Arcadia University announced Tuesday the hiring of former Metro Jets defenseman Vincent Pietrangelo as head coach for the men’s hockey team that will start in 2021-22.

He will begin his tenure with the NCAA Division III Knights on Oct. 1.

Pietrangelo spent the last three seasons as the lead assistant coach at SUNY-Canton.

“We were fortunate to have a deep pool with a number of qualified candidates during this search,” said Arcadia executive director of athletics Brian Granata. “Vincent has strong connections to NCAA Division III through his time playing at Finlandia University and also coaching at Canton. He truly separated himself from the rest of the candidates with his comprehensive recruiting plan and detailed program development outline. Vincent relishes the opportunity to start a men’s ice hockey program from the ground up. His passion to do so was very evident.”

“I want to thank executive director of athletics Brian Granata, assistant director of athletics Michael Hebenstreit and the entire search committee for entrusting me to lead the men’s ice hockey program,” added Pietrangelo. “I’m eager to continue the rich tradition of academics and athletics that Arcadia University has already established and look forward to building a proud and committed program.”

Pietrangelo, a 28-year-old from Traverse City, was drafted second overall by the Jets in the 2009 CSHL Draft.

In 2017, Pietrangelo took on the role of assistant director of intramural sports at Canton. His duties included planning, coordinating and scheduling multiple athletic leagues for the university’s student body.

Before joining Canton, Pietrangelo worked as an assistant coach at Ferris State University for the 2015-16 season.

A defenseman, Pietrangelo played at Finlandia where he was one of two freshmen to dress every game during the 2010-11 season.

Pietrangelo graduated with a bachelor of science in healthcare services administration from Ferris State in 2015.