Yesterday Roby introduced Jim Madigan, 48, as the 10th coach in the program’s storied history. The former Huskies standout, who played for the team from 1981-85, brings more than a quarter century of experience to Huntington Avenue. After his playing career, he served as assistant coach at NU from 1986-93. He went on to a scouting job with the New York Islanders before taking a scouting position with the Pittsburgh Penguins, with whom he won a Stanley Cup in 2009.

“It’s a true honor to be named head coach at Northeastern,’’ said Madigan in a statement. “I have tremendous passion for this university and for this program. Northeastern is a world-class institution and Boston is a world-class city. I’m thrilled to be back where it all started for me - Matthews Arena. The expectations I have for our program are high. We will continue to build on the momentum established by Greg Cronin and his staff, and we will compete at the highest level, both in Hockey East and nationally.’’

After six seasons at the helm, Cronin left earlier this month to join the Toronto Maple Leafs as an assistant coach.

Roby said Madigan’s energy and enthusiasm, as well as his commitment to Northeastern’s values, made him the obvious choice.

“Today begins a new and exciting era of Northeastern hockey, an era that accelerates our progress and builds on our recent success,’’ Roby said. “Jim played a prominent role in one of our program’s illustrious decades. More importantly, though, Jim has shown a great ability to identify talent and is committed to developing players on the ice, in the classroom, and in the community.’’

Despite his employment outside of the school, Madigan has maintained a relationship with NU. In addition to his former coaching duties, Madigan served as assistant director of plant services from 1993-99, director of athletic development from 1999-2004, and associate dean and director of development in the College of Business Administration from 2004-11. In his most recent position, he led a development effort that generated an average of $5.7 million in gifts over seven years, including $13 million in 2010-11.

During Madigan’s playing days, the Huskies flourished. Under coach Fern Flaman, the Huskies won 25 games during Madigan’s freshman season, establishing a season record that remains tied for best in program history. That same season the team advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four.

In addition to that success, Madigan helped lead the Huskies to Beanpot championships in 1984 and ’85. NU won four Beanpot titles between 1980 and 1988, the last time the school captured the title.

Nancy Marrapese-Burrell can be reached at marrapese@globe.com.