Scott Paluch joined USA Hockey as a regional manager of the American Development Model in June 2009 before being named to his current role of director of player development in November 2022 where he works with local associations and programs as a leading resource for age-appropriate training, competition and long-term athlete development.

His primary focus is on servicing programs in 16 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, western Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

The Bowling Green State University graduate spent seven seasons (2002-09) as a head men's ice hockey coach for his alma mater, leading the Falcons to their most wins in 13 years in 2007-08.

Prior to his time at Bowling Green, Paluch served as an assistant coach at Boston College from 1994-2002 where he helped the Eagles to four consecutive NCAA Men’s Frozen Four appearances from 1997-2001, and  the NCAA Division I National Championship in 2001.

The 2008 Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame inductee began his coaching career as an assistant men's ice hockey coach at Bowling Green from 1990-94, during which time he also served as an assistant golf coach and athletic the administration intern.

Paluch also boasts a long history with USA Hockey as both a coach and a player. He served as the head coach for the 2001 U.S. Under-17 Select Team that played in the Under-17 Four Nations Tournament in Prievidza, Slovakia, and was an assistant coach for the U.S. Under-18 Select Team that competed in the 2000 Under-18 Four Nations Tournament in Kezmarok, Slovakia. In February 2016, Paluch served as head coach of the gold medal-winning 2016 U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Hockey Team.

In addition, Paluch played for the U.S. National Junior Team that won the bronze medal at the 1986 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship in Hamilton, Ont.

Along with his USA Hockey playing experience, Paluch patrolled the blue line for Bowling Green from 1984-88, earning All-America and All-Central Collegiate Hockey Association First Team honors his senior season. He graduated as the Falcons’ all-time leader in goals and points among defensemen. Following his collegiate career, Paluch signed a professional contract with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, and played two seasons (1988-90) for Peoria, their International Hockey League affiliate.

Paluch and his wife, Amy, reside in Bowling Green, Ohio, and are the parents of three children: Jacob, Casey and Ben.