Boys' Prep Hockey Head Coach

A South Burlington, Vermont native, Ben Finkelstein has competed at elite levels across college, professional, and international hockey. After starring at Kimball Union Academy, where he was a high-school All-American defenseman and team captain. Finkelstein was selected in the seventh round, 195th overall, of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Florida Panthers. 

He went on to play NCAA Division I hockey, first with St. Lawrence University—where he tied for the third-best offensive season by a rookie defenseman in program history and later with Boston College, earning Hockey East Second Team All-Star honors and ranking among the national leaders in plus-minus in his senior season. 

After college, Finkelstein continued his playing career professionally in both the American Hockey League (AHL) and ECHL before taking opportunities overseas in Europe. His professional and international experience gives him a deep understanding of the demands and preparation required at advanced levels of competition.

In addition to his coaching role at Rice, Finkelstein recently launched the Vermont Hockey School, including an off ice shooting facility, and leads skill development programs, clinics, and camps for players across the region.