Scott Paluch is serving as head coach of the U.S. Under-17 Men’s Select Team for the second time in 2023. He was also the team’s head coach in 2001.
Paluch, who works full-time for USA Hockey as director of player development, was the head coach of the gold medal-winning 2016 U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Hockey Team and also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Under-18 Select Team that competed in the 2000 Under-18 Four Nations Tournament.
Paluch joined USA Hockey as a regional manager of the American Development Model in June 2009 and assumed his current role in 2022. He works with local associations and programs across 16 states as a leading resource for age-appropriate training, competition and long-term athlete development.
The Bowling Green State University graduate spent seven seasons (2002-09) as a head men’s ice hockey coach for his alma mater, leading the Falcons to their most wins in 13 years in 2007-08. Prior to his time at Bowling Green, Paluch served as an assistant men’s ice hockey coach at Boston College from 1994-2002 where he helped the Eagles to four consecutive NCAA Men’s Frozen Four appearances from 1997-2001, including the 2001 NCAA Division I National Championship.
The 2008 Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame inductee began his coaching career as an assistant at Bowling Green from 1990-94, during which time he also served as an assistant golf coach and athletic administration intern.
As a player, Paluch patrolled the blue line for Bowling Green from 1984-88, earning All-America and All-Central Collegiate Hockey Association First Team honors his senior season. He graduated as the Falcons’ all-time leader in goals and points among defensemen. Following his collegiate career, Paluch signed a professional contract with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, and played two seasons (1988-90) for Peoria, their International Hockey League affiliate.
On the international stage, Paluch played for the U.S. National Junior Team that won the bronze medal at the 1986 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship in Hamilton, Ont.