Bob Rosen

Robert Rosen’s lifelong commitment to Western New York athletics is defined by excellence, longevity, and a rare ability to impact multiple sports at the highest levels.

After graduating from Williamsville North High School in 1979, Bob Rosen played hockey for the Junior A Buffalo Sabres and SUNY Canton, which won a national junior college championship.

He continued his playing career at Canisius College. Not only was Rosen a leader on and off the ice, but he grew to understand all aspects of the game – which allowed him to transition into an assistant coaching role with the Golden Griffins.

In 1990, he was named head coach of Williamsville North, and in 36 seasons, he built the Spartans into a powerhouse program. Rosen has amassed 579 career victories, more than any high school hockey coach in New York State history. His teams have captured five New York State Championships (2002, 2004, 2006, 2011, 2017), and his 2011 squad achieved perfection with an undefeated season. Rosen guided Williamsville North to the state finals seven times in their first eight years of eligibility, beginning in 2001. His team became the first public school to win a Federation Championship.

Rosen was also a successful coach for Amherst hockey. His Junior B and Junior C hockey teams won four combined National Championships – highlighted by the first undefeated season at the Junior B level in USA Hockey (1987–88). He also coached Team East at the USA Hockey Select 17 National Tournament.

Rosen has been named New York State Coach of the Year three times, (2006, 2011, 2017), and in 2019 he received the prestigious American Hockey Coaches Association, John Mariucci Award.

Rosen is also known as one of the region’s top amateur golfers. He’s captured multiple Buffalo District Golf Association (BDGA) titles and multiple senior titles. He is also a seven-time BDGA Senior Player of the Year. Rosen won 15 Club Championships at Westwood Country Club and additional titles at Glen Oak, and Senior and Match Play Club championships at The Country Club of Buffalo.

Rosen has competed in 37 NYS Amateur and NYS Mid-Amateur championships and is a two-time NYSGA Senior 4-Ball Champion.
Bob Rosen has been inducted into the Amherst Hockey Hall of Fame, the Williamsville North Hall of Fame, and the Section VI Hall of Fame.