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Coyotes Youth Hockey Hub Network

Coaches

D1 Head Coach, Director of Hockey - Austin Cline

Austin Cline

coachcline@sundevilclubhockey.com

Austin, a Chicago native, grew up playing youth hockey in the metro Chicago area before transplanting to Minnesota and Canada to play junior hockey. After his time playing junior A hockey, Austin then went on to play for the Northern Michigan University Men’s ACHA hockey team, where he graduated with a degree in Management of Health and Fitness-specializing in Strength and Conditioning.

Prior to arriving at ASU, Austin had been an assistant coach and strength and conditioning coach with the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners of the NOJHL, from the 2017-18' and 2018-19’ seasons. 

Coach Cline is entering his fourth season with Arizona State University Men's ACHA hockey program. Austin will serve as the ACHA D1 Head Coach for the 2022’-23’ season, where he previously remained as the assistant coach for the last few years. While being an assistant of the D1 team in his first year, he was also put in charge of the prospect team which evolved into what is now the ACHA D3 team. As a first-year head coach, the D3 team was a success having a record of 14-4-5.

In the 2021-22’ season, Austin stepped into a head coaching position for Arizona State's D1 ACHA program for the second half of the season. During his tenure as the head coach for the program's top team, he posted a 9-2 record to finish out the season. 

Coach Cline is dedicated to the development of these young men, not only to build on their hockey knowledge and skill, but to send them out into life after hockey with pride and purpose. He understands that hockey is a vehicle for himself to instill life lessons, a culture of winning and a sense of confidence in his players that will help guide them down the road. Overcoming adversity in the great game of hockey is no different and follows the same principles of overcoming adversity in their lives after hockey.

D1 Assistant Coach - Kelly Newton

Coach Newton is returning for his second season as Assistant Coach at ASU.  The Penticton BC native comes with a strong background of coaching in the ACHA.  He was the Head Coach at Colorado State University from 2006-2014, taking the Rams to eight consecutive National Tournaments.  From 2014-2018, Coach Newton was the Head Coach at the University of N. Colorado, also taking the Bears to two National Tournaments.  His record as an ACHA Head Coach is 130W - 60L - 11T.  In 2019 he was the Assistant Coach at the University of Colorado before moving to Arizona.  Coach Newton holds a USA Hockey Masters Coaching Level 5 and is an active member of FCA Hockey.

kellynewton7@gmail.com

D2 Head Coach, Asst. Director of Hockey - Jarred Smith

Jarred Smith

coachsmith@sundevilclubhockey.com

Coach Jarred Smith brings 12+ years of coaching experience to the Sun Devils ACHA program. Coach Smith, a Level 4 Certified USA Hockey Coach, has worked with players of all ages ranging from first time players to professional athletes. 

Coach Smith played on the ASU ACHA D2 team from 2008-2012. During his time as a Sun Devil, he was a part of the program’s massive growth. His senior season, as an Assistant Captain, the team was top ranked in the Western Region and finished 5th at nationals. He graduated in 2012 with a B.A. in Communication and a minor in Media Analysis.

As a school and program alumni Coach Smith looks to build upon the success and history within the program and continue to grow the culture by setting high expectations for players both on and off the ice. He brings a passion for the game and an understanding of the honor it is to wear the Sun Devil logo. 

Coach Smith enters his 3rd season as Head Coach of the Division 2 team, with an all-time record of 34-19-2. 

A native of Discovery Bay, CA, Coach Smith currently lives in Cave Creek, AZ with his wife (Bailey), their daughter (Lennon).

D3 Coaches

Head Coach - Joe Lappin

email- j.lappin@aol.com

Joe Lappin, the Geneva, Illinois native is the newest addition to the coaching staff for the Arizona State University ACHA program for the 2023-24 season. Joe will be taking the reins of the Division 3 team. With a strong background in hockey, from his early days with the Southshore Kings to his time at ASU as a player, Joe brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the ASU ACHA program.

As a player, Joe was a key contributor to the success of ASU's inaugural NCAA team. Helping build the foundation that led to the team's first NCAA tournament appearance in 2018. He also gained valuable experience playing for the Lincoln Stars and the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL, as well as the Sioux Falls Stampede of the NAHL.

With his strong communication skills, Joe graduated from ASU with a degree in Communications in 2018. 

Joe is excited to return to his alma mater to share his knowledge and passion for the game with the next generation of Sun Devil hockey players. His dedication and enthusiasm for the sport are sure to inspire the Division 3 team to new heights.

Coach Austin Cline had this to say about Joe ``Our division 3 team has made huge strides over its short existence. I'm very excited to bring on coach Lappin as his passion and experience is exactly what our program was looking for. I am very excited to see what this team can do in the future. Every year the team has climbed the rankings as last year they finished 18th in the country. I look forward to coach Lappin leading this team to the national tournament in the near future.  "   

We are thrilled to welcome Joe to the ASU ACHA program!

Associate Head Coach- David Norris 

email- davidnorris21@gmail.com

David, the Calgary, Alberta native will be joining Arizona State University ACHA program for the 2023-24 season. David will serve as the associate head coach for the division 3 team. David graduated from ASU in 2018 with a Business degree, while also playing for the NCAA D1 hockey team. 

Hockey has taken David all over the world. From growing up in Alberta where he played his minor hockey to the pro ranks overseas. David's hockey background is extensive and quite impressive. After playing his minor hockey in Alberta he would stay  home to play junior hockey for the Calgary Mustangs of the AJHL. He would then commit to play at AIC NCAA D1, where he would set the single season assist record. 

His sophomore season he would decide to follow his brother Liam Norris and transfer to ASU. David would play for both the ACHA D1 and NCAA D1 teams.  After graduating from ASU he decided to play at the pro level, playing in England, Germany, and Austria before returning back to the US to play for the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL. David is also currently a scout for the Ontario jr Reign of the USPHL. 

David had this to say about returning back to ASU as a coach “I am excited to be back in the desert working with the ASU ACHA program, I have seen and know all the

great things about the program here. I hope I can bring my knowledge and experience to help take this team to the next level and help young student/athletes have the best opportunity to succeed. Coach Cline has done an excellent job building a great coaching staff/front office and I hope I can just add to it.” 

Coach Austin Cline had this to say about the addition of David to the ACHA program."We are lucky to have coach Norris joining our staff, his experience and successes as a player are unmatched not only to our D3 team but our program as a whole. "

We are thrilled to welcome David to the ASU ACHA program!

 

Assistant Coach- Liam Norris

email- Liamnorris2525@gmail.com 

 ASU's ACHA Division 3 team is proud to announce the addition of Liam Norris as the team's assistant coach for the 2023-24 season. Liam, will serve as assistant coach to head coach Joe Lappin and brother David Norris. Liam brings with him a wealth of experience and success as a former player for the ASU ACHA program, Liam played a pivotal role in the ASU ACHA division 1 national championship team in 2014.

Liam's success on the ice was matched only by his leadership and dedication to his teammates, qualities that led to his selection as the first captain of the ASU NCAA program. His deep understanding of the game and strategic prowess will undoubtedly be a valuable assets to the team.
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the ASU Division 3 team," said Liam. "I know firsthand the dedication and hard work required to achieve success at this level, and I am excited to help guide these talented players to reach their full potential."
As a former player and leader for the ASU ACHA program, Liam is uniquely qualified to provide guidance and mentorship to the team. His commitment to teamwork and unwavering work ethic will undoubtedly help shape the team's culture and set them up for success both on and off the ice.
"We are excited to have Liam join our coaching staff," said Coach Cline. "His experience and success as a player, coupled with his passion for the game and leadership skills, make him an invaluable addition to our program. We look forward to the upcoming season and the positive impact Liam will undoubtedly have on our program."
We are thrilled to welcome Liam to the ASU ACHA program!

Head Scout - Kenny McGinley

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Want to participate in your local community? Become a  sponsor for ASU ACHA Hockey and support youth in your area.

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Want to participate in your local community? Become a  sponsor for ASU ACHA Hockey and support youth in your area.