MILTON, Mass. – Curry College Athletic Director Vinnie Eruzione has announced the appointment of T.J. Manastersky of Fredonia, New York as head men’s ice hockey coach.

“We are excited that T.J. will be joining our staff,” said Eruzione. “His vision for the program, and his passion for the sport and for student-athletes were major reasons why T.J. was the perfect fit for us. Under T.J.’s leadership, I am confident that our program will continue to thrive.”

"I am grateful for this opportunity to coach the Curry College hockey team and to serve as a mentor for the outstanding young men in the program,” said Manastersky. “I am excited to join the Curry College family and to begin working with my new players. I will take great pride in leading the program and look forward to establishing an environment conducive to athletic, academic, and social growth and integrity."

Manastersky graduated cum laude from Canisius College with a Master of Science in Education in Health and Physical Education and graduated cum laude from SUNY Oswego with a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing Arts and a minor in Athletic Coaching.

Manastersky comes to Curry after a successful four-year stint as assistant coach at SUNY Fredonia. While with the Blue Devils, he was responsible for recruiting efforts, strength and conditioning, power play, video analysis, and coaching the defense. He was also an Assistant Professor in the Sport Management and Exercise Science Department.Manastersky coached and recruited three All-Americans, one SUNYAC Player of the Year, and one SUNYAC Rookie of the Year while at Fredonia State.

The Ontario native joined the Blue Devils after working with the Division 1 Canisius College Golden Griffins of the Atlantic Hockey Association. At Canisius, Manastersky was responsible for coordination of video analysis and academic monitoring, while assisting in all facets of the program, including: recruiting, strength and conditioning, skill development, practice planning and game-day preparation.

Manastersky has also spent time as an assistant coach with Team Western in the Empire State Games, as well as serving as a guest coach and evaluator at the USA Hockey Selection Camp in the Mid-Am District and at the Greater Toronto Hockey League Under-17 camp. Manastersky holds his Hockey Canada High Performance I certification and has served as an evaluator in the Team Ontario Under-17 Selection process.

Manastersky played collegiately for the Oswego Lakers from 2004 to 2006 and was a member of the SUNYAC All-Academic Team. He was a key member of the team’s defense and helped the Lakers earn as high as a No. 3 national ranking. After graduation, Manastersky played with the Richmond Renegades of the Southern Professional Hockey League.