C.J. Marottolo

Biography

C.J. Marottolo, the winningest coach in Sacred Heart men’s ice hockey, heads into his 18th season at the helm of the program in 2026-27. To date, Marottolo has 231 career wins while leading the Pioneers. Marottolo led the Pios to one of their best seasons in 2025-26, as the team set a new program record with 23 wins. SHU hosted both the AHA Quarterfinals and Semifinals at the Martire Family Arena, winning the semis for the first time at its still relatively new home. Marottolo then led the team to its third AHA Championship Game appearance against defending champ Bentley. In addition to its team success, Marottolo helped guide Felix Trudeau to one of the most decorated individual campaigns in program history. Trudeau became the second player in program history to be named a Hobey Baker Award Top-10 Finalist, in addition to being the team’s fourth All-American and second AHA Player of the Year. Trudeau led the country with 12 power play goals and was tied for second with 25 total goals. The Pioneers tallied their fifth 20-win season in 2024-25, going 21-13-5. SHU finished with 53 conference points, three shy of the program record from the COVID-shortened 2019-20 campaign. The Pios tallied four All-AHA members and made it to the conference semifinals. First year goaltender Ajeet Gundarah was a revelation for the team, making the All-AHA Third Team and being an AHA Goalie of the Year and Rookie of the Year finalist after ranking in the top six nationally in save percentage and g