ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan ice hockey head coach Mel Pearson announced Friday (Aug. 16) the hiring of Kris Mayotte as the Wolverines' assistant coach.

"I am extremely excited with the addition of Kris to our hockey staff," Pearson said. "Kris is a proven winner who will assist us with all aspects of our program. He is a tireless recruiter with an extensive recruiting network. In recent years at Providence he did outstanding work, especially with the goalies and defensemen. I want to welcome Kris and his wife Juli to the Michigan family."

Mayotte spent four seasons at Providence College, where he served as associate head coach the past two seasons. A member of the 2015 NCAA National Championship coaching staff, Mayotte worked primarily with the Friar goaltenders as well as with the penalty-kill unit and handled all aspects of recruiting.

"I am honored and humbled to join such a prestigious hockey program and institution," said Mayotte. "I look forward to helping build on the foundation that the coaching staff has set. There is an exciting future ahead for Michigan hockey and I can't wait to get started."

Under his guidance, Friar goaltenders and penalty-kill units ranked among the nation's best each of the last three seasons. Last season, the Friars finished tied for sixth in the nation for fewest goals against per game (2.00) while its penalty-kill unit ranked fourth (87 percent).

Prior to joining the staff at Providence, Mayotte spent two seasons (2012-13 and 2013-14) as an assistant coach at St. Lawrence University. Mayotte was the primary recruiter and worked closely with the goaltenders and penalty-kill unit during his time with the Saints. Prior to St. Lawrence, he was a volunteer assistant coach at Cornell (2011-12) and a full-time goalie coach in Maryland (2010-11).

As a collegian, Mayotte spent four seasons at Union College (2002-06) as its starting goaltender. Mayotte finished his college career with 116 games played and a 2.69 goals-against average while earning Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Hockey All-Rookie Team (2003) and ECAC Second All-Star Team (2006) honors.

After graduation, Mayotte spent five seasons playing professionally, which included American Hockey League (AHL) stints with Lowell, Hershey, Bridgeport and Adirondack. He also played in the ECHL for San Diego, Fresno and Johnstown, and in the Central Hockey League (CHL) for Arizona.

Mayotte is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.