Mark Kumpel returns to the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team as a team leader for the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup after serving in the same role for the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team that placed fourth at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He was also the team leader for the 2017 U.S. entry.

Kumpel has been the Director of Hockey Operations for the Eastern Hockey League since April of 2013.  His day-to-day duties include handling all EHL hockey operations, working with each coaching staff to ensure new EHL standards are met and helping brand the EHL name with youth and Junior players throughout the United States.

Prior to joining the EHL staff, Kumpel served as head coach of the Walpole Express for five years, leading the team to three consecutive AJHL playoff championships (2009-12) and two regular-season titles (2011, 2012). Before his time with the Express, Kumpel served as head coach of the Nashville Knights and Dayton Bombers of the ECHL, as well as the AHL's Portland Pirates. He also worked as a scout for the Atlanta Thrashers.

Along with his career off the ice, Kumpel enjoyed success as a player, skating for the University of Massachusetts-Lowell from 1979-83 before embarking on a lengthy career in the NHL and AHL.

A member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team, Kumpel played 288 games in the NHL with the Quebec Nordiques, Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets, totaling 38 goals and 46 assists for 84 points.