Anybody have an opinion on what this announcement might bring to the Colonials program?

Olympic Gold Medalist hired as Women's Coaching Director

The New Jersey Colonials are excited to welcome aboard two-time Olympic Medalist and Women's National Player, Shelley Looney, to our coaching staff. Shelley's new title is: Director of Women's Hockey and she brings an extensive hockey knowledge and background to share with our girl's teams.

Our new Director scored the game winning goal in the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan in the 3-1 victory against Canada that gave the USA Women's hockey team their first Gold Medal. Her second Olympic appearance was in 2002, where team USA earned a Silver Medal. Her former teammates include, Cammi Granato and Angela Ruggiero.

Shelley's hockey career began at the age of 6 when her older brother decided he didn't want to play hockey anymore. She asked her mom and dad if she could take his place on the team, and the rest is history! When Shelley was 14, she began to play in girls leagues. She went onto play at Northeastern University, racking up an astounding 127 points in 105 games and was named Eastern College Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 1993-94.

Shelley has played in the IIHF Women's Championships from 1992-2002, as a 7 time Silver Medalist. In 2005, she became an IIHF Gold Medalist. In 1998 and 2003, she won 2 Gold Medals in the IIHF 4 Nations Cup Tournament. She continues to work extensively with the USA Hockey Women's Programs, as an assistant coach for the Under 22 Women's National team; Head Coach for the Select Development Festivals and as an Evaluator for District development camps and as an Assistant Coach for the USA Hockey National Team for Boys 17 U.

In addition, she established the Shelley Looney Hockey School in June 2003 providing on ice instruction with adults and youth alike. She's worked as an assistant coach for the Women's Varsity Team at the University of Vermont and has played hockey for the Vancouver Griffins, along with continuing stints as a Promotional and Motivational speaker for youth groups, schools, municipal organizations and large corporations. A pretty stellar career, so far!

Shelley has expressed an intense desire to give back to the sport she so dearly loves and that is why she decided to join ranks with the New Jersey Colonials.