Gaynor promoted to Men's Hockey Associate Head Coach

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin Director of Athletics Dr. Rob Barnhill, along with Men's Hockey Head Coach Jasen Wise, have announced that Zach Gaynor has been promoted to Associate Head Coach, effective immediately. Gaynor is in his fourth season with the Falcons and has served the past three-and-a-half years as the top Assistant Coach.

"Coach Gaynor was asked to grow himself personally and professionally when he was hired as our first full time assistant hockey coach and he has succeeded," said Barnhill. "Since joining our staff, Zach has done a tremendous job of recruiting and mentoring young men while challenging himself off the ice. By offering Zach this new opportunity, we have acknowledged that he has the leadership, character, and coaching background to be considered a heading coaching candidate."

Gaynor has played a big role in the Falcons recent success, specifically this season where they have started with an 8-4-2 record, including a 5-3-2 mark in the NCHA.

Gaynor focuses much of his efforts with the program on recruiting, where he has done a tremendous job. His in-season responsibilities tend to be more directed on the defensive side of the ice, an area where the Falcons have certainly been strong in this season.

"The life blood of a program is recruiting and Zach's tireless effort has propelled our program to new heights," stated Wise of his top assistant. "He has the penalty kill and defensive core playing the best in program history. Zach is committed to CUW, bleeds royal blue and is an outstanding coach. We are blessed to have him on our staff and he's very deserving of this promotion."

The Falcons defense has given up just 30 goals in 14 games this season, an average of 2.14 goals per game. That number is good for ranking 13th nationally in scoring defense. In addition, the penalty kill has succeeded 87.9 percent of the time, killing off 58 of 66 power play opportunities for opponents this season.

Gaynor's first game in his new role as Assistant Head Coach will come Friday in an NCHA matchup at Marian. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. in Fond du Lac. CUW and Marian will also play at the Ozaukee Ice Center on Saturday night at 7 p.m.