Joe Gerarden has been added to the coaching staff for the Marian University women’s ice hockey program as an assistant coach.

“I’m excited to welcome Joe Gerarden to our coaching staff,” said Head Women’s Ice Hockey Coach Matt Walton.  “Joe brings great energy, a strong hockey intelligence, and a genuine passion for developing student-athletes.  His commitment to building a positive and competitive culture makes him a perfect fit for our program as we continue to grow both on and off the ice.”

Gerarden has been a name synonymous with hockey in the Green Bay, Wis. area for more than a decade. He has served as the director of youth hockey with the Green Bay Area Youth Hockey Association since 2020 and most notably served as assistant coach for the Bay Area Ice Bears from 2018-2021, and Head Coach from 2021-2024. He helped turn the Bay Area Ice Bears program around posting a record of 70-12-1 in his three seasons as a head coach. That includes the program’s second WIAA State Championship in 2023 and a runner-up finish in 2024.

“I’m honored to join the Marian women’s ice hockey program as an assistant coach,” said Gerarden. “I’m grateful to Director of Athletics Tony Draves, Head Coach Matt Walton, and the entire staff for the opportunity to be part of an institution so committed to excellence. I’m excited to work alongside Coach Walton as we begin an exciting new chapter. I look forward to supporting our student-athletes on and off the ice along with helping build the foundation for long-term success.”

In the past year, Gerarden has served as the head coach for the Green Bay Bobcats 16U team and as an assistant for the 18U squad. He has also served as a skills coach for 19U and 16U girls playing a key role in the implementation and skill development for upper-level hockey student-athletes.

Gerarden earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from UW-Green Bay.