J.P. Brazel returns to Tom Mariano's staff as the defensive coordinator and goalie coach for the second season. Brazel came to SHU after spending the 2007 season as an assistant on the Manhattan College staff. Last season Brazel was very fortunate to have coached two All CAA defenders in Pat Healy and Brett McGlensey, both of whom were named second team All CAA.

Brazel, a Levittown, New York native, worked primarily with the offense and goalies under Manhattan head coach Tim McIntee, helping the Jaspers to a 7-8 mark in 2007. While at Manhattan, Brazel coached three All-MAAC performers. Prior to his stop at Manhattan, Brazel served as an assistant coach at Nassau Community College from 2003 to 2006.

While at Nassau CC, Brazel led the development of the team's goaltenders and defensive units as well as working with the team's face-off specialists. In addition to on field coaching, Brazel assisted in the coordination of the team's recruiting efforts. He helped lead the school to the NJCAA Semifinals and Regional Championship in the 2003, 2004 and 2004 seasons. During his tenure at Nassau CC, Brazel coached seven NJCAA All American Defenders, as well as an All American Goalie in two seasons (2004/ 2005).

Nassau was not only the location of the start of Brazel's coaching career but it also marked the beginning of his collegiate playing career as well. In 1999, Brazel earned All-American and position player of the year honors as a goaltender, helping Nassau to an NJCAA Championship title. He then moved on to Hofstra University and while competing for the Pride, led them to two NCAA Tournaments in 2000 and 2001, and was a member of the second highest ranked team in Hofstra history in 2002, which finished ranked sixth in the nation.

Brazel spends his summers working at some of the nation's most prestigious recruiting camps, such as Top 205, Junior 205, and Battle of the Hotbeds.

He holds a degree in psychology from Hofstra University (02')