ANN ARBOR, Mich. – USA Hockey today announced that Chris Luongo has been named an assistant coach at the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Luongo will work with the U.S. National Under-18 Team in 2015-16 and begin his duties in May.
Luongo most recently served as the head coach of the University of Alabama-Huntsville men’s ice hockey team from 2010-12, where he managed all day-to-day on- and off-ice aspects of the program. Prior to being named head coach, Luongo worked as an assistant coach with the Chargers from 2008-10, helping lead UAH to the 2010 College Hockey America playoff title and a berth in the 2010 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men’s ice hockey tournament.
The Fraser, Michigan, native’s coaching experience also includes stints as an assistant coach with Wayne State University (2006-08) and the Motor City Mechanics of the United Hockey League (2004-06).
Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Luongo enjoyed a 15-year professional hockey career that was highlighted by stops with the National Hockey League’s Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators.
The 1996 recipient of USA Hockey’s Bob Johnson Award, which recognizes annually excellence in international competition, Luongo appeared on three U.S. Men’s National Teams at the International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship, helping Team USA claim the bronze medal at the 1996 event.
Luongo played college hockey at Michigan State University from 1985-89, helping the Spartans to the 1986 NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey title. He served as team captain during his senior season (1988-89) and alternate captain as a junior (1987-88), and was selected to the NCAA All-Tournament Team in 1987 and the All-Central Collegiate Hockey Association Second Team in 1988-89.
Luongo and his wife, Cheryl, have two sons, Anthony and Christopher.
Luongo and Danton Cole, who will serve as head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team next year, played four seasons together at Michigan State University. Additionally, Luongo worked on Cole’s coaching staffs at Alabama-Huntsville and Motor City.