A Sudden Departure
Mike Kelly, who spent eight seasons at the helm of Providence’s women’s hockey program, announced his resignation shortly before the 2026‑27 season was set to begin. The move comes after a season in which the Friars slipped to ninth place in Hockey East with an 11‑22‑2 record, a stark contrast to the dominance they displayed earlier in the decade.
Kelly’s tenure was marked by a blend of steady growth and occasional brilliance. Over eight years he compiled a record of 136 wins, 109 losses and 27 ties, while guiding the team to a Hockey East championship game on two occasions and earning a single NCAA Tournament berth in 2020‑21. The high point arrived in 2025 when his side captured the USA Hockey National Championship with a 56‑3‑0 run.
His departure coincides with a reshuffling of the coaching staff at Providence. Nicole Norton and Katie Burtwill have been named interim leaders for the upcoming season, while the search for a permanent successor continues amid a national hunt for the program’s next head coach.
A New Chapter in Irondequoit
Kelly will now guide the U‑19 girls’ program at Bishop Kearney High School in Irondequoit, New York. The school’s girls hockey program, which competes in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, emphasizes player development and academic excellence, values that align with Kelly’s own coaching philosophy.
In a statement, Bishop Kearney’s athletic director highlighted Kelly’s experience in nurturing young talent, noting that his background in scouting for SA Hockey and the Women’s National Team equips him with a deep understanding of player pathways. The program’s recent emphasis on preparing athletes for elite competition makes Kelly’s arrival a strategic fit.
Looking Forward
The coming season will test both the interim leadership at Providence and Kelly’s ability to shape the next generation of female hockey players in upstate New York. As the sport continues to expand, the ripple effects of these moves will be watched closely by fans, alumni and stakeholders across the collegiate and high‑school ranks.