Canterbury Appoints Dan Fridgen and Katie Mandigo Interim Hockey Head Coaches

Canterbury School has appointed Coach Dan Fridgen Interim Head Coach of Boys’ Varsity Hockey and Coach Katie Mandigo Interim Head Coach of Girls’ Varsity Hockey for the 2026–27 season.

Coach Fridgen steps into the Boys’ Varsity Hockey role following the passing of Coach Andrey Uryadov, who was preparing to lead the program this season. Canterbury continues to mourn Coach Uryadov’s loss and remains committed to supporting his family, players, and all those affected by his passing.

Coach Mandigo succeeds former Girls’ Varsity Hockey Head Coach Eliza Beaudin, who was recruited by her alma mater, Elmira College, to serve as Head Coach of its women’s ice hockey program.

The appointments place both Canterbury programs in the hands of experienced leaders while allowing the School the time needed to conduct comprehensive national searches for its next head coaches.

Coach Dan Fridgen: A Proven Leader in College Hockey

Coach Fridgen brings decades of experience as a collegiate head coach, recruiter, player developer, and professional athlete. He spent 17 years on the coaching staff at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), including 12 seasons as Head Coach, and remains the winningest coach in program history.

Under his leadership, the Engineers won the 1995 ECAC Championship, advanced to the NCAA Tournament, recorded five 20-win seasons, and qualified for the league playoffs every year. Eleven of his players were selected in the NHL Entry Draft, and more than 30 went on to play professionally.

“Dan has achieved at every level of the game—as a player, recruiter, developer of talent, and head coach,” said Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars Rob Morris. “His record speaks for itself, but equally important is his ability to bring players together, help them reach their potential, and prepare them for opportunities at the next level. Our players and program will benefit tremendously from his experience and leadership.”

A standout player at Colgate University, Coach Fridgen broke 15 school records, including career goals and single-season points. His four consecutive hat tricks earned him recognition in Sports Illustrated, and he was later inducted into the Colgate Athletics Hall of Fame.

Following graduation, Coach Fridgen signed with the Hartford Whalers and played within the organization at both the NHL and American Hockey League levels. He began his coaching career at Union College before joining RPI.

Coach Fridgen has already begun getting to know the team, having coached several Canterbury players at the recent CEM Fall League Labor Day Showcase. His extensive experience recruiting and developing college-bound athletes will be particularly valuable to players pursuing opportunities at the next level.

Coach Katie Mandigo: A Familiar Leader Returns to Canterbury

For Coach Mandigo, the appointment marks a return to Canterbury and a program she previously led. From 2017 to 2021, she served as Head Coach of Girls’ Varsity Hockey, Assistant Director of College Counseling, Assistant Coach of Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse, dorm parent, and student advisor. She left Canterbury to pursue a graduate degree at Columbia University.

“Katie knows Canterbury, understands the expectations of our Athletics program, and cares deeply about the development of every student-athlete,” Morris said. “She brings a strong knowledge of the game, firsthand experience competing at the collegiate level, and a clear understanding of the recruitment process. We are thrilled to welcome her back and have tremendous confidence in her ability to lead a competitive and rewarding season.”

Before joining Canterbury, Coach Mandigo served as Head Coach of both Girls’ Varsity Hockey and Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse at Holderness School and was a member of the Admission team.

A graduate of Middlebury College, Coach Mandigo served as an assistant captain in women’s ice hockey and helped the Panthers reach the 2013 NCAA Championship game before winning the 2016 NESCAC title and advancing to the NCAA semifinals. She also received the Captain John Owen Memorial Award for her dedication to the hockey program. A two-sport athlete, she helped Middlebury win the 2016 NCAA Division III Lacrosse Championship and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. That year, she also received the department-wide Deborah Parton ’76 Memorial Award for spirit and dedication.

Coach Fridgen and Coach Mandigo will begin working with their respective teams as Canterbury prepares for the 2026–27 winter season.