The Cronin name has returned to Northeastern hockey.

Just under a month since the announcement that the Athletic Department would not renew Bruce Crowder’s contract, Greg Cronin, most recently head coach of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL), the top affiliate of the New York Islanders, was introduced as the newest Husky coach yesterday at the Matthews Arena Varsity Club.

Cronin’s father, Don, was a three-year letterman for the Huskies in the late 1950s, including a 1958 Beanpot All-Tournament selection, while serving as team captain in 1958-59. His uncle, Gerry, was a 1961 Beanpot All-Tournament selection for the Huskies in 1961, while acting as a team captain in 1960-61.

Also adding to the family name is Greg’s cousin, Kerry, who was a member of the women’s hockey team from 1983-86.

“I tried to summarize it to President [Richard] Freeland after Greg had a chance to meet with him,” said Athletics Director Dave O’Brien at the press conference. “[Freeland] asked for my thoughts regarding [Cronin’s] candidacy and I tried to sum up what I felt was an outstanding candidate. I said, and I truly believe this, ‘He was the best prepared coach I’ve ever interviewed in 14 years as a Division I athletic director.’ Most importantly, his personal qualities of integrity and loyalty and commitment to excellence actually exceed a superb r