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  • Tom Peffall Tabbed To Be The Third Head Coach In The History Of Mercyhurst Lakers Hockey

Tom Peffall Tabbed To Be The Third Head Coach In The History Of Mercyhurst Lakers Hockey

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Hockey

A new era is on the horizon for Mercyhurst Men's Hockey. After nearly four decades of leadership, legendary Head Coach Rick Gotkin will retire following the 2025–26 season. In a historic transition, the Lakers will hand the reins to Assistant Coach Tom Peffall—marking only the third head coach in the program's storied history.

Peffall's debut as head coach won't just signal a fresh chapter on the ice—it will also align with a major milestone as Mercyhurst celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026.

Peffall's Accolades  
Peffall has compiled an impressive resume through his coaching tenures at Neumann, Stevenson, and Mercyhurst. At Neumann, the team achieved a Top 10 national ranking in both seasons during his time there. He coached 12 All-Academic Team honorees, three All-Americans, and the NCAA Division III scoring leader, while also helping several players advance to the professional level. His talent for recruiting began to take shape in his role as the team's recruiting coordinator.

At Stevenson, Peffall recruited the #1 ranked recruiting class in the country, according to Neutral Zone Scouting. He helped lead the Mustangs to a Top 10 ranking, 58 wins in four years, and helped secure several professional contracts for his players. In his final season at Stevenson, the Mustangs saw a standout year—producing the Goaltender of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, a program-record number of wins, and a new all-time points leader in their captain.

At Mercyhurst, Peffall has continued to make a significant impact. Under his guidance, the Lakers' power play efficiency improved from 11th to 6th in the conference, and then to 5th in the most recent season. He has been instrumental in recruiting the current freshman and sophomore classes, served as Director of Hockey Operations, and has continued to support players in securing professional contracts.

Meet Tom Peffall
A native of Ambler, Pennsylvania, Peffall brings a strong mix of playing and coaching experience to the role. He holds a bachelor's degree from Gwynedd Mercy University and a master's from Neumann University. On the ice, he played professionally as a right winger in the ECHL, SPHL, and FHL.

Peffall began his coaching career in 2015 as an assistant at Neumann University, where he was also pursuing his graduate degree. His journey continued with the Philadelphia Rebels of the NAHL before he returned to college hockey in 2018, joining Stevenson University. There, he made a name for himself as a skilled recruiter. In 2022, he joined the Mercyhurst coaching staff, where he's played a key role in shaping the team's culture and development.

Reflecting on his role as "Head Coach-in-Waiting," Peffall shared, "I am extremely humbled and honored to be the next head coach of this program. It has been an absolute privilege to work with our student-athletes, and I am extremely excited to continue this journey with them."

Known for his deep empathy and strong personal values, Peffall credited his family, friends, and mentors for supporting his path to this milestone. The passion he brings to his players is rooted in the same loyalty and care he holds for those closest to him—a quality that shines through in every interaction.

Peffall shared his thanks to a few people who helped him get to where he is today: 

  • Joe Spano and the Mercyhurst Administration—Thank you for putting your faith in me and trusting me to become the third head coach of the Mercyhurst University Men's Hockey Team. It's been evident through this process that Joe and his staff are extremely committed to athletics, and I'm thrilled to be a part of this next chapter with the department being fully elevated to Division 1.  
  • Head Coach Rick Gotkin—I'll be forever grateful for the opportunity that you gave me. Working alongside of you has been tremendous and it is my sincere goal to make you proud of what you have built over the past 38 years. I'm looking forward to going to battle with you each night this year as you wrap up a remarkable legacy.  
  • Mom and Sister—I am forever grateful for all your support and the late nights watching the Lakers games. You both have played a pivotal role in my receiving this opportunity.  
  • Dad—I know for certain that you are smiling in heaven, waiting for the puck to drop. I will never forget all the memories we made together through this wonderful game. Your love and sacrifices played such an essential role in following my dreams. 
  • Rylee & Tommy—I love you both more than anything and I am looking forward to seeing your faces cheering in the stands and banging on the glass and cheering on the Lakers.  
  • Ang—My success is dependent on your sacrifices and commitment to our family. Being the wife of a coach is one of the hardest jobs in the world and I'm forever grateful for all your support, all while being the best mom in the world. 

What They are Saying  

  • Mercyhurst President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D.: 
    "Coach Rick Gotkin has been an extraordinary ambassador for Mercyhurst University, shaping generations of student-athletes with his unwavering commitment to excellence and character. As we honor his legacy and welcome Coach Tom Peffall, we are reminded that tradition and progress go hand in hand."
  • Vice President for Student Life, Dr. Laura Zirkle: 
    "Coach Gotkin's legacy is about so much more than wins and losses — it's about shaping students into leaders, teammates, and people of character. As we welcome Coach Peffall, we look forward to building on that foundation and continuing to support our student-athletes in every aspect of their Mercyhurst experience." 
  • Athletic Director Joe Spano: 
    "Rick Gotkin is a pillar of Mercyhurst Athletics. His vision, passion, and tireless work helped put our hockey program on the national map. Coach Peffall understands what it means to be a Laker, and we're confident he'll honor Rick's legacy while leading us into an exciting new chapter." 
  • Head Coach Rick Gotkin: 
    "It's been the honor of a lifetime to lead this program, and now it's time to pass the torch. I have every confidence that Tom Peffall will bring fresh energy, passion, and vision to this next chapter. The team is in great hands, and I will be cheering for them every step of the way."
  • Director of Team Operations and Player Relations at Nashville Predators, Brandon Walker: 
    "I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know Tom as he has risen up the coaching ladder.  His willingness to grow as a coach has always impressed me - seeing him take any opportunity to learn from others and apply those lessons to his own program.   He is an outstanding choice to lead Mercyhurst on the ice.  At the same time, his character and the quality of person Tom is, will benefit the Mercyhurst program off the ice just as much.  He is a powerful motivator, has been taught strong values and is an outstanding leader for these young athletes.  I am excited to watch him and the Mercyhurst program excel under his leadership."
  • Head Men's Hockey Coach at Stevenson University, Dominick Dawes: 
    "No one is more deserving to lead Mercyhurst hockey into the future than Tom Peffall. He's an outstanding recruiter whose work ethic, passion, and determination will have a lasting impact on the program. I'm thrilled for Tom and his family and can't wait to see him make his mark!"