NCSA Ice Hockey Recruiting Coaches
Michael Stanaway
CoachMStanaway@ncsasports.org | 877-845-6272 | Finlandia University
As a kid, I had always dreamed of playing college hockey. I am originally from Marquette, Michigan but now live in Long Island, New York. Even though the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has a very strong hockey tradition, I was not sure how the recruiting process worked.
I played hockey and graduated from NCAA DIII Finlandia University. I then went on and earned my MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. After graduation, I immediately got into coaching because I wanted to give back to the game that has given me so much.
I have been fortunate to have coached junior hockey all over the United States. I have guided 9 teams to compete at the National Championship and have captured three league championships. In addition to working at NCSA, I currently serve as the Head Coach for the New York Aviators in the USPHL.
The best part of working for NCSA is being able to help guide student-athletes through the recruiting process and working with them toward their college commitment.
Chris Joseph
Cjoseph@ncsasports.org | 872-271-8966 | Stony Brook University
I grew up playing AAA youth hockey on Long Island. When I turned 16 I played my first season of junior hockey with New York Apple Core in the Empire Junior Hockey League and after 2 seasons I moved onto the New Jersey Rockets in the Atlantic Junior Hockey League. I played out my collegiate career at Stony Brook University where I was a captain my junior and senior seasons. During my time at Stony Brook we won 3 straight league championships, and made it to two straight Final Four appearances, losing in the national championship game my senior season. I also had the honor of representing USA at the World University Games twice while at Stony Brook.
After college, I pursued a professional hockey career in the ECHL for the Jacksonville Icemen (AA affiliate for the Winnipeg Jets), Elmira Jackals (AA affiliate for the Buffalo Sabres), and the Evansville Icemen (AA affiliate to the Ottawa Senators). I also won a Championship in the SPHL while playing for the Macon Mayhem.
I joined NCSA in 2022 with the purpose of helping athletes achieve their goal of playing sports in college. My mindset has always been team first while on the ice and that continues here with the opportunity to help future college athletes reach their dreams.
Dennis Canfield
coachcanfield@ncsasports.org | University of Findlay
Growing up in Buffalo, NY, hockey has always been a passion of mine since I was little. Through our great game and the support of my parents and hard work, I was fortunate to further my career into junior hockey before achieving my goal of playing NCAA hockey at Saint Anselm College. From there, I transferred to the University of Findlay and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Business Management and Marketing. Following graduation, I achieved another goal of playing professionally in the SPHL.
While in college at Findlay, I began to train players and was an assistant coach for Little Caesars AAA and the Toledo IceDiggers of the NAHL. It was then that I found my love of coaching and the desire to help student athletes achieve their career goals of attending college, playing college hockey and earning a degree they can use for the rest of their lives.
Since 2007 I have been a full time coach and scout in various leagues including the BCHL, NAHL and USPHL. Presently I am a head coach in the USPHL in addition to being a hockey recruiter. I decided to join the NCSA family because there was not a service of this kind that offered a pathway of support when I was looking to attend a college and I want to help. As a parent myself I understand the challenges that are ahead for your student-athletes and family alike and I look forward to helping you navigate the twists and turns.
Robert Lane
rlane@ncsasports.org | 312-579-2535 |
In addition to being a Recruiting Coach at NCSA, I am an area scout for the Utah Outliers, the Head Coach of Women’s Hockey for Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and a junior hockey team that plays in the NA3HL.
I take a great amount of pride in helping student-athletes and their families reach their goals both on and off the ice. I rely on the same leadership traits and principles that guided me through a successful 30-year military career to mentor young hockey players.
Recognizing that NCSA is the gold standard in providing a platform for student-athletes to achieve their goals and my passion for helping student-athletes drew me to this amazing organization.
I live in Massachusetts with my wife, son, daughter, 2 Bloodhounds, a Yorkie, and Havanese.
Conall McNelis
cmcnelis@ncsasports.org |
I attended Syracuse University where I was a member of the Club Roller Hockey team for 3 years. I was a 3-time ECRHA All-Star, team Captain and Club President for two seasons, the 2015-16 ECHRA Team Rep of the Year, and helped lead the program to its first-ever National Championship appearance. I currently coach for the New Jersey 87’s in the Eastern Hockey League, with prior coaching experience at the high school, ACHA, and NCAA levels.
I just recently joined NCSA as an Ice Hockey Recruiting Coach. I am really looking forward to being a part of a team that works together to find the best fit for each athlete. I think that my knowledge and passion for the sport make me a great fit to be a part of the NCSA family and to help guide prospective student-athletes into finding a program that values them as a player and person.
When I am not at the rink, I’m an avid movie fan, golfer, and dog lover. I love to travel and passionately support the New York Rangers, Mets, Giants, and Everton Football Club.