NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University director of athletics Jody Mooradian announces the hiring of Zech Klann (Jamestown, R.I.) as head coach for the Seahawk men's ice hockey program.

"We are so excited to have Zech join us at Salve Regina," remarked Mooradian. "His strong ties in the community and ice hockey connections will help us grow and continue our strong success. He brings a great deal of energy and knowledge to this position and is a great addition to the Seahawks."

Klann (pronounced Klon) has experienced all levels of ice hockey, from playing at prep school to being drafted fifth overall in the USHL by current Philadelphia Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol. He played for Mike Hastings, who holds the record for coach with most wins in the USHL, and who is currently the head coach for the Division I Minnesota State Mavericks.

He finished his junior career as a forward for the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs, under the helm of Sean Tremblay, current general manager and head coach of the USPHL Islanders Premier Hockey Club. He led the league in scoring and played in the 2002 Top Prospect Tournament, where he was awarded with First Team All-Tournament honors.

Klann then earned a scholarship to play for the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  With the Minutemen, he was fortunate to play in two of the Division I Hockey East Championships as well as an NCAA regional championship under the direction of Red Gendron, currently the head coach at the University of Maine. He continued his hockey career in the professional ranks for the next four years.

His coaching experience includes assistant stints with Rhode Island Storm, St. George's Prep School, and the Islanders Premier Hockey Club while he has held the head coach helm with Rogers High School and Yankee Conference Team New England.

Klann developed his passion for coaching after experiencing a successful career while playing for some of the most respected hockey minds in the game today. He is a motivated leader who is well respected by his players and fellow coaches. Over the past several years, Klann has had the opportunity to work with players with a variety of skill levels, from youth to current Division I athletes. He specializes in strength and conditioning, power skating, and on-ice skill development.

With a major in sports psychology, Klann creates a supportive environment for all ages, identifying players' strengths and weaknesses and helping them recognize their full potential to take their game to the next level. Having personally experienced the tough situations that hockey presents, Klann is equipped with the knowledge and understanding to guide goal-oriented athletes and their families. He is dedicated to using his experience to help young athletes aspire to their on-ice dreams.

"It is a rare occasion to coach college hockey in my hometown," said Klann. "I am grateful for the opportunity to become a member of the Seahawk family and I am very excited to be a part of the strong tradition of hockey at Salve."