A Fresh Face on the UMass Bench
James Marcou, a 2009 second‑team All‑American and the all‑time assists leader at UMass, has been named an assistant coach for the university’s hockey program. His return marks a full‑circle moment, as he originally began his coaching journey in Amherst before embarking on a professional playing career and later stints at elite collegiate programs.
During his seven‑year tenure at Harvard, Marcou specialized in coaching the forward group and the power play, units that helped the Crimson capture ECAC and Ivy League titles in 2021‑22. Under his guidance, Harvard’s power play topped all NCAA Division I programs in the 2019‑20 season, and the team earned an NCAA berth with 15 NHL draft picks on its roster.
Before Harvard, Marcou contributed to Brown’s resurgence, helping the Bears secure their first winning season since 2012‑13 and guiding them to the ECAC Hockey championship weekend for the first time since 2013. His recruiting acumen produced nine future NHL players, five All‑Americans and two Olympians, underscoring his impact on player development.
Marcou’s professional playing career included a free‑agent contract with the San Jose Sharks, for whom he debuted after his junior season at UMass. He spent two and a half seasons in the NHL before a medical retirement forced him to step away from the ice.
After completing his degree in the Isenberg School of Management in 2015, Marcou served on the varsity boys’ hockey staff at Milton Academy during the 2015‑16 season, where he helped the program capture a Co‑ISL Championship. His diverse coaching experiences across multiple institutions have prepared him to bring a championship mindset back to Amherst.
Greg Carvel, head coach of the Minutemen, expressed enthusiasm about Marcou’s addition, noting that his blend of playing excellence, analytical coaching and player‑development expertise aligns perfectly with the program’s ambitions. Marcou’s deep ties to Massachusetts — both as an alumnus and as a longtime resident of the state — are expected to strengthen recruiting efforts and foster a culture of continuity.