University of St. Thomas Athletics
Staff Directory
Hayward, Leon
Leon Hayward
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
- Email:
- Phone:
- 651-962-5940
Leon Hayward is entering his third season as the assistant coach of the St. Thomas men's hockey team in 2023-24.
Hayward has been a part of the Tommies Division I program since its inaugural season. The team finished with three wins in its first year with Hayward on the staff. In year two, the program saw upticks in multiple statistical categories and improved to 11 wins on the season, including standout victories against Michigan Tech and Minnesota State.The Tommies defeated all seven CCHA opponents at least once in 2022-'23.
Hayward is starting his 17th season in coaching in Fall 2023. The Seattle, Wash., native served as assistant coach the last four seasons at Colorado College, working with defensemen and penalty kills on the ice while also coordinating the Tigers' recruiting operations.
Hayward helped Colorado College's Division I recruiting class rankings move from 39th to 13th to fourth nationally, and he helped bring three players aboard who were NHL draft selections. In March 2019, Colorado College became the first program to win a NCHC road playoff series.
Hayward also coached high school hockey in Connecticut and Massachusetts at the Old Avon Farms, Governor's and Taft prep schools. He received a master's degree in Leadership from Northeastern in 2014.
He played in 132 college game as a forward at Division I Northeastern (1998-2002), scoring 30 points (15 goals) and as a senior received the team's Unsung Hero Award. He scored 85 goals and had 88 assists in six pro seasons, included four in the American Hockey League. He led Trenton to an ECHL championship in 2005 and was named Finals MVP as he finished with 11 points over 20 playoff games.
Hayward and his wife, Jessica, have two sons, Ellison and Harlan.
Coach Blasi says, "I really like Leon's overall Division I recruiting experience, especially his familiarity to recruiting the Minnesota player."
Hayward has been a part of the Tommies Division I program since its inaugural season. The team finished with three wins in its first year with Hayward on the staff. In year two, the program saw upticks in multiple statistical categories and improved to 11 wins on the season, including standout victories against Michigan Tech and Minnesota State.The Tommies defeated all seven CCHA opponents at least once in 2022-'23.
Hayward is starting his 17th season in coaching in Fall 2023. The Seattle, Wash., native served as assistant coach the last four seasons at Colorado College, working with defensemen and penalty kills on the ice while also coordinating the Tigers' recruiting operations.
Hayward helped Colorado College's Division I recruiting class rankings move from 39th to 13th to fourth nationally, and he helped bring three players aboard who were NHL draft selections. In March 2019, Colorado College became the first program to win a NCHC road playoff series.
Hayward also coached high school hockey in Connecticut and Massachusetts at the Old Avon Farms, Governor's and Taft prep schools. He received a master's degree in Leadership from Northeastern in 2014.
He played in 132 college game as a forward at Division I Northeastern (1998-2002), scoring 30 points (15 goals) and as a senior received the team's Unsung Hero Award. He scored 85 goals and had 88 assists in six pro seasons, included four in the American Hockey League. He led Trenton to an ECHL championship in 2005 and was named Finals MVP as he finished with 11 points over 20 playoff games.
Hayward and his wife, Jessica, have two sons, Ellison and Harlan.
Coach Blasi says, "I really like Leon's overall Division I recruiting experience, especially his familiarity to recruiting the Minnesota player."
Press Conference: Tommie Football Postgame v Lindenwood 08/28/25
Friday, August 29
Tommie Football Intro Video 2025
Thursday, August 28
Beyond The Buzzer: Schoenecker Arena Setup
Wednesday, July 23
Beyond The Buzzer: Sports Medicine
Wednesday, July 23
