Princeton Announces Gifts That Will Name Men's Ice Hockey Coaching Position For Hobey Baker ’1914
4/18/2026
The Princeton University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that a group of alumni have made gifts that will endow the men’s ice hockey head coach position in honor of Hobart Amory Hare “Hobey” Baker, who was a legendary multi-sport athlete at the University and a member of the Class of 1914. A standout ice hockey and football player at Princeton, Baker’s exploits on the ice and gridiron made him one of the first true sporting superstars of the 20th century.
"From the moment I arrived on campus I have been blown away by the support and passion our alumni – including those who have given so generously to this effort -- have for Princeton Hockey,” said head coach Ben Syer. “They are the lifeblood of our program, and every time we are together I can feel their commitment to providing a life-changing championship experience for our players. A moment like this would truly ‘Make Hobey Proud’ and I am excited for this next chapter in our program’s history.”
From the time he stepped foot on campus in 1910, Baker captured the hearts of American sports fans. He was part of Princeton’s 1911 national champion football team and its 1914 national champion ice hockey team, the only player in history to earn national championships in both hockey and football.
In 1945, Baker was one of the first nine inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame and was the only American among the inaugural group of honorees. In 1975, Baker was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He is the only person inducted into both the Hockey Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
In 1981, the Hobey Baker Memorial Award was created and is presented annually to the best men’s college ice hockey player in the country. Hobey Baker Rink hosted its first Princeton game in January of 1923 and it has served as home ice for the University’s varsity and club hockey teams, as well as figure skating programs, ever since. A true landmark in the community and the country, Baker Rink stands more than a century later as the oldest and most historic college ice hockey venue in the nation.
“Hockey has been a big foundation in my life and the life of my family. I have a great respect for the critical role coaches play as they mentor and inspire young people to grow and develop on and off the ice,” said John Hepburn ’72. “Building values and teamwork are some of the most important lessons we learn anywhere. It is a privilege to support Princeton Hockey and to invest in a bright future that will carry forward the legacy of Hobey Baker on our campus and in our sport.”
“Princeton Hockey has had a tremendous impact on so many of us, and we are committed to giving back and investing in future generations,” said Frank Techar ’78. “It is so gratifying to have alumni representing four different decades contribute to the fund. The commitment across so many eras of Princeton Hockey is a perfect example of the breadth of the support from our hockey community. Our time as Princeton student-athletes was special to us and it shaped who we are today. To make an impact on current and future Tigers is a legacy we embrace.”
“Head Coach endowments are incredibly impactful for our programs and we are so pleased that the varsity men’s and women’s ice hockey programs will benefit in such a meaningful way,” said Ford Family Director of Athletics John Mack ’00. “I want to express our deep gratitude to the alumni who supported this fund and who continue to invest in our excellent athletic programs. The 2025-26 seasons for our men’s and women’s ice hockey programs were special in so many ways, capped off with both teams making trips to Lake Placid. Experiences like those are made possible through support like this and we are excited to watch our ice hockey programs benefit from this endowment for years to come.”
The Princeton University Department of Athletics is deeply grateful to the hockey alumni contributors to the Hobey Baker ’14 Head Men’s Hockey Coach Fund, including: Gavin Colquhoun ’95, Craig Dahl ’77, Rob Engel ’86, John Hepburn ’72, David Johnson ’78, David Kelley ’79, Kris Kollevoll ’77, Dan Maze ’90, Chris Mitchell ’93, Robin Pierson ’78, Mike Pritula ’78, Frank Techar ’78, Bill Tresham ’78, John Van Siclen ’78 and Philip Webster ’68.
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For information about supporting Princeton Athletics, contact Kellie Staples, Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Advancement at kgale@princeton.edu or 609.258.6696.
