By: Norwich University Athletics

NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich Women's Ice Hockey head coach Justin Simpson has been named one of eleven finalists for the prestigious CCM/AHCA Division III Women's Coach of the Year award, as announced by the American Hockey Coaches Association.

In his first season at the helm, Simpson engineered one of the most remarkable seasons in program history. The rookie head coach guided the Cadets to a perfect conference record, capturing both the inaugural Little East Conference (LEC) regular-season and tournament championships, and earning LEC Coach of the Year honors.

Norwich enters the NCAA National Semifinal riding a 23-game winning streak, marking one of the longest active runs in Division III. Simpson's squad has combined elite defensive structure with balanced offensive production, highlighted by 10 players earning All-Conference recognition.

Under Simpson's leadership, the Cadets have returned to the NCAA Frozen Four for the first time since 2018, reestablishing themselves among the nation's elite programs.

Simpson now looks to become the program's first national Coach of the Year recipient since Mark Boulding, who captured the honor in 2012—his third consecutive national award.

The CCM/AHCA Division III Women's Coach of the Year award is presented annually to the top head coach in NCAA Division III women's ice hockey, recognizing excellence in team success, leadership, and overall impact on the game. The winner will be announced on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Frozen Four pre-tournament banquet in River Falls, Wis.