Michigan State hockey adds assistant coach Mike Towns from Clarkson
New Michigan State hockey coach Adam Nightengale has filled another spot on his staff with an experienced Division 1 coach.
Mike Towns has joined the Spartans as an assistant coach after three years on the staff at Clarkson University and five years at American International. During his time at Clarkson, the Golden Knights went 55-25-13 and finished in the top three of the ECAC all three seasons.
At American International (2014-19), he was part of a staff that started the program's recent run of four straight Atlantic Hockey regular-season and three consecutive tournament titles.
"Mike is another great addition to our staff who has recruited and developed talented players and quality student-athletes that have turned around the fortunes of two college hockey programs," Nightingale said in a press release. "His work at AIC as the recruiting coordinator was a big part of helping that program be a consistent winner along with helping maintain Clarkson's success as a top-20 program.
"His ability to connect with players and help them develop into the best version of themselves will be a huge asset to our program. We look forward to welcoming Mike and his family to Spartan hockey."
A native of Surrey, British Columbia, Towns spent four seasons as a player in the BCHL playing with the Penticton Vees before attending Adrian College. At Adrian (2007-11), Towns was an alternate captain his first two seasons, and the team's captain in his junior and senior years. During his senior season, Towns captained the Bulldogs and helped lead the team to the NCAA Division III national championship game.
"I could not be more excited for the opportunity to join the Michigan State hockey program," Towns said in the release. "I am grateful that coach Nightingale has afforded me this opportunity and for the ability to work at such an incredible institution. The Spartan hockey program has an elite history and tradition of championship hockey and producing NHL players."
Nightingale took over as Michigan State head coach on May 3, replacing Danton Cole, who was let go after five seasons.
Nightingale hired Jared DeMichiel from the University of Massachusetts as his associate head coach on May 26.
GLI tourney heads to Grand Rapids: Also on Wednesday, MSU announced the Spartans would be one of four teams in the next Great Lakes Invitational, Dec. 27-28, at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.
The 57th GLI will start with a doubleheader matchup on Dec. 27 between Michigan Tech and Western Michigan at 3:30 p.m., followed by Michigan State against Ferris State at 7 p.m. The winners will advance to the GLI Championship game at 7 p.m. the next night, immediately following the third-place game at 3:30 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan State hockey adds assistant coach Mike Towns from Clarkson
