May 7, 2026






CHN Staff Report

Harvard coach Ted Donato has decided to step down after 22 seasons on the job.

Donato, who also starred with the Crimson and was part of the 1989 national championship team, was 334-292-77 during his time behind the bench. Donato scored two goals in the 1989 national championship game and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. The Crimson made eight NCAA Tournaments during his coaching tenure, including a Frozen Four appearance in 2017.

Donato also played 796 games in the NHL from 1991-2004, with 150 goals and 347 points, mainly for the Boston Bruins, who drafted him in the fifth round in 1987. He was also a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic team. He retired from playing and was immediately hired by Harvard.

“It is with immense gratitude that I have decided to end my tenure at Harvard as head coach of the Men’s Hockey program,” Donato said in a statement. “I am proud and grateful for all the incredible moments, everlasting memories, and relationships from my 27 years connected to the University as a student-athlete, coach, and parent.

“I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such talented and driven student-athletes and staff of the highest character. With the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, I believe it is the right time to pass the torch to the next leader of the Harvard Men’s Hockey program.” 

Donato’s son, Ryan, was part of the 2017 Frozen Four team. He went on to the NHL, where he still plays for the Chicago Blackhawks.

This past season Donato became the winningest coach in program history after passing his mentor Bill Cleary with his 325th career win on Dec. 6 in a 7-3 win over Brown.

“Ted Donato is a local hockey legend with long family ties to the Boston sports community,” Harvard athletic director Erin McDermott said. “He has been a proud and dedicated Harvard Hockey player and coach. We thank Ted for his service and commitment to the program and his contributions to the legacy of Harvard Hockey. We know that he will remain connected and we look forward to seeing his future impact on the sport of hockey.”Â