Photo by: Mark Kuhlmann
Hambrook Named Director of Hockey Operations
Jun 14, 2022 | Hockey
OMAHA, Neb. - Head hockey coach Mike Gabinet tabs Bennett Hambrook as the program's next Director of Operations. Hambrook started with the Mavericks this week.
"Bennett is a tremendous addition to our hockey staff," said Gabinet. "He has over eight years of experience at the NCAA level both as a player and staff member. He will be a valuable member of our team moving forward."
Hambrook spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach with Hamilton. The Continentals posted a 36-30-8 record over that stretch and made the conference tournament each season. He also led recruiting efforts, handled pre-scouting, managed the team's defensive systems, and worked closely with campus partners/alumni that supported the hockey program.
In Hambrook's first two seasons, Hamilton won 25 games and ended up in the top four of the NESCAC standings twice. The Continentals hosted a conference championship quarterfinal in 2019 and 2020 and advanced to the NESCAC semifinals in each of those years. He has coached Hamilton players to six all-conference selections.
"I am thrilled to be joining Omaha Athletics and Omaha Hockey," said Hambrook. "The opportunity to work with a leader like Coach Gabinet and this experienced staff is what attracted me to the position and is the driver for my excitement to get going. Watching Omaha Hockey from afar over the last few years, it's clear that in terms of program culture, work ethic, and talent, we are poised for success. I am eager to begin working with this group and, most importantly, helping our students develop as people and players at the high-level Omaha Hockey is known for."
Prior to his coaching career, Hambrook played six seasons in the BCHL with four different teams. As a defenseman, he appeared in 135 career games tallying four goals and 14 assists over his career.
Hambrook played collegiately at Hamilton. He appeared in 69 games at Hamilton. He was an alternate captain his sophomore and junior seasons and the team captain in 2016-17 when he helped lead the men's hockey team to their first 20-win season in school history. Hamilton finished in first place in the NESCAC regular season standings for the second time, received its first at-large bid to the NCAA championship and advanced to the national quarterfinals with a win at SUNY Oswego in the first round when Hambrook was a senior.
After his senior year, Hambrook was presented with the Jean-Marius Gelas Memorial Award, which is given to a student-athlete who has displayed outstanding development in sportsmanship, leadership, character and athletic ability during their college years. He was also the recipient of the Albert I. Prettyman Unsung Hero award for dedication and determination that inspires and motivates his teammates and the coaching staff.
Hambrook earned his degree in psychology from Hamilton. He is from Kimberley, British Columbia and is joined by his wife, Clare, in Omaha.
"Bennett is a tremendous addition to our hockey staff," said Gabinet. "He has over eight years of experience at the NCAA level both as a player and staff member. He will be a valuable member of our team moving forward."
Hambrook spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach with Hamilton. The Continentals posted a 36-30-8 record over that stretch and made the conference tournament each season. He also led recruiting efforts, handled pre-scouting, managed the team's defensive systems, and worked closely with campus partners/alumni that supported the hockey program.
In Hambrook's first two seasons, Hamilton won 25 games and ended up in the top four of the NESCAC standings twice. The Continentals hosted a conference championship quarterfinal in 2019 and 2020 and advanced to the NESCAC semifinals in each of those years. He has coached Hamilton players to six all-conference selections.
"I am thrilled to be joining Omaha Athletics and Omaha Hockey," said Hambrook. "The opportunity to work with a leader like Coach Gabinet and this experienced staff is what attracted me to the position and is the driver for my excitement to get going. Watching Omaha Hockey from afar over the last few years, it's clear that in terms of program culture, work ethic, and talent, we are poised for success. I am eager to begin working with this group and, most importantly, helping our students develop as people and players at the high-level Omaha Hockey is known for."
Prior to his coaching career, Hambrook played six seasons in the BCHL with four different teams. As a defenseman, he appeared in 135 career games tallying four goals and 14 assists over his career.
Hambrook played collegiately at Hamilton. He appeared in 69 games at Hamilton. He was an alternate captain his sophomore and junior seasons and the team captain in 2016-17 when he helped lead the men's hockey team to their first 20-win season in school history. Hamilton finished in first place in the NESCAC regular season standings for the second time, received its first at-large bid to the NCAA championship and advanced to the national quarterfinals with a win at SUNY Oswego in the first round when Hambrook was a senior.
After his senior year, Hambrook was presented with the Jean-Marius Gelas Memorial Award, which is given to a student-athlete who has displayed outstanding development in sportsmanship, leadership, character and athletic ability during their college years. He was also the recipient of the Albert I. Prettyman Unsung Hero award for dedication and determination that inspires and motivates his teammates and the coaching staff.
Hambrook earned his degree in psychology from Hamilton. He is from Kimberley, British Columbia and is joined by his wife, Clare, in Omaha.
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