Colleen Harris Appointed Bison Hockey Director

Buffalo Bison Hockey Association is proud to announce the hiring of Colleen Harris as Hockey Director. Harris brings a wealth of playing, coaching, and leadership experience at the college, prep school, and youth levels, along with an extensive background in counseling and player development.

Growing up, Harris played for Bison Hockey competing in 3 USA Hockey National Championships on a team that ultimately sent 6 players to Division 1 schools.  From 2004 through 2009, Harris was a member of the Boston College women's ice hockey team that captured three Beanpot Championships, made two NCAA tournament appearances while advancing to the Frozen Four in 2007. She was named the Eagles team captain for the 2008-2009 campaign and was also honored that season as BC's Unsung Hero while receiving the team's Outstanding Senior award. Furthermore, Harris received the Hockey East Sportsmanship Award following her senior season.

Following her playing career, Harris spent five years as the Head Coach of the NCAA Division III Women’s Ice Hockey program at the University of Massachusetts Boston. During her tenure, she led the team to multiple conference playoff appearances, achieved the program’s first NCAA national ranking, and maintained a team GPA of 3.2 or higher for consecutive seasons. 

Harris also served as the Director of Player Development for Massachusetts Hockey during her time at UMass Boston and worked multiple USA Hockey Player Development Camps.  Additionally she worked for Jeff Serowik of Pro Ambitions Hockey teaching skill development to youth players across New England.   Harris holds a USA Hockey Level 4 Coaching Certification and brings a unique combination of coaching expertise, leadership skills, and player- centered mentorship to the Bison program.

“I am thrilled to rejoin Bison Hockey and return to the game and the place that has given me a wealth of opportunity” said Harris. “My goal is to help every player develop both on and off the ice, while fostering a positive, competitive, and supportive environment for athletes and families.”

In addition to her extensive hockey background, Harris is highly accomplished academically, holding three master’s degrees—including Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Administrative Studies—as well as a bachelor’s degree in communications and marketing from Boston College.  Harris currently works at Charter Middle School for Applied Technologies as a School Counselor.

Bison Hockey Association was established in 1959. The program is celebrating its 66 th season of play. Bison Hockey has over 300 skaters, made up of boys and girls ages 4-19. Bison Hockey has partnered with Nichols School since its inception. In addition, Bison Hockey, since 2011, has been managing the North Buffalo Rink on Tacoma Avenue under contract with the City of Buffalo.

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