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Lake Superior State University (LSSU) Director of Athletics Tory Lindley and Men’s Ice Hockey Head Coach Damon Whitten are proud to announce the appointment of Eric Soltys as the General Manager of its NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey program. Soltys brings a wealth of experience to the Laker program, spanning over 25 years in collegiate and professional hockey.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Eric Soltys to the Laker family,” said Tory Lindley. “His extensive background in player development, scouting, and program management, combined with his proven track record of success, makes him an invaluable addition to our athletic department and our hockey program. This hire underscores our commitment to providing our student-athletes with the best possible resources and support.”
Soltys joins the Lakers after most recently serving as an assistant coach at the University of Maine since 2022. During his tenure, he played a key role in the Black Bears’ success, contributing to a Hockey East Conference Championship in 2025 and two NCAA Tournament appearances. This recent experience at a highly competitive Division I program directly aligns with LSSU’s aspirations for continued excellence on the ice.
“Eric’s passion for the game, his eye for talent, and his dedication to fostering a winning culture are exactly what we look for in our leadership team,” added Head Coach Damon Whitten. “His insights from both the NCAA and NHL levels will be crucial in our recruitment efforts and in developing our student-athletes to their fullest potential. We’re eager to see the immediate impact he’ll have.”
Soltys’ impressive career also includes eight years in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a scout. From 2014-21, he served as an amateur scout for the Calgary Flames, where he was responsible for evaluating draft-eligible prospects and NCAA free agents in the New England region. He then spent a year with the Detroit Red Wings organization as a professional scout in the Metropolitan Division, further honing his ability to identify and assess top-tier hockey talent.
His experience extends to junior hockey, where he served as the Director of Hockey and Organizational General Manager for the Maine Nordiques of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for three years. During this time, he collaborated with current LSSU assistant coach Ryan Shelley. Soltys was a founding member of the Power Prep Hockey League (PPHL) in 2022 and was recognized as the 2020-21 NAHL East Director of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Year, highlighting his leadership and strategic vision.
Before his time in Maine, Soltys co-founded and served as the head coach at South Kent School/Selects Academy from 2009-14. Under his guidance, the academy achieved remarkable success, producing 18 NHL Draft Picks and over 80 NCAA Division I Scholarship Athletes. This track record of developing players for both collegiate and professional ranks speaks directly to the kind of player growth and opportunity LSSU offers.
Eric’s appointment signifies a major step forward for LSSU Hockey. His profound understanding of player development pathways, from elite youth hockey to the NHL, will be invaluable in attracting and nurturing the next generation of Laker student-athletes. This strategic hire reinforces LSSU’s dedication to a championship-caliber program and providing an unparalleled experience for its student-athletes.
LSSU Athletics offers a dynamic mix of competitive spirit and school pride. Founded in 1946, Lake Superior State University is a personal, small-town university that provides a superior blend of liberal and technical studies in the natural setting of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. LSSU is committed to athletic and academic excellence.
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