Ohio State Men's Hockey Adds Former Player Paul Kirtland to 2023-24 Coaching Staff

Kirtland spent four seasons playing for the Buckeyes from 2009 to 2012, and returns to Columbus after coaching the Minnesota State Mavericks for the past two years.

The Ohio State men's hockey team will have a familiar face behind the bench starting this season: former forward Paul Kirtland.

Kirtland skated with the Buckeyes for 49 games over his four seasons between 2009 and 2012. Most recently, Kirtland was a member of the coaching staff at Minnesota State University for the past two seasons, leading the Mavericks to NCAA Tournaments in both of those years.

"We are excited to add Paul to our staff," Ohio State head coach Steve Rohlik said. "His character, work ethic, and ability to develop players will be a huge asset to our program." 

The Vernon, Connecticut native spent his first season out of college playing in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). Kirtland spent the 2012-13 season with the Cincinnati Cyclones, Kalamazoo Wings and Colorado Eagles, with a 2-0-2 line over 11 total games.

"The Ohio State University is very special to my family and me," Kirtland said. "I couldn't be more excited to return to a place that has positively impacted my life in countless ways." 

Kirtland was an Ohio State Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-Big Ten honoree with the Scarlet and Gray, as well as a three-time letter winner.

In 2013, Kirtland graduated from Ohio State with a degree in business administration.

His wife, Colleen, was a gymnast at Ohio State during the same time as Kirtland was skating in the Schottenstein Center, and the two have one child together, Cian.

"I want to thank Coach Rohlik for this incredible opportunity," Kirtland said. "I cannot wait to get to campus and get started."

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