Reading, Pa. (July 1, 2021) - Alvernia University NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach Andrew Burke announced the hiring of three assistant coaches to his staff on Thursday.

Anthony Astorino, Eric Higgins, and Mitch Harris have joined Burke's staff as Alvernia continues to build its program in preparation for its first season in 2022-23.

Astorino will serve as an assistant coach and director of hockey operations. Higgins will oversee forwards, skill development, and video coordination. Harris will serve as Alvernia's goalie coach. 

"I am thrilled with the addition of these three leaders to our staff," said Burke. "Our program will be very fortunate to work with and learn under them."

Astorino comes to Alvernia after three seasons with Burke at Bryn Athyn College as an assistant coach and the director of hockey operations and video coordination. Astorino also has experience as a summer coach with the 86Hockey Academy and as a USA hockey evaluator for the North Carolina Hockey Association. 

Astorino played for Burke at Bryn Athyn where he was a two-time ACHA Defenseman of the Year and two-time ACHA All-American. He also played junior hockey for the Connecticut Junior Wolfpack. Astorino graduated from Bryn Athyn College in 2018 with a Bachelors in Business Administration. 

"Anthony's passion for the game, progressive approach to skill development and excitement to recruit student-athletes to our campus are just a few of the qualities he possesses," said Burke. "Over the last few years, he has grown tremendously in the college hockey world. Through his tremendous work ethic and character, he has gained a full understanding of the recruiting landscape which is crucial as we look to build our vision here at Alvernia! Our program is very fortunate to have Anthony assisting in our build."

Higgins joins Alvernia for his first collegiate coaching position. Following two years playing at Lebanon Valley College, Higgins transferred to Bryn Athyn and finished his collegiate career with the Lions. He also played in the EHL with the Philadelphia Little Flyers. Higgins has coaching experience with Bryn Athyn Youth, ANC Prep, and GoalieDr. Higgins earned an undergraduate degree in Education from Bryn Athyn and is currently pursuing his Masters in Education from Bryn Athyn. 

"Eric is eager to learn and assist our young men in all aspects of building a competitive hockey program," said Burke. "His organizational skills, passion for the game, and the ability to relate to the student-athlete will make him an integral part of our program's build."

Harris comes to Alvernia after serving as the goalie coach for two years at Bryn Athyn. Prior to his time with the Lions, Harris spent two seasons as the goalie coach for St. Joseph's University. Harris is a USA Hockey Level 4 Coach and a Goalie Development Leader for USA Hockey for the Atlantic District. He is the owner, operator and director of Goalie Dr Program Development and Synthetic Studio. Harris also guest coached for elite level summer camps including GDI USA National Development Camp and Wolf Hockey Development Elite Camp. Harris is a graduate from Ithaca College where he earned a degree in Business Management.

"Mitch's passion and ability to connect with student-athletes was evident in our last few years working together," said Burke. "His goalie coaching experience at the NCAA level and the numerous goalie camps he runs and attends speak volumes about him as a person and coach. Mitch is widely respected in the hockey community and it is an honor to have him joining our staff."

"The passion, work-ethic, and knowledge they possess will be a competitive advantage for our program in its inaugural season," added Burke of the trio. "These three will lead by example and uphold the level of character we will strive to bring out of our team. I am beyond excited to work alongside them as we build this program from the ground up."

Alvernia's inaugural season as an NCAA program is set for the 2022-23 academic year. Stay with auwolves.com and Alvernia Athletics on social media for the latest information on the program.