DULUTH, Minn. – Head St. Scholastica women's hockey coach Jackie MacMillan has announced that former University of Minnesota-Duluth player Jessica Flink has been named the assistant coach of the inaugural CSS women's hockey program.

Flink was a key member of the inaugural UMD women's hockey team. She was a part of the NCAA Division I National Championship teams in both 2001 and 2002. She was also on the WCHA All-Academic Team 2001 and 2002.

"Jessi has been a part of building a National Championship program at UMD and her experience will be instrumental for helping build a successful program here at St. Scholastica," MacMillan said.

After her playing days, she was an assistant at Duluth East High School from 2003 to 2005. She will be leaving her current job as an Engineering Technician at Golder Associates Inc.

"It was extremely impressive to us that Jessi had a lot of life experience outside of athletics after her college career at UMD, but recognized her passion and desire for the game of hockey and being part of a competitive program was something she was committed to getting back,” MacMillan said. “She is enthusiastic about working within the St. Scholastica community and that was an important value to our program."

Flink will join fellow assistant and current CSS women's soccer coach Dave Reyelts on the inaugural staff.

“I am very excited and thankful about getting the opportunity to work at St. Scholastica,” Flink said. “I am looking forward to being part of the inaugural season and helping the CSS women's hockey program be a success.”

The Saints will begin their first season on Friday, November 5th at Mars Lakeview Arena against Augsburg College at 7 p.m. The Auggies are coached by Flink's former teammate and former UMD assistant Michele McAteer.