TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Department of Athletics and has announced a multi-year contract extension for Head Women's Hockey Coach Bryan Vines, who will continue leading the Engineers into the future after guiding the program for the past eight years.
 
"We are proud to extend Bryan Vines' contract and continue the growth of our women's hockey program under his leadership," said RPI Director of Athletics, Dr. Kristie Bowers. "Coach Vines has fostered a culture of excellence that emphasizes success on the ice, in the classroom, and in the community. His vision and commitment to our student-athletes reflect the very best of RPI Athletics, and we are excited about the future of the program as we build on the proud tradition of RPI Hockey."
 
Coach Vines' tenure includes multiple milestone seasons since taking over in June 2017, highlighted by a 2024-25 campaign in which the Engineers tallied their most wins in seven years and knocked off a top-five nationally ranked opponent. Vines and the Engineers also manufactured a special season in 2018-19, as RPI became the first No. 8 seed to win an ECAC Hockey playoff game. The Engineers would go on to push top-seeded and NCAA semifinalist Cornell to a decisive third game in the league quarterfinals.
 
"I'm truly honored to continue leading RPI Women's Hockey and grateful for the trust placed in what we're building," said Coach Vines. "I want to thank Dr. Kristie Bowers for her leadership and unwavering support—her vision and commitment to our student-athletes drive everything we do. I'm excited for what lies ahead and committed to building a championship-caliber program that embodies the pride and excellence of RPI."
 
RPI has seen numerous standout performances on the ice under Vines' leadership. Goaltender Lovisa Selander broke the NCAA career saves record and became the program's first-ever Patty Kazmaier Top 10 Finalist, ECAC Goaltender of the Year, and All-America First Team honoree. Blake Orosz set the school's single-season goals record, and multiple players have earned All-ECAC honors, including Andrea Trnkova and Amanda Rampado. In total, the team has posted 68 wins under Vines, with back-to-back 13- and 14-win campaigns in the last two seasons.
 
Tickets for the 2025-26 RPI Hockey seasons are now available. Please visit rpiathletics.universitytickets.com or contact the Houston Field House Box Office at (518) 276-6262 for more information.