From Utah Hockey
Salt Lake City, Utah
The University of Utah Hockey is proud to announce Rodney Stedt as the next Head Coach of the Skatin’ Utes Women’s hockey program.
Rodney, a native of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, began playing hockey at the age of 5 years old on a backyard ice rink. Two years later, he strapped on goalie pads to test his skills as a goaltender. He was a volunteer goalie coach for 3 years, and part of the Wolf Pack for the four years he attended Park High School.
He attended Inver Community College where he joined the club hockey team. After college, Stedt joined the MN’s premier Adult Hockey Association (AHA) and helped his team win a championship. Three years ago, he hung up his goalie skates to dabble as a Forward in other adult leagues and has been enjoying playing the game with a different perspective ever since.
Stedt has spent the last two years with the University of Utah Women’s Hockey team working his way up from Goalie Coach, to Assistant Coach, and now to Head Coach.
“I’ve had the great opportunity to spend the last two years with the team building bonds with the players and learning so much from the Utah W1 former Head Coach Braeden Yeo,” said Stedt. He is excited to see what’s next to come with this program. “Braeden has built a powerhouse program here with a great culture. My plan is to continue that legacy and strive for even bigger goals.”
Former Head Coach Braeden Yeo had this to say about Stedt, “there is no individual more deserving of this position than Rodney. His devotion to this team over the past two years has been extremely special to witness, and I am forever grateful for his endless time, effort, and unwavering support. I have the highest expectations for this team with him at the helm, and cannot wait to see him take Utah Women’s Division 1 Hockey in new directions and a brighter future.”
While with Utah Women’s Hockey, he has helped recruit players, taking the team from 21 players his first year to 27 this past season, with a plan for another full roster for this upcoming year. They have also made their 3rd straight WWCHL Championships tournament appearance.
“It has been fun to watch Rodney dive head first into his coaching roles the past two years; being very adaptable to situations and bringing a different lens to the program. His passion for recruiting and growing women’s hockey here in Utah has exceeded expectations and there is no doubt that he will continue to have success with the players and teams he is coaching,” said Women’s GM Aimee Frost.
Utah Hockey would like to welcome Rodney and wish him the absolute best in the upcoming season!
(Originally published at https://universityofutahhockey.com/rodney-stedt-named-new-womens-head-coach/)
