[8/2/2021 – Niles, IL] Notre Dame College Prep (NDCP) in Niles, Illinois is pleased to announce the appointment of Vas Kolias to the position of varsity assistant coach of the Notre Dame College Prep hockey program. 

Kolias will serve under new head coach, Matt Leitzke. “I am thrilled to bring Vas onboard. He is a demonstrated leader who has played the game at its highest levels, and he has a passion to be an even better coach than player,” said Leitzke. “I am very excited to see what the two of us can achieve together for the NDCP hockey program.”

Kolias, a native of Schaumburg, has an extensive and successful background on the ice. He grew up playing as a highly touted player for the Chicago Mission (eight-time state champion, National Champion U16 in 2013) who went on to be named a United States Hockey League All Star and Gold Medalist with the Five Nations USA Team (2013). Kolias then played for the Youngstown Phantoms (2014-16) team that set a UHL record of 17 games without a loss. Kolias headed to New York for college where he was a four-year NCAA Division I hockey player at Union College in Schenectady. His team captured an ECAC title, three Mayors Cups and earned an NCAA tournament appearance. Kolias served as team captain during his senior year (2019-20). Kolias currently serves as the skills instructor for the Hoffman Estates Timberwolves program. 

"I'm extremely excited and humbled to be joining the NDCP program,” said Kolias. I feel the program presents the perfect opportunity for true development, camaraderie, and passion. I am excited to serve by Coach Leitzke's side.”

"We are extremely happy to have someone with the experience and energy that Vas Kolias brings to the Hockey Program as he takes on the role of a varsity assistant coach. We look forward to having Vas Kolias as a staff member for the program, and we feel confident that he will be a great fit for our varsity team,” said Michael Hennessey, Athletic Director for the Notre Dame Dons. 

NDCP President Shay Boyle echoes the sentiment. “Coach Vas brings an amazing hockey background as a player and coach to the NDCP program. He is an elite hockey skills trainer who will work tirelessly to improve our Dons on and off the ice,” said Boyle. “I am excited for the future of Notre Dame Hockey under the direction of Coach Leitzke and Coach Kolias.”

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Notre Dame College Prep is the largest all-male school in Illinois. Sponsored by the Brothers of Holy Cross, Midwest Province and located on 28-acres in Niles, Illinois, NDCP guides students with its core pillars of faith, scholarship and service, and a challenging curriculum to meet the individual needs of a diverse student body. With 16 interscholastic sports and more than 30 clubs, activities and intramurals, the 800 students achieve a well-balanced education and nearly 100 percent of its graduates go on to college.