ITHACA, N.Y. -- Ben Syer, who spent much of the last decade helping build the Quinnipiac men's ice hockey program into a perennial ECAC Hockey contender, has been named assistant coach at Cornell University it was announced today by Mike Schafer, The Jay R. Bloom '77 Head Coach of Men's Hockey. Syer replaces Casey Jones, who recently accepted the head coaching position at Clarkson University.

"I have a lot of respect for Ben," Schafer said. "His defensemen have always been very well-coached. Previous assistants and other coaches I've talked to respect his ability to recruit top student-athletes. There is no question he is one of the top recruiters in college hockey, so we're excited to bring a quality coach on board to replace a quality coach lost."

"I am thrilled to join Coach Schafer's staff and the Cornell hockey program," Syer said. "I want to thank Mike for the opportunity to contribute to such a highly respected program. My family and I look forward to moving into the area and becoming part of Cornell community."

Syer served as Associate Head Coach during his 12 seasons at Quinnipiac under head coach Rand Pecknold. During that run, the Bobcats posted a 242-168-46 record with one NCAA tournament appearance (2002) and nine 20-win seasons. Quinnipiac won the 2005 Atlantic Hockey regular season title and the 1999 MAAC regular season and 2002 MAAC tournament championship crowns during his tenure.

Quinnipiac reached the MAAC tournament semifinals in each of the first four years of Syer's tenure, including three straight MAAC finals appearances. Included in that span were the 2002 MAAC tournament title and the first NCAA appearance in program history. The Bobcats also won the MAAC regular-season title in Syer's first year at Quinnipiac.

A native of Kitchener, Ontario, Syer arrived at Quinnipiac after serving one season as an assistant coach at Ohio University. At Ohio, Syer assisted with practice and game preparation as well as recruiting.

A 1998 graduate of Western Ontario, Syer earned a bachelor's degree in urban development. He also has prior coaching experience with the North Middlesex Stars, a junior development team based in Parkhill, Ontario. He earned his master's degree in physical education with a concentration in athletic administation in 2000.