Gruszka named Finlandia ACHA hockey coach

From The Daily Mining Gazette

 

HANCOCK — Ryan Gruszka has been named head coach of ACHA Hockey at Finlandia University.

He is set to begin his duties on May 23.

“I’m pleased that Ryan will take over our ACHA program,” said Finlandia athletic director Curtis Wittenberg. “His experience in hockey and familiarity with the ACHA will be a benefit to the team and university.”

Gruszka spent the 2021-22 school year as a graduate assistant for the ACHA D2 and D3 men’s hockey teams and assistant coach for men’s club lacrosse at East Texas Baptist.

“I am thrilled to begin this position with Finlandia and their ACHA program.” said Ryan Guruszka. “I want to thank Curtis Wittenberg and the rest of the Finlandia hiring team for this opportunity. There is an excellent foundation of returning players, and incoming players that I am very excited to work with. Lastly, I want to thank my family, and fiancé for their continued support throughout. Go Lions!”

Gruszka played two years for the ACHA D2 men’s hockey team at Williston State College. He scored 33 goals with 59 assists for 92 points. Gruszka was a first team ACHA All-American in 2018-19 helping the Tetons qualify for the national tournament. He is the all-time leader in assists and points.

Gruszka finished his hockey career at East Texas Baptist. In two seasons, he scored 29 goals with 59 assists for 88 points. In 2020-21, Gruszka was an all-conference, all-region and All-American selection as the Tigers qualified for the ACHA National Tournament for the first time in program history.

Gruszka has an associate of arts degree from Williston State and a B.A. in business administration from East Texas Baptist. He has a SafeSport Certification and a USA Hockey coaching certificate Level 1. Gruszka is working on a master of education in sports leadership from East Texas Baptist.

(Originally published at https://www.mininggazette.com/sports/local-sports/2022/05/gruszka-named-fu-acha-hockey-coach/)