Punsky, a 2007 Salve graduate, returns to his alma mater to lead the Seahawk men's ice hockey team beginning with the 2025-26 season. As the head coach of the Islanders Hockey Club in North Andover, Mass., and the Boston Bandits, he led teams that achieved accolades including Premier National Championship runner-up, two Premier National Championship final four appearances, three Premier New England Division Championship titles and five Elite National Championship appearances in a row, among many more accomplishments. Punsky is a four-time USPHL All Star Coach Award winner and was named NA3EHL Coach of the Year in 2015-16.
"It is always special to bring an alum back to campus, especially in a key leadership role," said director of athletics Dr. Sean Sullivan. "We have a proud and successful men's hockey history at Salve Regina and given the competitive success Jay's teams have had year in and year out, his impressive ability to fully develop his student-athletes, and his firsthand understanding of our university, Coach Punsky is uniquely prepared to lead our men's program to even loftier heights. We are thrilled to offer Jay the opportunity to return to campus and we look forward to seeing his leadership skills take root and support the building of tremendously impactful experiences for our men's team members."
Punsky's successful track record at both the collegiate and junior levels includes, most recently, leading Worcester State University through back-to-back postseason appearances in the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) in 2023-24 and 2024-25. While at Worcester State, he guided and mentored four graduating players through the process of signing professional contracts.
