On Wednesday, July 8, High Point University Intercollegiate Club Sports (ICS) program Director of Athletics Dr. Stephen Denny announced that former NCAA Division I and AHL goaltender Philip Boyce will serve as Panthers’ assistant coach for the Men’s ice hockey purple program.Â
Boyce will join Jason Richard as an assistant coach as part of the Panthers’ men’s ice hockey purple team, led by head coach Don Starcher. Richard will also serve as the head coach of the men’s ice hockey white team.Â
Bringing more than four decades of hockey experience, passion and leadership to the High Point University ICS hockey program, Boyce joins the Panthers with a proven commitment to athlete development, team culture and the continued growth of the sport. His extensive background as a player, coach, official and mentor provides a unique perspective that will help elevate the student-athlete experience both on and off the ice.
A native of Concord, Mass., Boyce began his hockey journey at the age of five and has remained deeply connected to the game throughout his life. He played four years of varsity hockey at Concord-Carlisle High School, serving as the starting goaltender during his final two seasons. Following his senior year, Boyce was selected to represent his region in the prestigious Bay State Games, a showcase featuring many of Massachusetts’ top high school hockey players.
Boyce continued his playing career at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., where he was a member of the Division I men’s hockey program. He later reached the professional level as a goaltender with the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League (AHL), now known as the Charlotte Checkers.
Throughout his career, Boyce has built a reputation for developing athletes and creating environments where players can thrive. His coaching and officiating experience spans youth, high school, junior and collegiate hockey across Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, giving him a broad understanding of player development, competition and the commitment required to succeed at the collegiate level.
As assistant head coach, Boyce will focus on helping build a high-performance culture centered on accountability, responsibility, respect and a relentless work ethic. His vision is to provide High Point University ICS student-athletes with an experience that mirrors the expectations and standards of elite collegiate programs and professional organizations all while empowering players to grow as competitors, teammates and leaders.
Currently residing in New London, N.C., Boyce remains actively involved in athletics beyond the rink. In addition to coaching and officiating hockey, he is an accomplished baseball umpire, working high school and elite travel baseball games throughout the region. Away from athletics, Boyce enjoys spending time with his family and participating in dog shows with his champion bloodline Weimaraner’s and German Shorthaired Pointers.
With the addition of Boyce to the coaching staff, High Point University ICS hockey continues to build momentum and strengthen its commitment to providing student-athletes with competitive, developmental and memorable collegiate hockey experience.
