Building the Future of NIU Hockey
Stonebridge resident Doug Luken brings decades of leadership experience and a lifelong passion for hockey to Northern Illinois University's growing program as it pursues championship aspirations and new community partnerships.
After more than three decades in Corporate America, Stonebridge resident Doug Luken traded business meetings for hockey rinks—and he couldn't be happier.
Today, Luken serves as General Manager of NIU Hockey and Assistant Coach of the D1 team, where he is helping shape the future of one of Northern Illinois University's oldest club sports. Founded in 1963, NIU Hockey has a long history, but Luken and the program's leadership have their sights set on an even bigger future: building a nationally recognized program capable of competing for national championships.
Today, Luken serves as General Manager of NIU Hockey and Assistant Coach of the D1 team, where he is helping shape the future of one of Northern Illinois University's oldest club sports. Founded in 1963, NIU Hockey has a long history, but Luken and the program's leadership have their sights set on an even bigger future: building a nationally recognized program capable of competing for national championships.
For Luken, the transition from the consumer products industry to college athletics was driven by a lifelong love of the game. "I spent 32 years in Corporate America and knew I wanted to do something different," he said.
Before officially retiring, Luken reached out to longtime friend Myke Bangs, Head Coach and Hockey Director for NIU's Division I program. The two had coached youth hockey together for years while raising their families, and Luken simply asked if there might be an opportunity to stay involved in the sport. That conversation opened the door.
Luken joined NIU Hockey as the assistant coach for the Division I team, managing video analysis and helping with player development throughout the season. In late January, he stepped into the role of General Manager after the previous GM resigned.
His first season with the program proved to be an exciting one. Both NIU's Division I and Division III teams enjoyed successful campaigns, with the Division I team having their best season since coming into existence in 2019. Luken also joined Bangs on the coaching staff for the Plainfield Predators varsity high school hockey team, which also had an outstanding season winning the Illinois West Cup Championship for the first time in program history and making the final four of the State Tournament.
Now serving as General Manager in addition to his coaching duties, Luken oversees many of the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that help a college hockey program thrive—from operations and fundraising to recruiting support and long-term strategic planning.
The future looks especially bright for NIU Hockey. Beginning this fall, both teams will call Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva their new home, providing improved facilities and greater visibility within one of the region's strongest hockey communities.
Looking ahead, the program also hopes to expand by adding a women's hockey team within the next few years. "Women's hockey has grown tremendously," Luken said. "Many universities in our area are adding programs, and we believe it's the natural next step for NIU Hockey."
As the program continues to grow, community support will play a vital role. NIU Hockey is actively seeking partnerships with local businesses interested in sponsoring the program. Sponsorships help fund equipment, travel, player development, recruiting efforts and program enhancements while providing businesses with valuable visibility among students, families and hockey fans throughout northern Illinois. A great way to get started would be supporting NIU Hockey's Golf Outing on Saturday August 22nd. For more information see niuicehockey.com/events.
Before officially retiring, Luken reached out to longtime friend Myke Bangs, Head Coach and Hockey Director for NIU's Division I program. The two had coached youth hockey together for years while raising their families, and Luken simply asked if there might be an opportunity to stay involved in the sport. That conversation opened the door.
Luken joined NIU Hockey as the assistant coach for the Division I team, managing video analysis and helping with player development throughout the season. In late January, he stepped into the role of General Manager after the previous GM resigned.
His first season with the program proved to be an exciting one. Both NIU's Division I and Division III teams enjoyed successful campaigns, with the Division I team having their best season since coming into existence in 2019. Luken also joined Bangs on the coaching staff for the Plainfield Predators varsity high school hockey team, which also had an outstanding season winning the Illinois West Cup Championship for the first time in program history and making the final four of the State Tournament.
Now serving as General Manager in addition to his coaching duties, Luken oversees many of the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that help a college hockey program thrive—from operations and fundraising to recruiting support and long-term strategic planning.
The future looks especially bright for NIU Hockey. Beginning this fall, both teams will call Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva their new home, providing improved facilities and greater visibility within one of the region's strongest hockey communities.
Looking ahead, the program also hopes to expand by adding a women's hockey team within the next few years. "Women's hockey has grown tremendously," Luken said. "Many universities in our area are adding programs, and we believe it's the natural next step for NIU Hockey."
As the program continues to grow, community support will play a vital role. NIU Hockey is actively seeking partnerships with local businesses interested in sponsoring the program. Sponsorships help fund equipment, travel, player development, recruiting efforts and program enhancements while providing businesses with valuable visibility among students, families and hockey fans throughout northern Illinois. A great way to get started would be supporting NIU Hockey's Golf Outing on Saturday August 22nd. For more information see niuicehockey.com/events.
"Our vision is to build something the entire community can be proud of," Luken said. "We're always looking for businesses that want to be part of that journey."
Luken's own hockey journey began decades ago. A Naperville native, he played at Naperville North High School before continuing his hockey career at Illinois State University. He later earned his MBA from DePaul University while building a successful corporate career.
Although his professional path has changed, hockey has remained a constant throughout his life. For nearly 50 years, he has been involved in the sport as a player, coach, scout, board member, parent and fan. His connection to the game also extends to his family.
Doug and his wife, Melissa, have lived in the Lakeridge neighborhood of Stonebridge for the past 16 years and recently celebrated 21 years of marriage. Together they have six children: Kyle, Taylor, Carter, Raleigh, Danica and Crosby. Hockey has become a family tradition, with both Kyle and Crosby playing competitively. Kyle previously skated for NIU Hockey, while Crosby currently plays for the Cyclones organization based out of Fox Valley Ice Arena.
Outside of hockey season, the Lukens enjoy traveling together each summer, exploring new destinations across the country and around the world. But once fall arrives, Doug is right back where he's happiest—at the rink.
With experienced leadership, ambitious goals and growing community support, NIU Hockey is entering an exciting new era. For Luken, it's the perfect second career: combining decades of leadership experience with a lifelong passion for the sport he loves.
With the season starting Friday, Sep 4th, Stonebridge residents and local businesses interested in learning more about NIU Hockey, securing game tickets, and exploring sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to visit NIUIceHockey.com to connect with the program as it continues toward a championship future.
Luken's own hockey journey began decades ago. A Naperville native, he played at Naperville North High School before continuing his hockey career at Illinois State University. He later earned his MBA from DePaul University while building a successful corporate career.
Although his professional path has changed, hockey has remained a constant throughout his life. For nearly 50 years, he has been involved in the sport as a player, coach, scout, board member, parent and fan. His connection to the game also extends to his family.
Doug and his wife, Melissa, have lived in the Lakeridge neighborhood of Stonebridge for the past 16 years and recently celebrated 21 years of marriage. Together they have six children: Kyle, Taylor, Carter, Raleigh, Danica and Crosby. Hockey has become a family tradition, with both Kyle and Crosby playing competitively. Kyle previously skated for NIU Hockey, while Crosby currently plays for the Cyclones organization based out of Fox Valley Ice Arena.
Outside of hockey season, the Lukens enjoy traveling together each summer, exploring new destinations across the country and around the world. But once fall arrives, Doug is right back where he's happiest—at the rink.
With experienced leadership, ambitious goals and growing community support, NIU Hockey is entering an exciting new era. For Luken, it's the perfect second career: combining decades of leadership experience with a lifelong passion for the sport he loves.
With the season starting Friday, Sep 4th, Stonebridge residents and local businesses interested in learning more about NIU Hockey, securing game tickets, and exploring sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to visit NIUIceHockey.com to connect with the program as it continues toward a championship future.