Tom Upton arrived at the University of Massachusetts in June 2022, taking on the role of assistant coach for the Minutemen program. The move marked the latest step in a coaching trajectory that has taken him from the junior ranks to the brink of the National Hockey League.
A Proven Leader in the USHL
Before joining UMass, Upton served as both head coach and general manager of the Madison Capitals in the United States Hockey League. In the 2021‑22 season he guided the team to a 30‑29‑3‑0 record and a Clark Cup Final appearance, showcasing his ability to turn a competitive roster into a playoff contender.
His reputation as a developer of talent is underscored by the fact that he has mentored more than 20 players who have signed professional contracts in the NHL, a testament to his eye for skill and his capacity to prepare athletes for the next level.
A Path Forged Across Multiple Programs
Upton’s coaching journey includes stints that have shaped his tactical depth and leadership style. He spent three years as an assistant at Mercyhurst, contributing to an Atlantic Hockey regular‑season title, and later led the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders during the 2013‑14 campaign. He then assumed the dual role of head coach and general manager with the Minnesota Magicians, steering the franchise to its first postseason appearance.
His most recent stop before UMass was with the Youngstown Phantoms, where he helped the club capture the 2017‑18 Eastern Conference championship and finish as Clark Cup Final runners‑up, further cementing his reputation as a winner in high‑pressure environments.
Roots in the Game
Upton’s playing foundation was laid at the University of Wisconsin‑Stevens Point, where he captained the Pointers and helped the program reach three consecutive Division III Frozen Four appearances, including a national championship and two runner‑up finishes. A brief professional stint with the Columbus Cottonmouths in the Southern Professional Hockey League followed, but it was his transition to coaching that would define his career.
A native of Austin, Texas, Upton blends a Southern upbringing with a hockey pedigree that spans the Midwest and Northeast. His diverse experiences, from junior league triumphs to NCAA championship runs, now aim to elevate the Minutemen’s program and inspire the next generation of players.