RIT officially names Matt Thomas head coach

RIT officially named Matt Thomas its new head coach, one day after Wayne Wilson announced his retirement after 26 years on the job.

Wilson, who was the only coach RIT had in its Division I era, stepped down after four NCAA appearances, the most recent in 2024, including a Frozen Four in 2010.

Thomas, an RIT grad (1994-98) has previously been the head coach at Alaska-Anchorage from 2013-18. He posted a 48-105-21 record with the Seawolves, amid a time when the program was nearly disbanded. However, his run included UAA’s first winning season in more than 20 years in 2013-14.

"I am truly honored and excited to return to my alma mater as the new head coach of the RIT Men's Hockey program," said Thomas. "This is a special moment for me, as RIT played a significant role in my development both as a player and as a person. To have the opportunity to give back to the program and the institution that helped shape my career is a dream come true."

After Anchorage, Thomas was a head coach for Cincinnati in the ECHL. The last four seasons, he's been an assistant coach with Providence in the AHL.

After graduating RIT, Thomas was briefly an assistant there, then an assistant for two seasons at Maine.

Thomas went 431-255-96 (.613 W%) in 11 total seasons as an ECHL head coach, ranking sixth in league history in wins and games coached. He is also second in ECHL history with 108 postseason games coached, third with 54 postseason victories, and tied for third with 10 playoff appearances.

"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Boston Bruins organization for the incredible experiences and the invaluable lessons I have gained over the last four years," Thomas said. "It has been an absolute privilege to be part of such a storied franchise, and I am thankful to everyone involved for their support and for the opportunity to grow professionally during my time with them."