HOUGHTON, Mich. – Michigan Tech Head Hockey Coach Bill Muckalt has named Zach Richards an assistant coach with the Huskies. Richards comes to Houghton after serving as a video coach last year in the AHL and having five years of college hockey coaching experience.

Richards spent the 2025-26 season as the video coach with the AHL's Chicago Wolves, who advanced to the Calder Cup Finals. Chicago is affiliated with the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes—the 2026 Stanley Cup Champions.

"We are thrilled to welcome Zach to Michigan Tech," Muckalt said. "During the interview process, he clearly demonstrated that he will be a great fit and valuable asset to our hockey program. He will work closely with our goaltenders and also has an extensive background with video and analytics on top of his assistant coaching duties."

"I'd like to thank Athletic Director Dr. Suzanne Sanregret, Senior Associate Athletic Director Joel Isaacson, and Head Coach Bill Muckalt for this opportunity," Richards said. "I'd also like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support, as well as the Carolina Hurricanes organization and the Chicago Wolves organization.

"Growing up in Michigan, Michigan Tech hockey has always been a program I've admired. I'm incredibly excited to join the program and work with our student-athletes and staff as we continue to build on its rich and storied history."

Prior to going to the professional ranks, Richards spent four years (2021-25) with the University of St. Thomas, where he was an assistant coach, director of hockey operations, and goaltending coach. He was on staff for the Tommies' inaugural Division I season and assisted with recruiting across all positions while leading the recruitment of goaltenders.

Richards began his collegiate coaching career at NCAA Division III St. Olaf as a goaltending coach in 2020-21 after spending four years coaching club, high school, and junior hockey in Minnesota and Michigan.

The Dexter, Michigan native earned his bachelor's degree in finance from Michigan State University in 2019. Richards is also a licensed attorney in the State of Minnesota, earning his Law Degree from the University of Minnesota in 2022, with a concentration in Business Law, and passing the Minnesota State Bar Exam the same year.

In addition to his team coaching experience, Richards has also done private instruction at Just Goalies Inc., Stauber's Goalcrease, and as a one-on-one goaltending instructor.

Richards replaces LJ Scarpace, who left the university for an assistant coach position in the ECHL with Orlando.