BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — LIU men's hockey head coach Brendan Riley has been selected for the SGA President's Leadership Award, the highest honor presented by Long Island University's Student Government Association.

Riley is being recognized for his work over the past year to strengthen relationships across the LIU community and cultivate external partnerships, including with the New York Islanders. The recognition highlights his contributions beyond the ice and his commitment to connecting the hockey program with the broader university community.

Established in 2021 under then-SGA President Robert LaPollo, the award recognizes an outstanding member of the LIU community whose leadership, service and dedication have made a lasting impact on the university. Recipients are personally selected by the sitting SGA president.

Last season, Riley led the Sharks to a 6-2 road win over five-time national champion Minnesota on Nov. 14, 2025. Most recently, LIU defeated USA Hockey's National Team Development Program 5-1 on Friday, Oct. 23, at Northwell Health Ice Center.

The Sharks next travel to Kalamazoo, Mich., to face Western Michigan on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29-30. The Broncos are ranked No. 6 in the USCHO poll and No. 5 in the USA Hockey poll released Oct. 26. Both games begin at 7 p.m. at Lawson Arena.

The upcoming schedule also includes the inaugural Empire State Holiday Invitational at UBS Arena on Dec. 28-29. Presented in partnership with the New York Islanders and UBS Arena, the tournament features LIU, Army West Point, Ferris State and St. Lawrence. The Sharks open against Army at 7 p.m. on Dec. 28.

LIU will also host Northeastern at Northwell Health Ice Center on Jan. 2 before visiting Providence on Feb. 6. Providence is currently ranked No. 5 in the USCHO poll.