Head Coach Matt Stirling led the Golden Grizzlies to a 21-4-1-1 record during the 2024-2025 regular season. The Golden Grizzlies had no shortage of talent led by senior forwards Brendan Danou, Jack Abbo, Shane Arbour and Jake McCatty. Senior goaltender Tate Potteiger also provided a solid backstop throughout the entire season. The Grizzlies amassed a total of 192 goals this season and an impressive +136 goal differential. Oakland continues their success this season in qualifying for their 9th National Tournament over the last 11 active seasons. With the help of assistant coaches Tyler Lampman, Logan Rey, Clayton Brown and Sam Palmeter, Oakland would get to as high as 2nd in the country while currently sitting 4th in the last ranking period. This is the first time coach Stirling has won the award in his 7th season as Oakland’s head coach.
“I am honored and humbled to be named coach of the year in the MCHC. I want to thank my staff and the team for allowing me to lead them this season. I am grateful to be recognized by other league members and to be competing in the toughest conference in the ACHA DIII ranks.” Matt Stirling