University of Massachusets Athletics
Graham Johnson Joins UMass Hockey Staff
December 03, 2015 | Hockey
AMHERST, Mass. - Graham Johnson, who possesses nearly a decade’s worth of experience working in collegiate and junior hockey, has joined the University of Massachusetts hockey staff as the program’s director of hockey operations, head coach John Micheletto announced on Thursday. Johnson comes to Amherst after most recently serving as the head coach and general manager of the Connecticut Nighthawks (EHL/MJHL) in Simsbury, Conn.
“The director of operations is a complicated position that requires array of skills, including organization, communication and administration, computer and video editing aptitude, as well as significant hockey knowledge,” said Micheletto. “Usually when trying to find candidates for this job, you have to relent in one or more of these areas and hope that the person you hire can get up to speed over time in the areas that are lacking. In Graham Johnson, Massachusetts hockey has added a person who checks all the boxes and then some. He’s able to successfully manage all that this job requires with a great enthusiasm and passion to help our program achieve greatness. His background in hockey, that includes working in successful programs with highly respected people, makes him a fantastic addition to an already great staff that we have here.”
Prior to his time with the Nighthawks, Johnson served as an assistant coach at nearby American International from 2012-2015 where he was the recruiting coordinator for the Yellow Jackets and helped the team post its best record and highest wins total since joining Atlantic Hockey.
In 2011-12, Johnson was the assistant coach and interim head coach of the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL following a stint at Hamilton College as an assistant coach from 2009 to 2011. In his time at Hamilton, Johnson was a part of the NESCAC Coaching Staff of the Year two years in a row (2010, 2011) and served as the team’s recruiting coordinator while helping guide the Continentals to a NESCAC regular season title in 2011.
Johnson also worked as an assistant coach at Quinnipiac in 2008-09 after spending a season as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Rhode Island, in 2007-08. Johnson graduated from URI with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
For continued coverage of UMass hockey, follow the team on Twitter @UMassHockey and on Facebook at facebook.com/UMassHockey.