USA Hockey announced on Monday that recent Canisius College graduate Cole Burkhalter will serve as the first-ever recipient of the Brendan Burke Internship. Burkhalter worked closely with the Golden Griffin hockey staff during the 2009-10 season.

“Cole is a great young man who has done an outstanding job within our hockey program,” said Canisius head coach Dave Smith. “He has added a great deal to Canisius College and will do the same within USA Hockey. He was a great selection to be the first-ever recipient of a very great internship at USA Hockey.”

During his tenure at Canisius, Burkhalter served as a hockey operations intern, while completing his master’s degree in sport administration. His main responsibilities included breaking down game film and organizing team travel. He also coached the eighth grade boys’ varsity prep hockey team at Nichols School.

Burkhalter’s responsibilities at USA Hockey will vary from working with national teams, international events and player development camps to gaining experience with the American Development Model, National Team Development Program and Coaching Education Program.

“We’re excited to add Cole to our staff,” said Assistant Executive Director of USA Hockey Jim Johannson. “He’ll always have the distinction of being the first-ever Brendan Burke Intern and I’m confident he’ll do a great job and make the most out of the opportunity.”

Established earlier this year, the Brendan Burke Internship is awarded annually to a recent college graduate who is pursuing a career in hockey operations. The internship was founded in memory of the late Brendan Burke, who served as a student assistant for Miami University and was the son of Brian Burke, general manager of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team and the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs. Brendan Burke passed away in an automobile accident on Feb. 5, 2010.

During the 2009-10 campaign, Burkhalter helped the Griffs to one of their most successful seasons at the Division I level. Canisius won its most games in nine years and advanced to the Atlantic Hockey Semifinals for the first time since 2004.

(Photo Credit: Tom Wolf Imaging)