Women’s Ice Hockey Adds Matt Woodard to Coaching Staff
5/14/2026 4:00:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey
HAMDEN, Conn. – Quinnipiac University Women's Ice Hockey Head Coach Cassandra Turner has announced the addition of Matt Woodard as an Assistant Coach prior to the 2026-27 season. Woodard comes to Hamden after recently serving as the Video Coach for the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League (AHL).
"We're excited to add Matt to our staff. Throughout his career at both the NCAA and professional levels, Matt has built a strong reputation for recruiting and developing not only talented athletes, but exceptional people. Matt is a connector of people, a strong communicator, and someone who loves the game in a way that will not only fit into our culture, but enhance it every day. Beyond his experience and knowledge, he's simply a great person who brings positive energy and makes those around him better. We're confident his impact will help us continue competing for championships while building upon the standards and expectations of our program." - Quinnipiac Women's Ice Hockey Head Coach, Cassandra Turner
During his time with the Wolf Pack, Woodard managed scouting and game analysis operations, including opponent breakdowns, game review, live game coding, postgame analytics, and practice planning support. He also assisted with special teams preparation, roster management and team communications.
Woodard joined the Wolf Pack following a five-year stint with American International College (AIC) in Springfield, MA. There, Woodard served as an Assistant Coach for three seasons (2020-23) and as the Associate Head Coach for two seasons (2023-25). Prior to his team as a coach in Western Mass, Woodard spent nine seasons as an Assistant Coach at various women's hockey programs at the NCAA level. Over that span, he helped win two regular season Atlantic Hockey America Championships, two Atlantic Hockey America Conference Championships and made two NCAA appearances.
He began his coaching career during the 2011-12 campaign with Manhattanville College (D3), where he spent two seasons as an Assistant Coach. He then served as an Assistant Coach for RIT for four seasons (2013-17) Yale University for two seasons (2017-19), and Dartmouth College for one year (2019-20). While with RIT, the program claimed CHA Conference Championship titles in 2013-14 and 2014-15.
The native of St. Louis Park, MN, played collegiately at AIC from 2005-09, appearing in 133 games for the Yellow Jackets. The defenseman recorded six goals and 23 assists for 29 career points, including a career-best 11-point campaign in 2006-07 with four goals and seven assists. During his collegiate career, Woodard also played under current AIC head coach Eric Lang, who served as the program's graduate assistant coach from 2006-08.
Professionally, Woodard played one season. During the 2009-10 campaign, he suited up in 68 IHL games, splitting the season between the Fort Wayne Komets and Bloomington PrairieThunder. With the Komets, he dressed in 49 games and recorded four goals and four assists, totaling eight points. As a member of the PrairieThunder, Woodard skated in 19 contests and scored two goals and six assists for eight points.
"It's tough to put into words how grateful I am for this opportunity to join the women's hockey team at Quinnipiac University," said new Women's Ice Hockey Asst. Coach Matt Woodard. "Cassie has always been a coach in my career that I've wanted to work with. She and her staff have put together some amazing teams that continuously compete for championships year after year. There is no doubt Quinnipiac loves and supports their hockey teams, and representing this university will be an honor. I'm excited to join the Quinnipiac Family, and continue to build on the success and standards of excellence here."
For an inside look at the Quinnipiac women's ice hockey program, be sure to follow it on social media @QU_WIH or go to gobobcats.com/wih.
