As an Army hockey player at West Point, Zach McKelvie is one of the program’s most accomplished cadets.

“I just wanted the best opportunity to play hockey and get a great education, and I didn’t know a whole lot about West Point,” McKelvie said. “But when I came on a visit, I met Coach (Brian) Riley, I met Coach (Rob) Haberbusch. I was sold instantly.”

He was a two-time Atlantic Hockey Association First Team selection, a captain his senior year, and the league’s Defenseman of the Year in 2008, who went on to play in the AHL and ECHL.

“Winning the regular season is up there. Beating Air Force four times at home here was unbelievable,” McKelvie said.

It’s just some of the most memorable moments on the ice at Tate Rink. He now has the opportunity to create more memories as the program’s newest head coach.

“I’ve been fortunate to have had a great mentor, Brian Riley, that has kind of led me the right way,” McKelvie said. “So it’s been a lot of fun and get to know the guys in kind of different capacities, it’s been a real thrill.”

McKelvie is taking over the Army hockey program after Brian Riley stepped down at the conclusion of last season. It marked the end of the 75-year Riley head coaching dynasty at United States Military Academy, which included Brian’s dad, Jack, and his brother, Rob.

“My goal is to just take what they’ve built already and try to add on to it, twisted it in my own way, make it unique to myself,” McKelvie said.

While this maybe his first head coaching gig, he comes in with plenty of experience.

Since retiring from professional hockey, McKelvie has been on the West Point coaching staff for the past 11 years. And Brian Riley has been preparing him for the changing of the guard.

“The type of leader he is is hopefully something that I can take to our program,” McKelvie said. “Our guys see that same care from me. But it was a great 11 years.”

The place that developed McKelvie into an all conference player on the ice and a lieutenant in the Army, he’s ready for this new challenge of developing this next group of top notch cadets.

“To be back at my alma mater is a dream job. I absolutely love it here. The experience I had here was great,” he said. “So to give back a little bit to that cadet athlete, like we were given to get 15 years ago, was a great opportunity.”