Former two time All American defenseman at The University of New Hampshire Brian Yandle will take over as General Manager of the Mark Bavis Arena and Director of Hockey Operations for Global Hockey. Brian will take over the day to day operations of Matt Smith. Matt will still be involved in the program but in a smaller capacity.

Yandle a Native of Milton grew up playing youth hockey on the 1983 South Shore Kings. He and defensive partner and Edmonton Oilers star Ryan Whitney teamed up to win the 1996 Peewee World Championship in Quebec City. He then played two years at Catholic Memorial for coaches Bill Hanson and Kevin O’Sullivan winning to Super 8 titles (1998, 1999). After his sophomore year at CM, he transferred to Cushing Academy where he played for Steve Jacobs and Ray Bourque. At Cushing he captained the 2002 35-1 team that lost to St. Sebastian’s in the New England prep school Championship. Brian then moved on to star for 4 years at Hockey East power University of New Hampshire where captained the 2005-06 team and was a two time Hockey East All Star, three time All New England Team selection and two time All American defenseman. Brian's professional career began in the American Hockey League with the Lowell Loch Monsters and Worcester Ice Cats in 05-06 and to the ECHL with the Phoenix Roadrunners where he overcame a serious leg injury to play into the 07-08 seasons. After a trade to the Augusta Lynx Brian was selected as an ECHL All Star and played in the All Star game. Brian was recently selected to the University of New Hampshire All Decade Team.

For the past two a half years Brian has served as the Director of Hockey Operations at The Cooler in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Brian is the son of Patti and Buddy Yandle of Milton Massachusetts. His father Buddy played college hockey at Boston College and was a Massachusetts high school and youth hockey coach for over 30 years. His brother Keith is also a former Cushing Academy star who is currently playing with the Phoenix Coyotes in the NHL. His sister Lauren is a graduate of UNH. Brian is living in Milton with his wife Joanna and their two kids Brian 3 years old and Colin 8 months.

Testimonials about Brian
“Brian is very qualified to come in and be a huge asset for the kids, coaches, and parents of Global Hockey” (Matt Smith)

“Brian was one of the best defensive partners I ever played with. His knowledge of the game of hockey is second to none. He is a student of the game and a very hard worker” Ryan Whitney, Edmonton Oilers)

“I call my brother after almost every one of my Coyotes games to get his input on what I can improve on and other things he may have noticed that worked or did not work. He has a great way of communicating with me and others on what he sees when watching the game of hockey. I owe a lot of what I am today because of Brian.” Keith Yandle (Phoenix Coyotes)

“Brian and I were teammates at Cushing; we also played against each other in College and Pro. He was a great player, teammate and friend. Global Hockey is lucky to have a person of Brian’s caliber in charge” (Chris Bourque, 2010 AHL Playoff MVP Hershey Bears, Washington Capitals, Pittsburg Penguins)

"Brian is a true professional who brings a high level of credibility as a program builder and teacher of the game. I have watched Brian grow from an outstanding player and leader as a prep, college and pro player into one of the country's top skating and skill development coaches. Brian is a strong student of the game who combines energy and passion with innovative fun and challenging methods to maximize potential and total player development. Brian's experience as a player and hockey director has also helped him become a master of curriculum development. From building programs to building players Brian is one of the best" (Steve Jacobs, Vice President and Director of Athletics, The Cooler, former Head Coach at Cushing Academy)