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Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

Re: Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

I didn't know the man personally.
But, I've got to believe that the classy nature of this program, reflects their head coach for the past 23 years.
Hope he enjoys his retirement.
 
Re: Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

I spoke to coach Skrypek several times during my year and a half covering the MIAC, and found him a graceful and helpful person with an excellent knowledge of hockey and grounding in his team's and league's history. It's one of those things where other coaches are likely glad to see him go in the hopes of facing a less consistent St. Thomas team, but really disappointed to see him take everything he brought to the league with him.

He was one of the most overlooked coaches in D3 who led his team to consistent success for seemingly an eternity. It's hard to give enough praise to coach Skrypek.
 
Re: Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

St Thomas was one of those teams that were able to get themselves east - without the NCAA footing the bill - such as the 2002-03 and 2005-06 Times-Argus Invitational, 2006-07 Pathfinder and it was nice to see them at the 2008-09 Primelink. Head Coach Terry Skrypek, IMO was among the top of the DIII coaches, may his retirement meet or exceed his expectations, and as importantly, may St Thomas find a way to continue the legacy he has established (including the trips east) :cool:
 
Re: Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

Skrypek was a class act in pretty much everything he did.

He was really proud of this team winning the MIAC title, maybe the proudest he's been of any of his teams. It's definitely a great note for him to go out on, and whoever takes over at St. Thomas won't just have big shoes to fill... they'll have a legacy to carry on instead.
 
Re: Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

.

Skrypek never had a losing season in 48 years in hockey, from his high school career at Cretin to his college career at St. Mary’s. He was a Hill-Murray assistant for three years (1970-73) and Pioneers’ head coach the next 14 years (1973-87). His teams won 88% of their games (325-44-3) and 13 of a possible 14 conference crowns.

Skrypek was associated with 815 victories in 1,117 games at the prep and college level of hockey, including 419 wins over the last 23 seasons at the University of St. Thomas.

The St. Paul native never finished worse than third place in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. His Tommie teams won 22 of a possible 46 conference regular-season and playoff championships.

Under Skrypek, the Tommies made the conference playoffs all 23 seasons and reached the finals 20 times. They also made the NCAA playoffs 11 times.
 
Re: Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

This guy is terrific. I've never had anything but respect for what he does over there at St. Thomas. Happy retirement to one of the really good ones. He's earned the right to enjoy himself.
 
Re: Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

St Thomas was one of those teams that were able to get themselves east - without the NCAA footing the bill - such as the 2002-03 and 2005-06 Times-Argus Invitational, 2006-07 Pathfinder and it was nice to see them at the 2008-09 Primelink. Head Coach Terry Skrypek, IMO was among the top of the DIII coaches, may his retirement meet or exceed his expectations, and as importantly, may St Thomas find a way to continue the legacy he has established (including the trips east) :cool:

They came out for the Elmira East/West faceoff in 2000 or 2001 as well.

In the two years of the tournament I believe Stevens Point, Superior, St. Norbert, and St. Thomas all made appearances.
 
Re: Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

The guy could flat out coach. His team always had straight out of high school freshmen, and by the end of the season, they were all playing like high level junior prospects.
 
Re: Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

His coaching record of 419-197-46 (670%) is impressive and his teams played with passion and commitment. Skrypek style was positive and supportive. He dealt with all players honestly and fairly, characteristics that bring results

Hope he stays in Hockey in some capacity, their is so much knowledge for the youth of today to benefit from his teachings.
 
Re: Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

I didn't see much of the Tommies, but I know coach had his teams play hard and he was well respected. We'll miss you Coach Skrypek.
 
Re: Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

Just curious why they would hang the "interim" handle on a guy that has devoted so many years to the program as a player and Assistant Coach ?

They're waiting for Beaney or Gossek to be fired and want to have a vacancy for one of them to fill! :eek: :eek: :eek: :confused: :confused: :D :D :D :D :D
 
Re: Coach Skrypek retires from St. Thomas

Just curious why they would hang the "interim" handle on a guy that has devoted so many years to the program as a player and Assistant Coach ?
Because it's a big enough sports school (at the DIII level) that they'll likely have a national search/application process.

It's very possible that he'll get the job in the end, but they're still going to consider all people for it; as they should.
 
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