UMass 16-13-1 .550
UMass-Lowell 17-12-3 .578
Union 6-1-1 .813
Vermont 1-2-0 .333
Western Michigan3-2-0 .600
Wisconsin 0-1-0 .000
Yale 2-0-0 1.000
TOTAL 173-166-36 .507
Friar Wins Vs. Ranked Teams Under Pooley
Date Opponent Score Rank
2/17/95 vs. Boston U. W 8-1 No. 2
3/9/95 vs. UNH W 3-2* No. 7
3/17/95 vs. Maine W 7-3 * No. 1
10/28/95 at W. Mich. W 5-4 (ot)No. 6
11/10/95 vs. Maine W 3-1 No. 5
3/15/96 vs. Boston U. W 5-4 *No. 1
2/15/97 vs. UNH W 3-2 No. 3
1/9/98 vs. NortheasternW 6-4 No. 10
11/6/98 vs. UNH W 6-1 No. 7
1/22/99 at Boston C. W 3-0 No. 6
10/22/99 at Miami W 5-3 No. 14
11/26/99 vs.Colorado Coll.W 5-4 No. 7
12/30/99 at RPI W 5-3 No. 6
1/22/00 vs. Boston C. W 4-3 No. 9
2/4/00 vs. NortheasternW 3-1 No. 14
2/12/00 vs. UNH W 4-3 No. 2
2/18/00 vs. Boston U. W 5-2 No. 2
10/21/00 vs. Lake Superior St.W 5-0 No. 12
11/3/00 vs. Maine W 5-3 No. 9
11/10/00 vs. UNH W 3-1 No. 8
11/17/00 vs. NortheasternW 3-1 No. 10
11/18/00 at NortheasternW 4-2 No. 10
2/9/01 vs. Boston Coll.W 5-3 No. 1
3/16/01 vs. Maine W 4-3* No. 8
1/13/02 at UNH W 4-3 No. 3
1/3/03 vs. Maine W 4-2 No. 1
1/9/03 at Boston U. W 3-2 (ot)No. 10
1/24/03 at Boston C. W 4-1 No. 6
2/9/03 vs. UNH W 5-2 No. 4
2/14/03 at Maine W 5-1 No. 2
2/21/03 vs. Boston U. W 5-4(ot)No. 9
10/31/03 at UMass W 6-2 No. 13
11/14/03 vs. UNH W 7-4 No. 2
3/12/04 at UNH W 4-3 (ot) No. 10
*HOCKEY EAST Tournament game
Pooley Year By Year Coaching Record
Year Record League Finish
1994-95 14-17-6 7-11-3 6th
1995-96 21-15-3 12-9-3 4th
1996-97 15-20-1 12-11-1 4th
1997-98 15-18-3 9-13-2 7th
1998-99 20-17-1 12-11-1 4th
1999-00 18-18-2 10-13-1 5th
2000-01 22-13-5 13-8-3 T2nd
2001-02 13-20-5 8-13-3 7th
2002-03 19-14-3 12-9-3 T4th
2003-04 16-14-7 7-11-6 5th
TOTALS 173-166-36 102-109-26
Pooley's Playing Statistics
SEASON TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM
1980-81 Ohio St.CCHA 38 28 32 60 41
1981-82 Ohio St.CCHA 34 21 24 45 34
1982-83 Ohio St.CCHA 36 33 36 69 50
1983-84 Ohio St.CCHA 41 32 64 96 40
1984-85 WinnipegNHL 12 0 2 2 0
SherbrookeAHL 57 18 17 35 16
1985-86 WinnipegNHL 3 0 1 1 0
SherbrookeAHL 70 20 21 41 31
1986-87 Fort WayneIHL 77 28 44 72 47
TOTALS Ohio St.CCHA 149 114 156 270 165
WinnipegNHL 15 0 3 3 0
SherbrookeAHL 127 38 38 76 47
Fort WayneIHL 77 28 44 72 47
