Michael Fanelli is in his second season as a member of the BSU men's hockey coaching staff. He serves as the Beavers' video coordinator and contributes to the staff's practice plan and on-ice coaching duties.
The Beavers marked a 19-20 record with a 14-12 record in CCHA play during the 2021-22 season. Ranked or receiving votes through most of the season, the Beavers toppled fellow ranked or RV teams nine times in regular season play, including a win against then No. 6 University of North Dakota and eight wins versus teams that received votes. The Beavers, who were slated third in the CCHA leading up to playoffs, made their run to the CCHA Championship versus No. 1 Minnesota State University Mankato. The team earned nine CCHA Player of the Week honors and four Player of the Month accolades. Senior Owen Sillinger was also awarded HCA Player of the Month honors and was a nominee for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. Elias Rosen earned All-CCHA First Team honors while Sillinger was named to the second team and Mattias Sholl to the All-CCHA Rookie Team.
Fanelli comes to BSU after serving as the hockey analytics assistant for the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning from 2017-2020, where he was part of the Lightning's 2020 Stanley Cup Playoff title. While at Tampa Bay, he tracked data and statistics for special teams, opponent scouting, draft preparation and free agency.
During the 2018-19 season, Fanelli served as the associate head coach for the University of South Florida's ACAH men's hockey team. He helped direct the Bulls to their first ACAH National Tournament, to their first tournament win and finished the season ranked third in the nation. He was responsible for recruiting student-athletes, monitoring academic and athletic eligibility, practice planning, on-ice coaching and scheduling.
Prior to his time at South Florida, Fanelli was a Lightening Made Hockey Instructor. In addition he is certified as a Level 3 Coach by USA Hockey.
A student at South Florida, he played for the Bulls in 2016-17 and was the club team's vice president and alternate captain.
