He was involved with both the men's and women's programs at the College of the Holy Cross since 1979, serving as the head coach for both at various times until his retirement in 2019.

After graduating in 1965, Van Buskirk served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army during the early year of the Vietnam War.

In his absence, Van Buskirk served as head coach and helped the team earn its first postseason win in 14 years.

The next season Holy Cross joined Hockey East, one of the premier conferences, and Van Buskirk's team struggled mightily against the stiffer competition.

The Crusaders won just one game all season, but suffered a further loss after the year when Van Buskirk announced his retirement, turning the team over to Katie Lachapelle.