Mercyhurst coach Rick Gotkin will retire after 2025-26

Gotkin is the longest-tenured coach in college hockey and has 611 career wins

Mercyhurst head coach Rick Gotkin announced that he will retire at the end of the 2025-26 season.

“I've spent 37 years coaching at Mercyhurst, a place that's always felt like home,” Gotkin said. “I'll always cherish the countless memories I've made with our student-athletes, alumni, members of the Erie community and beyond. I want to thank my family, the administration, faculty, staff and my colleagues for their unwavering support.

"I look forward to what’s ahead for the Mercyhurst hockey program, and am honored to be part of its legacy.”

Gotkin, 65, has been at Mercyhurst since 1988, when the program was in Division III. He oversaw its rise to Division II in 1992 and eventual move to Division I in 1999.

"Rick is truly one of the good guys in college hockey,” said Army head coach Brian Riley. “College hockey is in a better place because of his coaching for the last 37 years.”

Two of Riley’s sons — Jack Riley and Brendan Riley — played for Gotkin at Mercyhurst.

“I don't think they could have played for a better coach or person,” Riley said. “When Rick retires at the end of next year, it will be a sad day for our sport.”

When Mercyhurst launched its D-I program in 1999 through 2018, the Lakers won 20 games or more in 10 seasons.

Next season will be Gotkin’s 38th year behind the Mercyhurst bench.

Gotkin has 611 career wins. His career record is 611-551-111.