Michigan Wolverines announce new ‘director of player development’ position, promote L.J. Scarpace

By @MichaelCaples –

The Michigan Wolverines have created a new position in their hockey program, and they’re filling it from within.

The team announced today that L.J. Scarpace, their longtime video coordinator, will now serve as the Wolverines’ director of player development.

“We are pleased that L.J. will continue in this newly created role within our hockey program,” coach Red Berenson said in a release. “His knowledge of Michigan as a former student-athlete and his decade of experience on our staff as video coordinator make him an ideal candidate for this position.”

Scarpace, who has been the team’s video coordinator since 2004, will add responsibilities related to the overall development of student-athletes involved with the UM program.

“I am extremely excited about this newly created position and would like to thank Mr. Brandon and Coach Berenson for giving me this outstanding opportunity,” Scarpace said. “It will be my honor to help our team reach its measurable goals of graduating student-athletes and winning championships. I look forward to using the experience I’ve gained as a student-athlete and video coordinator here at this great university to enhance our program.”

The Dearborn native previously managed the team’s video and statistical systems, along with assisting in the development of on-ice instruction at the annual Red Berenson Hockey Camp.

Scarpace played two seasons of college hockey with Western Michigan before transferring to the University of Michigan in 1998. The goaltender played for the ECHL’s Dayton Bombers and Cincinnati Cyclones before returning to Michigan.