After 37 years behind the bench, Mercyhurst Men's Hockey head coach Rick Gotkin announced the 2025-26 season will be his last.

“I have spent 37 years coaching at Mercyhurst, a place that always felt like home,” said Rick Gotkin. “I will always cherish the countless memories I have made with our student-athletes, alumni, and members of the Erie community and beyond. I want to thank my family, the administration, faculty, staff and my colleagues for their unwavering support. I look forward to what’s ahead for the Mercyhurst hockey program, and I am honored to be part of its legacy.”

Gotkin has accumulated 611 wins, which ranks 16th all-time in the NCAA. Gotkin coached in 1,273 games. Mercyhurst has won the conference six times under Gotkin, while winning the conference tournament on three occasions. Twice the Lakers have appeared in the national tournament. Gotkin is the only coach in NCAA history to make the NCAA Tournament at all three divisions. 

Gotkin is the longest tenured coach in the NCAA. He posted a winning season 26 times. He has been named the Atlantic Hockey Association Coach of the Year twice. Gotkin was inducted into the Erie Metro Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.

“It’s an honor to celebrate Rick Gotkin and his incredible 37-year career at Mercyhurst, especially his unique history coaching the same program at the Division III, II, and I level. Rick brought me to Mercyhurst, and he’s been a great friend and mentor ever since. Our families, including his wife, Diane, and mine, Nicole, have spent countless hours together. In fact, we’ve shared so many experiences that we often joke about writing a book. Rick has been a great coach to our student athletes, but his charisma and mentorship extend well into our coaching ranks. Quite simply, Mercyhurst and the hockey community would not be the same without him. I’m thrilled he’s going out on his own terms but sad to see him go. Wishing Rick and his family all the best as he enjoys this well-earned next chapter.”

“Rick not only built the program from the ground up, but he also put Mercyhurst Hockey and Mercyhurst University on the national map,” said Athletic Director Joe Spano. “It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside him for over 25 years. He has been one of my greatest mentors as a coach. His success is historic, and his legacy will last forever."

"Rick Gotkin is more than a coach—he’s a cornerstone of Mercyhurst University and a legend in the world of college hockey,” said Mercyhurst President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D. “For nearly four decades, he has shaped the lives of countless student-athletes, instilling in them not only a passion for the game but also the values of dedication, teamwork, and integrity. His impact on this university and the sport itself is immeasurable. As he prepares for his final season, we celebrate his extraordinary career and the legacy he leaves behind. Mercyhurst is forever grateful for Coach Gotkin."