Kyle Richards was named the fifth head coach in Alabama hockey history on Thursday. He worked as the team’s associate head coach last year. 

Richards was the forwards and power play coach last year. The Crimson Tide saw success under him scoring on 26.09 percent of its power plays last year, and scored 21 goals in a game last year. The 21 goals was the most ever scored in program history in a single game and was the most goals scored in a game in the country.

“We are excited to bring back former associate head coach Kyle Richards as the new head coach for the 2017-18 season,” team president Jon Lovorn said. “His vision for the growth of our organization and individual player development has us ecstatic for the start of the year. The officer council of Alabama Hockey is confident in his ability to improve players for tasks both on and off the ice.”

Before coming to Alabama, Richardson coached West Virginia’s team. He finished 21-16-1 in his two years as the head coach of the Mountaineers. Before coaching, he played at Castleton University, where he scored 10 goals, recorded 20 assists and set a program record in career faceoff at 72 percent. 

“Our job now is to not forget what those before us have accomplished, but be willing to go above and beyond to take that next step to greatness,” Richards said. “This team will push each other to be great every day, whether it is in the classroom, the community, the weight room or on the ice. This will be an exciting, fun team of men to come watch.” 

Alabama hockey opens its season at Liberty on Friday at 6 p.m.