MEN'S HOCKEY: Garcia joins Hobart hockey coaching staff

GENEVA — Hobart hockey coach Mark Taylor has named Dawson Garcia his assistant coach for the 2026-27 season. Garcia replaces Alec Marsh, who accepted a position with Penn State as director of player personnel and video.

“I’m excited to add Dawson to our staff,” Taylor said. “The past two years he has been at Niagara University working with three of my former Hobart assistants, so I know firsthand the mentorship he has received. He knows a lot about what Hobart hockey is all about.

“He also brings years of skill development and power skating teaching experience that will be a direct benefit to our players. His hunger and professionalism matched our mantra of full effort with complete character. I’m excited to have Dawson and his wife, Rachael, part of the Hobart hockey family.”

Garcia comes to Hobart after two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Niagara. With the Purple Eagles, he prepared video breakdowns for team and individual meetings, led on-ice drills during practice and assisted with individual skill development. He designed and implemented a faceoff scout that contributed to a top-10 NCAA ranking in each of his two seasons (No. 4 in 2024-25, No. 9 in 2025-26). He earned a master’s degree in sports management from Niagara.

Since 2023, Garcia has served as a head instructor for Paul Vincent’s Hockey Academy, leading on-ice development programs for players of all ages. He also founded DG Hockey, which runs seasonal skill development sessions for youth and high school athletes.

Garcia graduated from Westfield State University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in movement science. He was a four-year member of the Owls’ hockey team and served as captain as a senior.

In his final junior season, he recorded 39 points, including 33 assists, for the Kitchener Dutchmen, where he played alongside Braeden Bowman, now with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Marsh’s departure continues a pipeline of Hobart assistants to the Division I ranks. Taylor’s last five assistants all have moved onto Division I staffs: Marsh to Penn State; Niko Kovachis to Niagara; Tom Fiorentino ‘14 to Bentley; Mark Phalon to Alaska Anchorage, now Niagara; and Sean Flanagan to UMass Lowell, now Cornell.

“We can’t thank Marshy enough,” Taylor said. “He will do well at Penn State. I know how special it is to get one of your own players back on staff, and it’s also pretty special for the player to be back helping his alma mater too. The team and I are happy for him.”

Hobart opens the 2026-27 season Oct. 30, hosting Route 14 rival Elmira at The Cooler.