BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — Long Island University men's hockey head coach Brett Riley has been named the NCAA Independent Hockey Coach of the Year following the Sharks' record-breaking 2024-25 season.

Riley's fifth season at LIU was his best one yet. The program's first-ever head coach led the Sharks to their winningest season in program history, finishing the 2024-25 campaign with an outstanding 20-12-2 record.

Riley guided LIU to its most notable win in program history, knocking off No. 17 Notre Dame, 5-2, on Oct. 26 in South Bend, Ind. The victory over the Fighting Irish also marked LIU's first ranked win against a road opponent.

The Sharks also took No. 10 Providence to overtime before securing key wins over Vermont (3-2) and Holy Cross (3-1). Additionally, LIU tied powerhouse Wisconsin (BIG TEN) at the Kohl Center on Jan. 18, splitting their two-game road trip with the Badgers in Madison, Wisc.

"To be awarded Coach of the Year is an honor, but this is a full team effort," Riley said. "This award is a true recognition of our coaching staff and the relentless effort put forward by our assistant coaches, as well as our support staff. Will, Gehrig, and Garrett helped elevate this program in every statistical category and culturally."

LIU produced the best home record of any NCAA Division I hockey program this season, posting a remarkable 14-1-0 record at the Northwell Health Ice Center.

The Sharks won seven of their last eight games, including two-game sweeps over Lindenwood, Alaska Anchorage, and Alaska Fairbanks. Riley's squad also closed the season with a two-game win streak, capped by a 4-2 Senior Night victory over Alaska Fairbanks.

First-year Shark Carter Rapalje, a Brett Riley recruit, led LIU in goals (17), power-play goals (8), and total points (30) after producing a 17-13-30 stat line in 30 games.

"The staff put in great time to help elevate the program on and off the ice. I would be remiss if I did not recognize the players for their incredible buy-in to Sharks culture and for showing up every day ready to keep building this program. I am thankful to the entire team for such great commitment to this program."

Rapalje, a redshirt sophomore forward, was named to the Independent Hockey All-Star Team, along with former team captain John Gormley, who recently signed a deal with the ECHL Wichita Thunder.

Along with Gormley, Isaiah Fox, Connor Gregga, and Andrius Kulbis-Marino have signed professional hockey contracts in the ECHL, marking another milestone in the program's rapid ascent. Under Riley's leadership, more than 25 former players have advanced to the professional level.