Brown University Women's Ice Hockey

Melanie Ruzzi was named head coach of the Brown women's hockey program on May 20, 2021. In 2024-25, Ruzzi led Brown to a 14-13-3 overall record and 9-10-3 EC...

Beth Hanrahan joined the Brown women’s hockey program as an assistant coach ahead of the 2022-23 season. A graduate of Providence College, Hanrahan returned to Rhode Island after previously serving as an assistant coach at Mercyhurst University for four seasons. At Mercyhurst, Hanrahan led recruiting efforts, video sessions and on-ice skill development. During her tenure, the Lakers made three appearances in the College Hockey America conference tournament, capturing the 2020 CHA tournament title to earn the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Elite 8. Prior to Mercyhurst, Hanrahan spent one season as an assistant at Lindenwood University, assisting the head coach in recruiting and evaluating of prospective Division I student-athletes, providing film analysis and scouting reports, and running the team’s social media accounts. Hanrahan began her coaching career during the 2016-17 season at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault, Minnesota, one of the most successful girls’ hockey programs in the country. She helped develop elite talent at the U16 level to prepare players for the college level by implementing both on-and-off ice training, monitoring academic progress, and coordinating practice and travel plans. Prior to embarking on her coaching career, Hanrahan played one season for the New York Riveters in the inaugural 2015-16 season of the Nationals Women’s Hockey League. Hanrahan spent four seasons as a student-athlete at Providence, the last three years of whic

Brandon D. Deragon enters his 15th year with Brown Athletics – Equipment Services in 2021-22, serving as the primary equipment manager for the women's ice hockey team and assists with equipment needs for all of Brown's varsity athletic teams. A member of the Bears' athletic department since 2007, he is responsible for ordering, issuing, and maintaining all player apparel and equipment. In addition to his duties with women's hockey, Deragon is responsible for all equipment needs for field hockey, men's and women's Squash, JV football, men's & women's skiing, women's lacrosse, and softball. Along with his stint with women's hockey, he has served the field hockey, football, and squash programs for the better part of a decade. He also assists football with equipment fitting and home and road game equipment operations. Deragon earned a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology/Sport & Recreational Management from New England College in Henniker, N.H., in 2006. At NEC, he played soccer for the Pilgrims as well as club ice hockey. A member of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA), Deragon resides in Woonsocket, R.I.

Emily Burmeister has served as a member of the Brown Sports Medicine staff since August of 2007, and as an Assistant Athletic Trainer she works with the Bear...

Jaokim Flygh joined the Brown Women's Ice Hockey staff as an assistant coach in May of 2025. Flygh joined Brown after spending the last season as an assistan...

Michael Pimentel began his career at Brown in October of 2014 as a Strength and Conditioning Coach. He currently works with the Women's Soccer, Women's Ice Hockey, Co-ed Sailing, and Men's Tennis programs. In his time on College Hill, he has also worked with Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Swim & Diving, Men's Water Polo, Women's Water Polo, Men's Ice Hockey, Men's Soccer, Men's Squash, Women's Squash, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Men's Crew, Women's Crew, and Men's Lacrosse. Prior to Brown, he completed internships with University of Rhode Island (2010), University of South Carolina Football (2012), and Brown University (2011 & 13). After completion of his internship at Brown University, Mike was hired as a part-time assistant (2013). Mike was then elevated to full-time assistant in October of 2014. Upon his hire, Mike was able to be a part of multiple NCAA tournament appearances with Women's Soccer, Men's Water Polo, Men's Lacrosse, and Women's Crew. In the Fall of 2022, Mike was promoted to Fitness Ambassador to increase readiness, health & wellness, and the performance of the Brown University community through sleep, nutrition, mental health and exercise enhancement. Outside of Brown University, Mike is a consultant for 02x Human Performance. A company that educates First Responders (Police, Firefighters, and Military) how to manage stress through functional training, nutrition, and recovery. Mike is an advocate for SAVE THE BAY, RHODE ISLAND. A non-profit organ

Sarah Erban is in her second season as Brown's Operations Coordinator in 2023-24. A former standout goaltender at Sacred Heart University, Erban was two-time NEWHA Goalie of the Year honoree, and two-time first team all-conference honoree as a junior and senior in 2018 and 2019. She helped lead the Pioneers to the NEWHA Tournament title as a junior in 2017-18, when she was named the tournament's most outstanding player. Erban graduated from SHU in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in marketing with minors in digital marketing and sports management.