Men's Ice Hockey | 8/13/2026 12:00:00 PM

Colby Cohen has been named Vice President of Hockey and Player Experience for the United States Hockey League (USHL), the League announced Thursday.

The newly formed role will serve as the League's senior hockey operations leader and chief steward of the USHL player experience. Working closely with teams, players, USA Hockey, the NCAA, and the National Hockey League (NHL), Cohen will lead initiatives that strengthen player development and experience, hockey operations, and competitive integrity across the USHL.

He will oversee League hockey operations, lead the USHL's player-development strategy and player-experience initiatives, provide operational support for marquee events, and support League initiatives related to player safety, officiating development, game operations, discipline, and education.

“Colby brings a rare combination of experience, credibility, and perspective to this position," USHL President and Commissioner Glenn Hefferan said. "He has lived the player-development pathway from the USHL and NTDP to a national championship at Boston University and professional hockey, and he has since built meaningful experience in hockey operations, player development, and athlete support."

"Colby understands that developing elite players means supporting the whole person, and his relationships and ability to connect with players, families, coaches, and hockey leaders will be a tremendous asset as we continue investing in player development and the player experience across the USHL,” Hefferan said.

Cohen, a Villanova, Pa. native, played for the National Team Development Program (NTDP) and Lincoln Stars from 2005-07, leading USHL defensemen in scoring in his second season. He played three years at Boston University from 2007-10, winning a National Championship in 2009 and earning First-Team All-American honors in 2010. Following his collegiate career, Cohen played parts of six professional seasons, including time in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the NHL with the Boston Bruins. He was called up to join the Bruins for the postseason during their run to the 2011 Stanley Cup.

Upon retiring from a brief international playing career in 2015, Cohen began his work in media, where he has served as a color analyst for ESPN's college hockey broadcasts, including the Frozen Four, as well as for NESN, CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Westwood One, and the Chicago Blackhawks. He currently co-hosts the Morning Cuppa Hockey on The Daily Faceoff with Jonny Lazarus and will continue his work with ESPN.

"I couldn't be more excited to join the USHL's leadership team. What I experienced in this league as a player has stayed with me ever since, and it shaped the way I think about the game and what it takes to develop players the right way," Cohen said. "Stepping into this role is a chance to help make sure every player who comes through the USHL gets that same experience and level of development and support I had all those years ago. I'm grateful for the opportunity, and I'm looking forward to working alongside all the great leaders across the American hockey ecosystem.”

In addition to his work in the media, Cohen has served as Associate Head Coach and General Manager of the New Jersey Titans (NAHL) since 2023, where he has worked directly in player development, roster building, and management. Beyond hockey, Cohen brings significant business and entrepreneurial experience. He previously served as Managing Partner and COO of Flight Entertainment and co-founded Endeavor Athletic, where he helped grow a premium athletic apparel company to more than 50 distribution locations across North America and Europe.

"I especially want to thank the NJ Titans. George Haviland and Jimmy Solvey have created an environment full of opportunities for players and coaches," Cohen said. "Over the last four seasons, they've guided me into hockey operations, scouting, coaching, and player development. My history with this organization goes back to when I was a peewee player under George and the Titans, and they've supported me at every step since, as a player and now as a professional. I can't thank the organization enough for my time here.”

Cohen resides in Villanova with his wife Alexandra and two children.

About the USHL

The United States Hockey League (USHL) and its 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading junior hockey league. This season, more than 50% of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25% of NHL players have USHL experience. The USHL has developed more than 315 direct NHL Draft picks since 2020, and nine of the last 10 Hobey Baker Award winners, including Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel).

Elevated through the recently announced Declaration of Excellence with the NHL and USA Hockey, the league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 90% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Auston Matthews (NTDP), Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Johnny Gaudreau (Dubuque Fighting Saints).