Former NCAA Division I women’s hockey student-athlete Claire Tyo, a Massena native, was named the next assistant coach of the women’s hockey program in July 2025. Tyo enters her second season as a member of the Roos coaching staff for the 2026-27 season after a five-year playing career spending four years with Providence College and her final graduate season crosstown at St. Lawrence.
The Roos went 13-9-4 overall in their second season in the SUNYAC during the 2025-26 season earning the five seed in the playoffs before eventually falling 3-2 in OT at William Smith in the first round. Asha Hanson earned the highest female GPA in the graduating class award for the SUNY Canton Athletics department. Sydney Valiquette and Ally Bickford were recognized with the Outstanding Bachelor's and Associate's Graduate Awards, respectively, at SUNY Canton's Commencement.
“I am thrilled to have Claire join our staff and program,” Head Coach Kalie Hart said at the time of her hiring. “She had a very successful playing career at both Providence and St. Lawrence and undoubtedly will be a tremendous resource and influence on our players. She will be pivotal in our continued growth and success as a program.”
Tyo appeared in 124 games for the Friars tallying 38 points on six goals and 32 assists. She scored three power play goals and one game-winner. The Massena native registered 18 points on three goals and 15 assists over 39 games in her final season with the Saints during the 2024-25 season. She tallied a season-best three points with three assists in a 6-5 win at Clarkson on January 24th and scored the overtime game-winner in a 3-2 win against Yale on February 28th.
“I’m excited to join the SUNY Canton staff and team,” Tyo said at the time of her hiring. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get the season started!”
Tyo graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Leadership at St. Lawrence. She was a three-sport athlete at Massena Central playing hockey, lacrosse and soccer. Tyo also played for the Ottawa Lady Senators.
“It’s great to have a high-caliber local player join our staff,” Hart said. “I’m excited for our players to learn from Claire, and I’m sure she will teach me a lot along the way too.”
(Updated 10/23/26)
