Matt Walton has been named the fourth head coach of the Marian women’s ice hockey program.
 
“Marian University Athletics is excited to name Matt Walton as the next head coach of our women’s ice hockey program,” said Director of Athletics Tony Draves.  “Matt has done a tremendous job as the interim head coach and has more than earned the promotion to run the program.”
 
Walton spent last season on the bench for the Sabre women’s ice hockey program as an assistant coach.  Marian reached the postseason for the fifth consecutive season with the fifth-most conference wins in program history.  The Sabres were the only program in the NCHA to fend off more than 100 penalties and ranked fifth in the NCHA with an .860 penalty-kill percentage.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to accept the position of head coach for the Marian University women’s ice hockey program,” said Walton.  “I want to thank the administration, athletic department, and search committee for the opportunity to lead and contribute to a program with such great potential and tradition.”
 
Prior to Marian, Walton spent time as an assistant boy’s hockey coach for Hoosac School and as a scout for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton USPHL program.  In both roles he played a major key in the recruitment of future student-athletes.  With Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, he helped recruit for all three teams of the USPHL program; National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), premier, and elite.
 
His USPHL career began with the Jersey Hitmen where he served as the head coach of their premier team for one season.  While still having the responsibility of recruiting and scouting, Walton also was a major facet of player development both on and off the ice.  The Hitmen earned 17 wins in his lone season as the bench boss, the most since the 2018-19 season and it’s a mark that hasn’t been reached the past three seasons.
 
He has also spent time as the a head coach and director of scouting with GOTTA Hockey,  and a youth head hockey coach with the Chicago Blues and the Fort Wayne Amateur Hockey Association.

“My vision is to build a culture rooted in accountability, competitiveness, and growth, both on and off the ice,” added Walton.  “I’m committed to developing student-athletes who excel academically, athletically, and personally. Together, we will strive to elevate Marian women’s ice hockey to new heights, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, integrity, and passion for the game.  I can’t wait to get started with this dedicated group of student-athletes and begin laying the foundation for long-term success. Go Sabres!”
 
Walton earned a degree in business of professional studies from Robert Morris while also competing for the ACHA Division I team.