Zack Cisek named new Lake Superior State assistant coach

By @MichaelCaples –

From South Bend to the Soo.

The Lake Superior State hockey program announced today that Canton native Zack Cisek has been hired as the team’s new assistant coach.

“I am ecstatic and grateful for the opportunity to join the rich tradition of Lake Superior State Laker Hockey,” Cisek said in a release from LSSU. “First and foremost, I would like to thank (LSSU President) Dr. Rodney Hanley, (Director of Athletics) Dr. David Paitson, Coach Whitten and Coach York for welcoming me into the Laker family. I look forward to working with a knowledgeable staff, passionate student-athletes and being a part of the Sault Ste. Marie community.”

Cisek rounds out an all-Michigan coaching staff for head coach Damon Whitten (Brighton) and Mike York (Waterford).

“We’re very excited to add Zack to our staff and he comes to us very prepared for this opportunity,” Whitten said. “One of the things, as we went through this process, that stood out is his time in Division I hockey with two really great programs. (Zack’s) developed a skill set that we believe will have an immediate impact on our program.”

Cisek, a former Michigan State goaltender, has been climbing the college hockey coaching ranks since his playing days at MSU. From 2015-17, he worked as a graduate assistant at the University of Miami, helping head coach Enrico Blasi with day-to-day operations, opponent scouting and film analysis, on-ice skill sessions and player evaluations. While in Oxford, he earned a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology and Health.

Last season, he worked for former LSSU bench boss Jeff Jackson, helping the Fighting Irish during the program’s trip to the Frozen Four. Cisek was responsible for goaltender development, practice planning, individual film sessions and postgame film analysis.

“Zack did an exceptional job for our program last year,” Jackson said. “He is a quality person and a bright young coach. I am confident that he’ll do a great job for Damon. I’m excited for Zach and proud that he will start his coaching career, as I did, with the Lakers.”

Cisek played high school hockey for Detroit Catholic Central before competing in the NAHL with the New Mexico Mustangs, Michigan Warriors and Traverse City North Stars.