WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT COACH WOODCROFT
"I just heard the news that University of Vermont hockey hired Todd Woodcroft to be their next head coach. Since I was a rookie, Todd has cared about me every day as a person and then as a player. He has never said no anytime I ever asked him for help. I am going to miss him but Vermont hockey is strong now because of Todd."
Patrik Laine, Winnipeg Jets Forward
 
"Todd has a deep understanding of the game of hockey and a great passion for people. He will work tirelessly to build a championship program."
Paul Maurice, Winnipeg Jets Head Coach

"Todd has been a very influential piece in my development as an NHL player. He's always grabbing me to show the parts of my game that I need to get better at and then translating those conversations into game skills. He found time to work with me every day and made me a better player. The best part about him is how much he cared about me on and off the ice. I will miss him in Winnipeg."
Andrew Copp, Winnipeg Jets Forward
 
"One of the best relationships I ever had with a coach was with Todd. From our first moment, there wasn't a day where he wasn't determined to make me and all my teammates better. Every practice and every conversation we had he was on me about the habits of being a professional – but I always knew he valued me more as a person than as an NHL player. UVM is lucky to have him and I will be cheering for Catamount hockey, except when they play the Friars!"
Brandon Tanev, Pittsburgh Penguins Forward
 
"I met Todd eleven years ago in Sweden and we have kept a great relationship even to this day. When we were building the World Cup team (2016) Todd was a great addition, working along with myself, Mats Sundin, Daniel Alfredsson and Nicklas Lidström. We were all so impressed with his detailed work. Of course, when the tournament started Todd impressed us all so much more because he brought a different perspective and coaching style. That made it very easy for me to ask Todd to join the World Championship team (2017) where I am proud to say we won a gold medal together. I know that to this day Todd keep his relationships so strong with all the players from both those teams. As a former NCAA player myself I know that Todd will do a great job for UVM. Good luck to Todd and all of UVM Hockey!"
Rikard Grönborg, ZSC Lions Head Coach
 
"University of Vermont just secured the services of a very informed, personable and knowledgeable hockey mind. I've known Todd for a long time, he is passionate about the game and his professional approach will allow him to draw the very best in each and every player he works with. He will add to an already deep pool of excellent coaching staffs in Hockey East."
Norm Bazin, UMass Lowell Head Coach
 
"Todd was truly dedicated to helping each of us reach our greatest potential. Whether it be through additional work on the ice or countless hours spent honing the finest details of our game, he always found unique ways to help us improve. He helped transform specific areas of my personal game from weaknesses to areas of strength. I will miss his humor and positive attitude but I know he will be of great value to the hockey program at the University of Vermont. Best of luck Woody!"
Adam Lowry, Winnipeg Jets Forward
 
"After listening to Todd Woodcroft's presentation at the AHCA Coaches Convention last spring, his sincere passion for and extensive knowledge of hockey was exceedingly evident. More impressively, it has been over the course of this of past year that the defining quality of Todd's character became increasingly apparent: his willingness and enthusiasm to help others. With no expectation of recognition or acknowledgement, Todd has quietly supported the development of a myriad of coaches, myself included. It is this type of servant leadership that distinguishes Todd as both a coach and a human. While success on the scoreboard and in the win-column matter a great deal to him, the emphasis Todd will place on the growth of the student-athletes as people will benefit them in every facet of their lives now and for many years to come. With Todd at the helm, there is immense promise on the horizon for the Catamounts and I am excited to see where he takes them."
Lee-J Mirasolo, Harvard Associate Head Coach
 
"I first met Todd when we won the gold medal at the World Championships representing Tre Kronor (the Swedish Men's National Team). What I remember most working together on the Coaching staff, was Todd's attention to detail and his daily desire to win - it was infectious amongst our team and taught me a lot as a person as well as a coach. I am a better coach now because of our time together and I am glad to call him a friend. Good luck to Todd and the University of Vermont!"
Tomas Montén, Sweden World Junior Team Head Coach
 
"Todd has been a tireless volunteer in the global hockey community. He is always keen to work with younger coaches and players and help them improve their skills. He has presented at numerous hockey coaching conferences around the world and his presentations are incredibly well received for how thoughtfully prepared and presented they were. Perhaps to his detriment, Todd always shares his contact information with participants so that they can stay in touch and reach out directly to him with any questions down the road.
Earlier this year following an event with a corporate partner of the NHLCA, he volunteered to run a practice during his own time for the child's team. Todd joined a group of eight-year-old's at their outdoor practice rink in northern Winnipeg for over an hour in minus 20 degree weather, and has stayed in touch with the team manager and family since then. His passion to "give back" is never-ending.
We wish Todd all the best in his new role".                                                                                  
 Michael Hirshfeld, Executive Director NHL Coaches' Association

Handy Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the UVM men's hockey program