Brown University has appointed Tom Upton as the new head coach of its men’s hockey program, making him the 16th person to lead the team. The announcement was made by M. Grace Calhoun, Vice President for Athletics and Recreation.
“Tom’s track record as a skillful and proven leader, a respected builder of programs and culture, and a strong connector made him the ideal choice to lead the next chapter of our men’s hockey program,” Calhoun said. “We are thrilled to welcome him to College Hill and excited to see his continued success here.”
Upton joins Brown after serving four seasons as assistant coach at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. During his tenure there, he contributed to multiple postseason appearances, including two NCAA tournament berths. Last season, UMass achieved an upset victory over No. 2 seed Minnesota and is currently ranked No. 19 nationally.
Previously, Upton led the Madison Capitols in the United States Hockey League (USHL) as head coach and general manager from 2020-22. Under his guidance, the team set a franchise record with 30 wins in one season and won the Eastern Conference Championship before reaching the Clark Cup Finals.
Upton also brings experience from national teams, having served as an assistant coach for USA Hockey’s Hlinka National Team in 2022 and participating in USA Hockey Select Festivals since 2017.
“I am very grateful and honored for the opportunity to be the next Head Men’s Hockey Coach at Brown University,” Upton said. “I would like to thank Grace Calhoun, Jake Silverman, and everyone on the search committee for their diligence throughout the process. I am excited to meet and connect with our current players, alumni, and recruits.”
“Our goal is to consistently compete for an ECAC championship, and it starts with creating and implementing a winning culture and environment,” Upton continued. “We want our players pushed and developed every day. I believe we have all the resources to create a winning program. We have the resources for players to develop as athletes, compete in one of the top NCAA Division I Hockey conferences, and earn an elite education. I am excited to get to work!”
Before joining UMass Amherst, Upton worked three seasons as an assistant coach at Mercyhurst University where he helped secure an Atlantic Hockey America regular-season title in 2017-18.
His earlier coaching career includes roles with junior hockey teams such as Youngstown Phantoms (USHL), Minnesota Magicians (NAHL), Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL), where he coached future NHL draft picks.
As a player, Upton competed at University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point before starting his coaching career there.
Upton will remain with UMass until their current season concludes.
Greg Carvel, head coach at UMass Amherst men’s ice hockey team said: “Everyone at UMass Hockey is ecstatic for Tommy. I hired Tommy four years ago because I needed someone to help me build culture and connection throughout our program. He is extraordinary at holding players accountable while earning their trust and connecting with them. I will really miss working with him closely and will forever be grateful for what he has done for me and our UMass hockey program. Tommy has a ton of experience throughout every level of amateur hockey, and he is ready for this next challenge.”
Rick Gotkin from Mercyhurst University added: “Tom Upton’s experience, energy, and passion for the game will be instrumental in developing players who know how to work hard and give more than anyone else on the ice. The Upton family will be a welcome addition to the Brown community.”
Andrew Joudrey of Madison Capitols stated: “Tom is a great coach, strong communicator and has an innate ability to lead. He is a man of strong character who cares deeply about his family, which shows through in how he treats his players and staff. Discipline, accountability and attention to detail are paramount to the culture he establishes through his leadership. Most importantly, Tom is a man of integrity and honesty who understands how to develop hockey players and build an organization the right way.”
The Brown University Sports Foundation continues its role supporting athletics through philanthropic contributions that benefit student-athletes academically as well as athletically.
