After 14 years as the head coach of George Mason Ice Hockey, Steve Hyjek is retiring and bidding farewell to his role behind the bench. With this transition, we are delighted to unveil the dawn of a new era for George Mason University Ice Hockey with the appointment of James Vuillemot as the new head coach!
Hailing from Bristow, Virginia, Coach Vuillemot brings a wealth of experience to GMU M1 from both his playing and coaching careers. As a former defenseman for Western New England University's NCAA DIII Hockey team, Coach Vuillemot possesses an intimate understanding of the game's nuances and the unwavering dedication required for collegiate success.
Over the past three years, Coach Vuillemot has been an indispensable asset to our coaching cadre, diligently serving as an assistant coach overseeing the team’s defensive systems. His steadfast commitment, expertise, and composed demeanor on the bench have significantly contributed to GMU’s progression and character development, both on and off the ice.
George Mason University Ice Hockey Club, renowned for its ambitious pursuits within the fiercely competitive ACHA Division 1, is poised to sustain its legacy of excellence under Coach Vuillemot’s stewardship. We invite you to join us in extending a heartfelt welcome to Head Coach James Vuillemot as he embarks on his new role with George Mason University Ice Hockey.
During his time as head coach, Hyjek’s leadership saw George Mason achieve over 165 victories across both ACHA Men’s Division 3 (M3) and ACHA Men’s Division 1 (M1). This includes three Conference Championships, as well as qualification to ACHA M3 National Tournaments in 2018 and 2020. In 2019, the ACHA approved GMU’s elevation from Men’s Division 3 to M1, marking a pivotal transition commencing in the 2020-2021 season. In his final season steering the M1 program, GMU secured 21 wins with a .690 win percentage and a first-round bye in the ECHA playoffs for the first time at the M1 level; narrowly missing qualification for the ACHA M1 National Tournament by a single point.
Men’s Division 3 New Head Coach
Additionally, we are pleased to introduce Robin Couch as the new head coach for George Mason’s Men's Division 3 team. Coach Couch will be stepping into the head coaching role previously held by Tom Lescovich, who has accepted other coaching opportunities, including a position at the University of Maryland and also Director of Hockey at Chevy Chase Club – where we wish him all of the best and thank him for his contributions to GMU’s Ice Hockey Program.
In filling the head coach role, Coach Couch brings considerable hockey experience to the table. As a USA Hockey Level 5 certified coach, with 15 years of coaching experience spanning from CBHL mini-mites through U18 and collegiate level ACHA D3, Robin has consistently demonstrated his prowess in honing players' skills and fostering team success. A CBHL Champion and four-time CBHL runner-up, Couch’s coaching acumen is matched by his expertise in the field of biochemistry as a professor at GMU. We eagerly anticipate the impact Coach Couch will make in guiding the Men's Division 3 team to new heights of achievement. Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Coach Couch on his new role within the GMU Ice Hockey program!
Both coaches contact information may be found below:
James Vuillemot
Head Coach – M1
703-727-9913
Robin Couch
Head Coach – M3
703-541-8275
