One of the most respected college hockey leaders in the country, Joe Bertagna is in his 28th season as a Division I college hockey administrator. He became the fourth Commissioner in Hockey East history on July, 1, 1997, after serving 15 years with the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).

A native of Arlington, Massachusetts, Bertagna began working at the ECAC in 1982, when he was named Tournament Director. He was later named Executive Director of Ice Hockey and then became Ice Hockey Commissioner in 1991. His accomplishments at the ECAC included the league's first television package, the first hockey-only corporate sponsorships, and the establishment of the first U.S. women's intercollegiate ice hockey leagues.

Bertagna made his mark immediately at Hockey East, engineering a multi-year television deal in his first month on the job. Shortly thereafter, league tournament attendance rocketed forward, leading to the event's first-ever sellout in 2000.

Most recently, Bertagna was instrumental in bringing about the formation of the Hockey East Women's League, just as he initiated league play for both Division I and Division III women's programs while with the ECAC.

Nationally, Bertagna has served as the Executive Director of the American Hockey Coaches Association since 1991. In that role, he has overseen the growth of AHCA membership from just under 300 members in 1992 to over 1,300 members today. He also served a four-year term on the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee, the final two years as chairman.

The 1973 Harvard graduate has enjoyed a fruitful playing and coaching career. After starring in goal at Arlington (MA) High School, Bertagna went on to Harvard University and played for Hall of Fame coaches Ralph "Cooney" Weiland and Bill Cleary. He started every game in goal during the 1971-72 and 1972-73 seasons, leading the Ivy League with a 2.45 GAA in 1972.

Bertagna played professionally for both the Milwaukee Admirals and for S.G. Cortina d’Ampezzo of the Italian league

After Harvard, Bertagna played professionally for the Milwaukee Admirals and in Cortina, Italy. While in Italy, he led his S.G. Cortina d'Ampezzo squad to the 1975 Italian Championship.

He has authored a number of instructional books and videos on goaltending and edited "Crimson in Triumph", a book dedicated to Harvard athletic history. He also edited two successful issues of, "Not The Boston Globe," a newspaper parody sold throughout New England in the mid-1980's. His creative skills have also led him into video production, freelance writing and producing highlight tapes for Harvard University and the Boston Bruins. He continues to contribute to the college hockey community as a freelance writer and television commentator.

Bertagna enjoyed a brief college coaching career at Harvard University in the late 1970's, serving as Men's Junior Varsity Coach in 1976-77 and launching Harvard's women's ice hockey program in 1977-78. He served as Head Coach of Harvard Women's Hockey for two seasons.

Bertagna began his professional coaching career in 1985 with the Boston Bruins, staying with the Bruins as the goaltender coach until 1991 and rejoining the team for the 1994-95 season. He also has coached with Team USA (1991 Canada Cup and 1994 Winter Olympics) and with the Milwaukee Admirals (1994-96). Bertagna has operated his own goalie camps in the summer since 1973, attracting more than 300 goaltenders annually to the Boston area.

Bertagna and his wife Kathy reside in Gloucester with their three children, Bobby (13), Joey (11) and Grace (8).