MSU Hockey Hires Two Assistants, Chris Luongo and Joe Exter

It has been a busy offseason for new Michigan State Hockey coach Danton Cole. Things seem to be finally rounding into shape, however, as Cole made two more hires last night in assistant coaches Chris Luongo and Joe Exter.

Exeter and Luongo join Brad Fast (Director of Hockey Operations) and Jason Muzzatti (Goaltending Coach) on Cole’s now-completed staff.

Some of the highlights from the MSU Press Release...

Cole on the addition of Exter and Luongo...

"I am eager to have both Chris and Joe join our staff here at Michigan State," Cole said. "It is an exciting day, and I know they are ready to be a part of continuing the Spartan hockey tradition of excellence. Both are outstanding coaches, great fathers and exceptional role models for our student-athletes.

"Chris and I have worked together several times since we were teammates at MSU. He is an incredibly driven coach with a passion for teaching and helping young men grow on and off the ice. His knowledge and work ethic will benefit both our student-athletes and the university.

"Joe brings a tremendous amount of experience in both the Big Ten Conference and college hockey to MSU. He is a very bright and hardworking coach that will be a great addition to our Spartan family."

On Luongo’s history and return to MSU...

Luongo, a former Spartan hockey captain, returns to his alma mater after having spent the last two seasons serving alongside Cole as an assistant coach with the U.S. National Team Development Program. Luongo worked primarily with the NTDP's defensemen while contributing tactically in all areas, including special teams.

"For so many people, Spartan Hockey holds a place in their heart that is very special, including me," Luongo said. "It's an honor and a privilege to have an opportunity to have a direct impact on the Green and White as a member of the Spartan Hockey staff. I'm looking forward to getting to work."

Prior to joining USA Hockey, Luongo spent four seasons at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. Luongo served as an assistant under Cole from 2008-10, and then took over as head coach for two seasons, from 2010-12, when Cole departed for USA Hockey.

On Exeter’s Impressive Background

Exter was on the coaching staff of the U.S. Men's National Under-18 Team for four IIHF World Men's Under-18 Championships, helping Team USA to a bronze medal in 2008, before capturing three consecutive gold medals from 2009-11.

His highly-successful tenure with USA Hockey also included serving on the staff at the World Junior Championship in 2010, `11 and `12. The team won gold in 2010 and then bronze in 2011, marking the first time the USA won back-to-back medals in the event.

As the first full-time goaltending coach with the NTDP, Exter was responsible for planning, designing and executing the regular on-ice practices for goaltenders, as well as scouting and evaluating the nation's top goaltending prospects. Exter was the coordinator of the revolutionary Warren Strelow National Goaltending Mentor Program, which is designed to recruit, develop and produce elite goaltenders across the United States.

Prior to joining USA Hockey, Exter spent the 2006-07 season with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League, where he was responsible for the team's defensemen and goaltenders, as well as overseeing scouting and recruiting efforts.