JOSH CIOCCO

November 15, 1983 - October 4, 2022

Merrimack College announced Tuesday, Oct. 4 that men's hockey assistant coach Josh Ciocco has died.

Ciocco, who was beginning his fifth season on the Warriors staff, was 38.

"The Merrimack community and men's hockey program are deeply saddened by the passing of assistant coach," a news release from Merrimack said. "Josh was tireless in recruiting talented and dedicated student-athletes to Merrimack, and equally passionate in his commitment to coaching them to reach their greatest potential.

"Our prayers and deepest condolences are extended to Josh's parents, brothers and all members of the Merrimack men's hockey team and coaching staff."

Josh Ciocco was entering his fifth season as assistant coach of the men's ice hockey program in 2022-23.

Josh Ciocco, Merrimack College Profile:

In his first season guiding the Warriors, Ciocco helped rising sophomore Chase Gresock emerge as one of the nation's most exciting newcomers on the way to earning Hockey East All-Rookie Team accolades, in addition to a number of weekly honors along the way. Merrimack skated to victories against three of the four Beanpot schools, including two top-15 victories over Boston University and Northeastern University, the latter of which went on to win both the Beanpot and Hockey East Tournament. The Warriors also picked up wins over Hockey East Tournament finalist Boston College and the program's first-ever win on the road against Michigan.

During his second campaign in North Andover, Ciocco helped bring in the Warriors' 16-player freshmen class that helped Merrimack improve its win total from the previous season by a pair. The group of rookies accounted for nearly half of the team's overall scoring and had three players (Zach Uens, Declan Carlile and Jere Huhtamaa) ranked in NHL Central Scouting's Mid-term Rankings for the NHL Draft. Carlile also had a season to remember when he earned Hockey East All-Rookie team honors and was named a finalist for the league Rookie of the Year award when he tallied 22 points on four goals and 18 assists as a defenseman. The highlight of the campaign came in late February, when the Warriors swept #15 Providence in a home-and-home series. Merrimack also made a splash at the 2020 NHL Draft when Zach Uens (Florida) and Jefferies (NY Islanders) both went in the fourth round, which was the first time in program history that two Warriors were taken before the fifth round in the same draft.

Ciocco helped the Warriors take more steps forward in 2020-21, which included a trio of ranked wins and one against eventual national champion, UMass. For the second season in a row, a Merrimack player landed on the Hockey East All-Rookie team, as Alex Jefferies received the honor following a campaign that included 10 points in 12 games. The underclassmen led the way offensively, as Filip Forsmark topped the team in scoring with 13 points and sophomore classmate, Liam Walsh, had seven goals to pace the team. Carlile tied for third on the team in scoring with Jefferies at 10 points, but his count was enough to lead all defensemen on the Warriors.

The 2021-22 was one of tremendous growth for the program and Ciocco played a key role in the success. He coached the Merrimack power play, which became one of the top units in the nation by the end of the season. The team scored at least one power play goal in 14 consecutive games in the second half of the season, including a "Fake Michigan" goal Feb. 26 at New Hampshire, which became a viral sensation. When the dust had settled on the campaign, the Warrior power play unit finished seventh overall in the nation and tops in Hockey East with a .256 success rate, which helped Merrimack to a 19-15-1 overall record for the second-most victories at the school since the team moved to Division I. A pair of players signed NHL contracts following the season, as Carlile inked a deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Uens signed with the Florida Panthers. Carlile also earned Hockey East second team all-star honors and Max Newton was recognized as an honorable mention player on the all-star list.

Prior to Merrimack, Ciocco spent the previous two seasons as Assistant Coach at Brown University of the ECAC. He helped produce four All-Ivy League student-athletes over that span (including three second team honorees), as well as one ECAC Third Team All-League selection. Brown posted a four-win improvement during Ciocco's second season on the coaching staff, as the Bears also finished two spots higher in the league standings at the end of the 2017-18 season compared to 2016-17.

Before Brown, Ciocco spent three seasons (2013-16) at Alaska Anchorage, where he served as an assistant coach. Ciocco spearheaded the program's recruiting efforts, as he brought in WCHA All-Rookie Team honoree Wyatt Ege and two-time Most Valuable Player, goaltender Olivier Mantha.

Prior to his stint at UAA, Ciocco served as assistant coach of Milton Academy, while scouting amateur hockey events for the U.S. Hockey Report. Before that, Ciocco played for the University of New Hampshire from 2003-07. As a player at UNH, Ciocco helped the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament each year, while dressing as captain during his senior campaign.

After graduating from New Hampshire in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in political science, Ciocco spent two seasons in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers (2006-07) and the Fresno Falcons (2007-08). In 2010, Ciocco completed his MBA from UNH before serving as an on-air analyst for all televised Hockey East games, including the Beanpot, Frozen Fenway and the league's championships game.

Note: Josh Ciocco played for the Vernon Vipers in 2001-02 & 2002-03

Josh Ciocco Elite Prospects Profile

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