Travis Culhane, B.B.A.’17

Hockey Hero

Director of Hockey Operations, University of Denver

Wayne Gretsky famously said, “Skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been.” Travis Culhane has embraced that concept since his student days as a Medallion Scholar and graduate of the Haworth College of Business and the Lee Honors College. A proud Kalamazoo native, Culhane’s passion for hockey began during his childhood with trips to the Lawson Ice Arena to watch his father Jim Culhane, former head coach for Bronco Hockey. 

His career in hockey started as a student volunteer under Andy Murray, former Bronco Hockey head coach. In that role, he learned the ins and outs of a competitive hockey program. 

Culhane is now in his third season at the University of Denver as the Pioneers’ director of hockey operations. The Pioneers captured a record-tying ninth NCAA National Hockey Championship in April of 2022. The 2023-24 season marks Culhane’s sixth in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.

Inspired to work with young athletes, Culhane manages the youth summer hockey camps at University of Denver, where connecting with the 250 campers brings back great memories of when he was a young hockey player himself. 

Recently, at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, Culhane served as the video coach for Team USA, compiling video for the coaching staff to help with training and scouting. The annual tournament features teams comprised of the best players under the age of 20 from each country. The United States defeated host Sweden 6-2 to win its sixth World Junior Gold Medal. 

Favorite WMU Professor:

“Dr. Derrick McIver (Fun fact: McIver shares Culhane’s passion for hockey as he was a professional hockey player before pursuing his career in academia.)”