NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University women's ice hockey has added Jess Michals as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026-27 season, as announced by Head Coach Justin Simpson.

Michals joins a Norwich staff led by Simpson, who enters his second season at the helm after guiding the Cadets to one of the most successful campaigns in program history.  She will work alongside Simpson, assistant coach and goaltending coach John Roberts, and assistant coach JJ Clark as Norwich looks to build on its 2025-26 Little East Conference (LEC) championship season and NCAA Frozen Four run.

"I am thrilled to welcome Jess to Norwich University and our hockey program," Simpson said.  "I know she will have an immediate positive impact on our staff and players while helping elevate our program to another level.

"Jess is a relentless recruiter.  I saw her dedication firsthand at every recruiting event we attended last season.  She is an experienced skills coach, highly proficient in video analysis, and someone who will build genuine relationships with our players."

Michals arrives in Northfield after serving as an assistant women's ice hockey coach at King's College, where she contributed to several areas of the Monarchs' program, including scouting, recruiting, practice planning, film evaluation, player development, lineup management, game management, and day-to-day operations.

"I am honored to join Norwich Women's Ice Hockey and work alongside such a dedicated group of athletes and staff," Michals said.  "I am excited to have the opportunity to learn from Justin Simpson.  I look forward to building on the team's existing strengths and helping each player reach their highest potential both on and off the ice."

Before beginning her coaching career, Michals was a four-year member of the Endicott College women's ice hockey program, appearing in 59 games as a forward for one of the region's top Division III programs.  During her playing career, the Gulls posted a 79-23-7 overall record, captured two conference championship titles, made two NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, and qualified for four conference postseason tournaments.

Michals totaled 10 career points on five goals and five assists at Endicott, while earning Commonwealth Coast Conference Player of the Week honors during the 2022-23 season.  She was also recognized academically, earning Dean's List honors and a spot on the Conference of New England Academic All-Conference Team in 2024-25.

"Jess had an outstanding playing career at Endicott, helping lead her team to two NCAA Tournament appearances in four seasons," Simpson said.  "Her experience winning league championships and competing on the national stage will be invaluable as we continue working toward our ultimate goal of winning a National Championship.

"I could not be more excited to get to work with Jess and continue building something special together here at Norwich."

In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, Michals has worked extensively in player development.  She has coached with the Boston Kraken, working with players ages 8-16 during summer practices and tournaments, and has also coached through Michals Hockey Academy, where she has designed and led structured practice sessions focused on skill development, teamwork, game strategy, confidence, and growth.

Michals also worked with Super Gulls Hockey during prospect camps in 2023 and 2024, coaching and mentoring players, officiating games, and helping plan off-ice workouts.

A 2025 graduate of Endicott, Michals earned her bachelor's degree in marketing.  While at Endicott, she was active beyond the ice as a member of The Hidden Opponent, a mental health advocacy group for student-athletes and teams.  She also held several athletics-related roles, including managerial duties at Raymond J. Bourque Ice Arena and game day staff management with Endicott Athletics.

She joins a Norwich program coming off a historic 2025-26 season in Simpson's first year behind the bench.  The Cadets finished 26-3 overall, went undefeated in Little East Conference play, captured both the inaugural LEC regular-season and tournament championships, and advanced to the NCAA Division III Frozen Four for the first time since 2018.

Norwich also produced several major individual honors during the season, including three AHCA All-Americans, the NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete, LEC Player of the Year, LEC Rookie of the Year, LEC Coach of the Year, and New England Division III Coach of the Year recognition for Simpson.

With Michals joining the staff, the Cadets will look to continue building on a foundation that reestablished Norwich among the nation's top Division III women's ice hockey programs.