From Davenport University Athletics
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport University athletics is proud to announce the hiring of Blake Hackbarth as the new head coach of the women’s ACHA hockey team. With an impressive background on and off the ice, Hackbarth brings years of experience, leadership, and a proven track record of success to the program.
“Blake’s passion and enthusiasm for coaching were evident early in the interview process,” said Ryan McCosky, Director of Non-Varsity Sports and Programming. “I knew right away he would fit with what we are trying to accomplish here. We have a lot of work to do, but I am confident we have the right person for the job.”
Hackbarth previously served as the owner of Fox Valley Hockey Training based out of Appleton, Wis., since 2021, and he was also the head coach of the Fox Cities Stars Girls Hockey club since 2022. As head coach, the team had 11 scholar-athletes in three seasons and won three regional championships. Known for a dynamic coaching style and strong emphasis on teamwork, Hackbarth is expected to elevate the Panthers’ performance in the upcoming season. In addition, he worked as a skills coach at Lawrence University in Appleton from 2022-24.
“I’m incredibly honored to join Davenport University and lead the women’s hockey program. This is where I want to be—not just to coach, but to help build a lasting culture rooted in character, commitment, and high standards. The program has incredible potential, and we’re committed to doing things the right way—to serve our student-athletes and the university community, and to build a culture grounded in character, commitment, and high standards. We aim to reflect the university’s values and create an environment where our players thrive on and off the ice.”
Hackbarth will assume the role immediately and begin preparations for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
(Originally published at https://dupanthers.com/news/2025/5/1/womens-ice-hockey-hackbarth-hired-as-womens-acha-hockey-head-coach.aspx)
