Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan University (NMU) hockey team has announced the hiring of NMU alum Phil Fox as an assistant coach for the 2024-25 season.

"We are excited that Phil, his wife Ricci, and two kids Levi and Bode are coming back home to Marquette," said head coach Dave Shyiak. "Phil was on the last NMU hockey team that made it to the NCAA Tournament, and his passion for the program and community will be valuable for our current players and future recruits. He understands the type of players that fit our program which is important in attaining the success we are all aiming towards."

Fox, a native of Stillwater, Minnesota, has spent the past five seasons as general manager and head coach of the New Mexico Ice Wolves of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The Ice Wolves joined the NAHL as an expansion team in the 2019-20 season, with Fox named as their first head coach.

During his tenure with the Ice Wolves, Fox achieved a record of 137-123-16-12. His accomplishments include three consecutive 30+ win seasons, playoff appearances in two out of those three seasons, and being named NAHL Coach of the Year for 2021-2022 after leading his team to a franchise-record 38 wins during regular season play. Additionally, he served as head coach for the South Division team at the 2022 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.

Before embarking on his coaching career, Fox played four years of professional hockey. He began with the Central Hockey League's (CHL) Texas Brahmas where he scored 43 points (19 goals and 24 assists) in his rookie year over 59 games. In his second year with them, he recorded 34 points (21 goals and 13 assists) across 44 games. Following a brief stint with the American Hockey League's Houston Aeros, Fox returned to CHL action with Allen Americans where he posted 24 points (12 goals and 12 assists) over 39 games. During this period, Allen Americans won back-to-back Ray Miron President's Cup titles.

Fox’s collegiate career included playing four years for NMU from 2007 to 2011 where he captained the Wildcats in his final year. Over these four years, he played in 155 games scoring a total of 40 goals and assisting on another 25 for a cumulative score of 65 points. Highlights from his college career include helping NMU secure two consecutive CCHA Tournament third-place victories and an appearance in the NCAA tournament.