Head Coach- Mike Rivera
mrivera@ucohockey.com
A native of El Paso, TX, Coach Rivera is entering his 6th season behind the bench with the Bronchos and 3rd season as Head Coach. Rivera assumed the role of Head Coach during the 2019-20 season and led the Bronchos to a 23-6 record before the season was cut short due to COVID-19. Coach Rivera lead the Bronchos during the 2021-2022 season where UCO was undefeated at home and made a historic run in the ACHA Men’s D1 National Championships. The Bronchos finished the season ranked 2nd in the nation. Rivera previously served as an assistant coach to program founder and ACHA legendary coach, Craig McAlister.
Rivera also brings several years of playing experience to his new role. He played three seasons with the El Paso Rhinos of the Western States Hockey League where he was part of three conference championships and led the team in points for two of those three seasons. Additionally, Rivera served as captain for the Rhinos for two seasons.
Rivera played his college career under Coach McAlister at UCO, during his time at UCO, Rivera was an integral piece in the program’s first National Championship in 2015. He was named ACHA National Tournament MVP after posting 6 goals and 2 assists in the Bronchos’ four-game run to its first national title. Rivera played three seasons with the Bronchos, where he was both captain and assistant captain. Rivera was a three-time Academic All-American and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from UCO.
Assistant Coach- Brandon Harley
Brandon Harley enters his 7th season behind the bench with Bronchos as an assistant coach. Coach Harley also served under Craig McAlister and has continued his role taking over the defense in 2019-2020 season.
Harley also brings several years of playing experience to his coaching role, playing his junior hockey for the Atlanta Jr. Knights of the EJHL before being recruited to play at UCO. During his college career, Harley played a major role in the programs’ 2015 National Championship posting career numbers during the 2015 campaign.
Harley earned is his Bachelor of Administration in Business Management from UCO.
Assistant Coach- Chris Hille
Chris Hille is making his coaching debut for the Bronchos this season. The Hampton, Virginia native started his college career at Williston State College before transferring to the University of Central Oklahoma in 2018. Hillie played two years for UCO before moving and becoming a Regional Scout for the program.
Hille brings several years of coaching along with him. Chris was the Head Coach for the NA3HL Oklahoma City Ice Hawks for the 2021-2022 season before accepting the Head Coach role for the NA3HL Mid Cities Jr Stars last season in Dallas Texas.
We are excited to bring Hille’s expertise to our program. Please help us welcome Assistant Coach, Chris Hille!!