RPI introduces Eric Lang as men's hockey coach
TROY, NY (NEWS10) -- A new era of RPI hockey began on Monday. Eric Lang was officially introduced as RPI's new men's hockey coach.
Lang comes to RPI after spending nine years as the head coach of his alma mater, American International. RPI is looking for a jump start after four straight losing seasons, leading to the firing of Dave Smith.
Lang has experience turning around a program. When he got to AIC in 2016, the Yellow Jackets had won seven games the season before, and hadn't had a .500 season since they went to Division-1 in the late 90's. But Lang led the Yellow Jackets to four regular season conference titles, and three postseason conference titles, compiling a record of 155-138-30.
Lang has the blueprint to turn the tides of a program, and it begins with one thing. "The blueprint starts with bringing in great people," said Lang. "Bringing in great people and people that care. If you want to be a really good coach, bring in really good players. For us, we need to get on the road and we need to get recruiting and make sure we bring in the right people. Ultimately, once you get them here, you coach them as hard as you can, you hold a high standard, coach them with love, and you know, there's no real secret sauce to this blueprint here."
Lang believes that with the support of RPI President Martin Schmidt and Athletic Director Dr. Kristie Bowers, RPI is set up to succeed. "When looking at a job, you want to make sure the job is set up for success," said Lang. "'What does the university support look like? What do the academics and resources look like?' Unequivocally it starts at the top. Marty and Kristie are two great leaders, two championship caliber leaders. I couldn't be more excited to work with them. In terms of the resources, here is the great Houston Field House and we've got some of the best fans in all of college hockey. Ultimately, I come back to the question, 'Can you win?' I certainly believe that RPI, we could be a little bit of a sleeping giant here."
Lang says his first task is to asses the incoming class of freshman, while hitting the recruiting trail.