Hobart has filled the vacancy on its coaching staff, announcing that Dawson Garcia will join head coach Mark Taylor as an assistant coach for the 2026-27 season.
Garcia replaces Alec Marsh, who departed to become Penn State’s director of player personnel and video. Taylor praised Garcia’s experience and familiarity with the program after two seasons at Niagara University, where he worked alongside three former Hobart assistants.
“I’m excited to add Dawson to our staff,” Taylor said. “The past two years he has been at Niagara University working with three of my former Hobart assistants, so I know firsthand the mentorship he has received. He knows a lot about what Hobart hockey is all about. He also brings years of skill development and power skating teaching experience that will be a direct benefit to our players. His hunger and professionalism matched our mantra of full effort with complete character. I’m excited to have Dawson and his wife, Rachael, part of the Hobart hockey family.”
Garcia spent the past two seasons as a graduate assistant at Niagara, helping with opponent scouting, video analysis, practice planning and player development. He also developed a faceoff scouting system that helped the Purple Eagles rank among the NCAA’s top 10 in faceoff percentage in both seasons. Outside the college game, Garcia has served as head instructor at Paul Vincent’s Hockey Academy since 2023 and founded DG Hockey, where he oversees skill development programs for youth and high school players. A 2024 Westfield State graduate, Garcia captained the Owls during his senior season and later earned a master’s degree in sports management from Niagara.
Marsh’s move to Penn State continues Hobart’s trend of sending assistant coaches to Division I programs, with each of Taylor’s last five assistants advancing to the Division I level. “We can’t thank Marshy enough,” Taylor said. “He will do well at Penn State. I know how special it is to get one of your own players back on staff, and it’s also pretty special for the player to be back helping his alma mater too. The team and I are happy for him.”
Hobart opens the 2026-27 season on October 30 when it hosts rival Elmira at The Cooler.
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.