RCU ATHLETICS WELCOMES DR. RICK FENWICK AS NEW HEAD OF HOCKEY PROGRAM

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - Warrior Athletics is excited to welcome Dr. Rick Fenwick Jr. as Rochester Christian University's new ACHA Ice Hockey head coach ahead of the 2024-25 season. 

"I have been on campus twice already and it already feels like home," Fenwick said. "I met the team and they are a really good group of guys and excited to get started, so the passion and energy are evident. I am all about building a positive culture with high energy and focus on improvement, and that is the same vibe you feel when you talk with the team."

Fenwick comes into the program following a six-year stint at Henry Ford College, where he led a highly successful campaign in the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association. In each of those six seasons, Fenwick made the NCRHA Elite Eight, making four Final Four appearances and two National Championship Appearances, including a National Championship victory in 2022. Fenwick began coaching thanks to being inspired by a student he taught at Henry Ford. 

"I was teaching a psychology course at Henry Ford College, and I explained to the class as a part of my introduction on day one, that my hockey career was not going anywhere, so I focused on my education and that is what led to my academic journey and career as a professor," Fenwick said. "After that class, I had a student stay after to discuss the idea of me coaching a roller hockey team that he wanted to create.  I ended up taking the job and building a roster, and we made it to the Final Four that first season.  I still remember my first game coaching and the adrenaline rush of being back in hockey.  After that, I knew it was going to be a fun ride!"

Fenwick obtained his Bachelor's in Psychology from Madonna University, followed by a Master's in Management from the University of Phoenix. He then earned his Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Capella University. He has taught at multiple institutions and currently serves as an Academic Program Director. Fenwick grew up with multiple years of travel hockey experience, including captainship of a Michigan state-championship runner-up program in high school. 

"My favorite part of coaching is seeing how the players develop as humans," Fenwick said. "I love the fact that I get to coach college hockey and use and teach psychology-based concepts to players.  This helps them just as much mentally as it does physically with skills and development, and I hope they use these skills in their personal lives."

Fenwick hopes to use his psychology background in coaching and build a strong bond with each of his athletes.

"One of my favorite moments happened a couple of years ago, where one of my former players got married and the coaching staff was invited," Fenwick said. "To see him happy and doing well, starting a new journey, it is an incredible feeling as a coach.  The road trips each season are great bonding opportunities for the team, so those are always fun."

RCU Athletic Director Clayton Bissett had this to say on the hiring of Dr. Fenwick:

"We are extremely excited to be able to hire Coach Fenwick.  Not only is he more than qualified on the ice, but he also has lots of experience recruiting.  He has already hit the ground running and is working hard to fill his recruiting class.  He has a passion for people and hockey.  I feel like we have hit a home run with Coach Fenwick, and I am looking forward to seeing our hockey program grow and thrive."

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications