Re: Western Michigan 2010 Offseason -- And the next head coach is...
USHL press release:
JEFF BLASHILL NAMED HEAD COACH AT
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Chicago, IL – Western Michigan University today named Jeff Blashill as head coach for the Bronco men’s hockey team. He has spent the last two seasons as the head coach and general manager of the Indiana Ice.
"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the Western Michigan Bronco hockey team and begin our quest to establish Western as an elite Division I program,” said Blashill. “I'd like to thank President Dunn, Kathy Beauregard (WMU Director of Athletics), the athletic staff, and those whom I met while visiting Kalamazoo, for the trust they've placed in me to pursue this great challenge.”
In just his first season behind the bench in the USHL, Blashill guided the Ice to their first-ever Clark Cup title. During the 2008-09 regular season, he led them to a 39-19-2 record which tied the League season high in wins (39) and equaled a team record. The Ice also set team records for fewest goals allowed (177) and road winning streak (6) while matching team marks for longest winning streak (7) and longest home winning streak (11).
“I would also like to thank the many great people that represent the USHL, beginning with Indiana Ice owners, Paul and Cindy Skjodt, our great staff, and the Ice players who have given so much to this organization,” said Blashill. “A special thanks also to USHL Commissioner Skip Prince and his outstanding staff for their great leadership. Finally, thanks to the great coaches of the USHL, whom I have enjoyed competing against and learning from over the past two seasons.”
Blashill’s team again qualified for the playoffs this season after posting a 33-24-3 record. He will remain with the team this USHL postseason as they open the 2010 Clark Cup Playoffs with a best-of-five series against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders on Wednesday.
“While I look forward to arriving in Kalamazoo and begin our work there, my immediate focus remains with the Indiana Ice, as we compete to keep the Clark Cup in Indianapolis," Blashill stated.
Prior to coaching in the USHL, Blashill spent six seasons (2002-08) in the role of assistant coach for Miami University, helping the program to an 83-31-9 record during that span and qualifying for the NCAA tournament in each of his last three seasons. Before Miami, he was on the coaching staff at his alma mater, Ferris State University, for four seasons.
“Jeff’s intelligence, coaching talent, and commitment to the United States Hockey League have been singular over the past two seasons,” said Commissioner Skip Prince. “We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to know him in his role as the general manager and head coach of the Indiana Ice – and I know that Jeff will lead the Ice into the USHL playoffs again this year as an inspired, returning championship team. We’re not saying good-bye to him, as I know that he will be an instrumental part of our growing relationship with college hockey at Western Michigan. All I can say to all the CCHA fans out there is “Watch out for the Broncos.”
As a player, Blashill spent three seasons (1991-94) in the USHL as a goaltender for the Des Moines Buccaneers. He compiled a 43-11-0 record during that time and was a member of the team that captured the Clark Cup in 1992 and the Anderson Cup as regular season champions during the 1993-94 campaign. During a four-year collegiate career at Ferris State (1994-98), he was a three-time recipient of the program’s scholar-athlete award.
“The Indiana Ice family have lost a key team-player, but have gained both a Clark Cup and a friend for life,” said Indiana Ice CEO Paul Skjodt. “Jeff and our staff look forward to the defense of our title before he departs Indianapolis. We all wish him much success in the future.”
