UMass hockey alum Steve Mastalerz is returning to the Minutemen to impart his near decade of coaching experience.

He’ll serve as the program’s Director of Player of Development, the team announced Tuesday. After four years in the Mullins Center crease, Mastalerz embarked on a professional career before entering the coaching ranks.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to be back at UMass with coach Carvel and staff,” Mastalerz said in a release. “Watching what this program has turned into and earned as a reputation is very exciting to be a part of. I look forward to continuing to develop the culture and overall success of the team. Being an alumnus of the University of Massachusetts and now be able to contribute to this great University is an honor.”

He most recently served as the Northeast Generals (NAHL) goalie coach and vice president and head instructor for Mike Buckley's Goaltending Development Services in North Andover.

Mastalerz signed with the Los Angeles Kings’ AHL affiliate Manchester Monarchs after graduating from UMass and was on the roster for the team’s Calder Cup run. He stayed on as the Monarchs goaltending coach from 2016-2018.

A new NCAA rule allowing for a third paid assistant hockey coach paved the way for Mastalerz’s hiring.

“This season we will have two NHL goaltending prospects on our team, and we have another committed down the road. Steve will be a tremendous resource in our goaltenders' development and their success on the ice,” UMass coach Greg Carvel said in a release. “As a former UMass hockey player, I had built a friendship with Steve over the seven years I've been the head coach at UMass and I'm excited to work with him on a daily basis.”

Mastalerz appeared in 77 games for the Minutemen and posted a career 3.12 goals against average with an. 894 save percentage. He won five Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week awards and famously set UMass’ Division I save record with 75 in the 2015 Hockey East tournament against Notre Dame, the longest game in NCAA history.

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