T.J. Syner - Hockey Coach - University of Massachusetts Athletics

T.J. Syner

Title:
Volunteer Assistant Coach

Former University of Massachusetts hockey captain T.J. Syner has returned to his alma mater to join head coach Greg Carvel's staff as a volunteer assistant coach for 2018-19. The Springfield, Massachusetts native, who played for the Minutemen from 2008-12, rejoins the program following seven seasons in the professional hockey ranks.

Syner saw action in 135 games over his four-year collegiate career, totaling 37 goals and 60 assists for 97 points to rank 14^thall-time on UMass' career scoring list and is tied for 10^th in career assists. As a senior in 2011-12, Syner served as a team captain and led the Minutemen with 37 points (13g, 24a) en route to a Hockey East All-Conference Honorable Mention nod.

Upon completion of his collegiate eligibility, Syner began his professional career with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League and split time between the AHL and ECHL's Reading Royals from 2011-14, winning a Kelly Cup championship with Reading in 2012-13. He went on to play three more ECHL seasons with the Utah Grizzlies (2014-16) and the Worcester Railers (2017-18) and spent the 2016-17 season overseas with Val Gardena HC (AlpsHL) and Coventry Blaze (EIHL). Syner logged 203 points over 282 career ECHL games on 80 goals and 123 assists.

Syner graduated from UMass with a bachelor's degree in finance & operations management in 2012. He was a Hockey East All-Academic Team honoree in 2008-09 and 2009-10.