BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach Chris Hall has announced the addition of Thomas McCarthy, Matthew Fawcett, and Adam Mercer to his coaching staff ahead of the inaugural NCAA Season for RWU Men's Ice Hockey in 2025-26. The trio brings a wealth of coaching, playing, and player development experience as the Hawks continue to build a varsity program in the Conference of New England (CNE).
McCarthy, a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran, joins the Hawks after serving as an assistant coach at Salve Regina University, where he helped lead the Seahawks to consecutive Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) semifinal appearances and a berth in the 2023–24 CCC Championship. During his tenure, Salve Regina earned national rankings and developed multiple players who advanced to the professional level, including ECHL standouts. In addition to his collegiate experience, McCarthy is the founder and director of Out Front Hockey, a Rhode Island-based development program training athletes from youth through professional levels. He has also rebuilt high school programs, served as a skills coach for NCAA and professional players, and was named the 2023 Rhode Island High School Hockey Coach of the Year.
"Tom brings two things that are hard to teach: leadership and real-world experience," said Hall. "With over a decade of experience in the military, including multiple tours in Afghanistan, Tom can share invaluable leadership lessons that will help our student-athletes as they grow and develop into leaders. On the ice, Tom's tactical approach and knowledge of the game will help us to find success."
Fawcett arrives at RWU following an accomplished playing career at both the NCAA Division I and Division III levels. Most recently, he starred at Salve Regina University, earning First Team All-CCC honors and a selection to the New England Hockey Writers Division II-III Men's All-Star Team. Prior to Salve, Fawcett competed for Quinnipiac University and the University of Maine, making an NCAA Tournament appearance with Quinnipiac in 2021 and twice earning All-Academic Team recognition. Off the ice, he is the co-founder and operator of 401 Hockey Development, a Rhode Island-based program providing year-round training and skill development for players of all ages. He also serves as head coach and assistant general manager for the Providence Capitals of the Eastern Hockey League, where he oversees player advancement initiatives and designs development plans for the program's youth teams.
"With his dynamic and high energy, Matt will bring his experience as a player in both college and junior hockey in a way that will help our student-athletes as they navigate their careers both on and off the ice. As a player development coach, Matt's skill instruction and ability to teach will help maximize their talent," said Hall.
Mercer joins Roger Williams as the program's goaltending coach, bringing specialized expertise in developing netminders from youth to the professional ranks. He currently serves as the managing director and goaltending coach at Stop It Goaltending, where he works with goaltenders of all levels, including Calgary Wranglers goaltender Devin Cooley and Providence Bruins standout Brandon Bussi. Mercer also works with the Railers Junior Hockey Club of the NCDC, coaching junior-level goaltenders, running video analysis sessions, and designing individualized training plans to prepare players for collegiate hockey opportunities. Additionally, he manages Stop It Goaltending U, a mobile coaching platform delivering goalie-specific instructional content nationwide.
"Adam will be able to bring his experience in coaching at the AHL level and knowledge as an experienced goalie coach to enhance our goalies as we get started this season," said Hall. "His passion for the position and his ability to build meaningful relationships will help our goaltenders and program continue to grow."
"I am energized by the opportunity to work with this staff to build Roger Williams University Hockey," Hall continued. "Our varied backgrounds and shared values will create a dynamic work environment that pushes everyone to be their best. With experiences across the spectrum, our staff offers the ability to relate to and connect with all of our student-athletes and help them develop as hockey players and young adults. The future of RWU Hockey is very bright – it is truly an exciting time to be a Hawk!"
The Roger Williams University Men's Ice Hockey schedule and inaugural NCAA season roster are set to be announced within the next few weeks.
