Concordia University Director of Recreation and Athletics Patrick Boivin is pleased to announce the appointment of Marc-André Élement as head coach of the Concordia Stingers men’s hockey program.
Élement, who served at the interim head coach of the Stingers for the 2015-16 campaign, becomes only the fourth head coach in the history of the program that dates back to the 1975-76 season. He follows in the footsteps of the legendary Paul Arsenault (1975-89), Yves Beaucage (1990-99) and Kevin Figsby (2000-15).
Under Élement’s tutelage last season, the Stingers posted a 10-12-6 record for 26 points – a significant improvement from the previous season. He brought in several accomplished recruits despite the short period he had to sell the program and its new direction. He also increased the Stingers’ community presence with new initiatives that brought the team out to a number of elementary schools.
“I’m thrilled that Marc-André’s trial by fire during the 2015-16 transition season proved to be the test he needed to confirm his legitimacy as our next head coach,” Boivin said. “His passion, dedication and work ethic both as a Stinger player and now as a coach are key to the culture change and exactly what the program needs to progress and reach its potential.”
Élement, originally from Cadillac, Que., was a feisty right wing for five seasons with the Stingers (2006-11). He was an assistant captain in 2008-09 and the captain in his final two years. He received multiple honors during his playing career, including the Concordia Ron Lapointe Award for leadership, community service and athletic accomplishments. He also received a Guy Lafleur Award of Merit in recognition of his leadership and hockey prowess.
Since he graduated with a BA, major in Human Relations, in 2011, Élement has been building his coaching résumé. He was an assistant coach with the Stingers in 2011-12, 2012-2013 and a portion of 2014-15 before accepting the head coaching position with the Lachine Maroons of the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League.
Élement also worked as an assistant with the midget AAA Châteauguay Grenadiers in 2013-14. The Grenadiers won the Quebec league title and went on to win a silver medal at the Telus Cup midget AAA national championship.
“I’m very excited to be back,” Élement said. “Last year we started something and I want to continue to move the team forward. I want Concordia to be the best team in the country on the ice and in the classroom. I want to run a successful hockey program that is just as committed to school work and having players finish with degrees.”
Élement and his wife Melissa have a young son, Winston. The family makes its home in Kirkland, Que.
