Fabiilli named Women's Hockey head coach

MEQUON, Wis. -- Steve Fabiilli was named the second Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Hockey head coach in program history on Thursday, as was announced by Director of Athletics Dr. Rob Barnhill.

"I am pleased to announce that Steve Fabiilli will be joining our coaching staff as the new leader of our Women's Hockey program," Barnhill said. "It became apparent during the search process that he possessed the skills and experience necessary to address the culture of our team, and propel us to the next level."

Fabiilli joins the Falcons after spending the last nine seasons as the Men's Hockey head coach at Northland College in Ashland, Wis. Northland is a member of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association, the same league the Falcons compete in.

"I am extremely excited to be the next Women's Hockey head coach at CUW," Fabiilli said. "The area is a great place to work. CUW is a strong academic institution and I'm looking forward to working for its competitive athletic department. This program has a lot of potential and I'm eager to get started."

During his tenure with the LumberJacks, Fabiilli coached five all-conference players, 56 all-academic team members, four all-freshman selections and one USCHO All-West Rookie Honorable Mention player.

"Steve has a deep commitment to the total student-athlete experience," Barnhill said. "He will work hard to lead in a manner consistent with our CUW mission and philosophies. I am anxious for Steve to get on campus and to get his feet under him, as we have a lot of work to do."

The LumberJacks set numerous individual and team records under Fabiilli's direction over the past nine years, including most wins in a season (2010-11). All-in-all, Northland set 35 new individual records and 67 team records during his tenure. Fabiilli also served as the school's Sports Information Director while at Northland.

"We are disappointed to see Steve leave, but wish him the best in his new position at Concordia University Wisconsin," Northland Compliance Coordinator Steve Wammer said. "Steve's teams at Northland were known for community service and involvement in the greater Ashland area. CUW is fortunate to have him as their women's hockey head coach."

Prior to his time at Northland, Fabiilli spent one season as an assistant coach/co-head coach at his alma mater, Canisius College. During this season he helped the Golden Griffins to a second-place finish in the Atlantic Hockey Conference.

Fabiilli played four seasons for Canisius and was named the school's Male Athlete of the Year during the 2001 season. He was the goaltender for the Golden Griffins and ranks in the top 10 in school history in wins, goals against average, save percentage, saves and shutouts.

He graduated from Canisius in 2001 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in physical education. Fabiilli also earned a Master's of Sports Administration from Canisius in 2005. He and his wife, Stephanie, have lived in Ashland and will be relocating to the Mequon area.