Josh Petrusma has been elevated from interim to permanent director of Calvin's ACHA hockey program which includes duties as head coach of its ACHA Division I team. He will also oversee the structure and recruiting efforts of Calvin's ACHA Division III team which is led by its head coach Austin Huizenga.

In November, Josh took over as interim director after the untimely death of his father and Calvin ACHA hockey director Mike Petrusma.  The elder Petrusma had built the Calvin hockey program for 28 years including the expansion into two (ACHA Division I and Division III) teams in 2018.  Josh had served as his assistant coach and assistant operations director for 15 years.

Under difficult circumstances, the younger Petrusma did a masterful job of taking the wheel from his father, guiding the Calvin ACHA Division I team to a final season record of 25-7-0 which included a fourth straight trip to the ACHA Division I National Tournament, two road victories at No. 3 Liberty University and a final No 11 national ranking. The Calvin ACHA Division III team, coached by Austin Huizenga, also advanced to the ACHA Division III Tournament, finishing 19-6-3 including at No. 6 national ranking.

"First, I want to thank God for this incredible blessing," said Petrusma. "This program has been such a large part of my life and it means so much to me to be able to continue to be a part of it all.  I'm grateful to (Calvin Director of Athletics) Dr. Jim Timmer, (Calvin Provost) Dr. Noah Toly, and President Greg Elzinga for the opportunity to represent Calvin University and for their commitment and continued support of the hockey program. I'm so thankful to our hockey alumni for their support and encouragement, and to our current players and families for the trust that they've placed in me. I look forward to continuing to build on a great foundation of success on the ice, in the classroom, and in the community."

Timmer said the excitement level in putting a permanent stamp on Petrusma as head coach is high. "We are thrilled to elevate Josh to this position in a permanent role," said Timmer. "He has taken over the reins from his father under difficult circumstances and proven that he is ready to take this step. He strongly reflects the values and beliefs that Calvin is built on and has the strong respect of his peers and his players. I am confident he will be a fantastic leader for our ACHA hockey program."

Petrusma is a graduate of Cornerstone University where he received a bachelor's degree in business administration. He prepped at Grand Rapids Christian High School where he was a member of the boys soccer and hockey teams. He and his wife Michelle have three children: Tessa (9), Jade 7, and Jurjen (6).  He has coached soccer and hockey at youth, high school and college levels for a combined 24 years. Nearly his entire coaching career has been with his father Mike.

Carrying on the lessons from his father will be paramount in his mind.

"I have been so fortunate to have spent most of my life around this program watching my dad build it into what it is today," said Josh.  "Though I would give anything for him to still be with us and having him continue to lead this program, I'm so honored to have the opportunity to carry forward his legacy. He was named to the ACHA hall of fame this past week as a "builder" and that has resonated with me deeply. He built this program and now I have the honor of leading it. The lessons that he has given me will no doubt be a strong foundation for me moving forward."