Word on the street is that BGSU's search for a new coach has concluded and an announcement will be made today that Miami Assistant Chris Bergeron will be the new face behind the Falcon bench.
A former Miami hockey player and member of the school's 1992-1993 CCHA Championship team, Bergeron has been on the Redhawk coaching staff for 10 years. He will not be a completely new face to the Northwest Ohio scene, as he spent time with the Toledo Storm in his ECHL playing days.
You can't argue with the success Miami has had in recent years, as the Redhawks have made six of the last seven NCAA tournaments and reached the Frozen Four in consecutive years. Miami ended the 2009-2010 season with an overall record of 29-8-7 and 21-2-5 in conference play. Hopefully Bergeron will be able to bring some of that successful pedigree to the Falcon bench in the 2010-2011 season.
Of course, I can't conclude this post without saying how disappointed I am for Coach Williams. He performed admirably with a team that had just come back from the brink of non-existence, was making strides, and had the support of the Falcon faithful. As much as I have hope that Coach Bergeron will bring this team back to glory, I can't help but feel for Coach Williams, if the rumors turn out to be true.
I'll be keeping my eyes and ears open the rest of the day for any official word of the hire.
I know there are strong opinions out there about this situation, and I'd love to hear what you have to say. Feel free to drop a line or two in the comments to tell me what you think.
*Update* 10:33AM - The new hire has been confirmed. BG News Sports blog posted an article about the pick at 9:45 and BGSUFalcons.com now features a splash page welcoming Coach Bergeron to BGSU, along with an article about the hire. A press conference has been scheduled for 4:00pm.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Coaching Search Concluding Soon? (via Sentinel-Tribune)
As spring rolls in and the collegiate hockey season comes to a close, the BG Sentinel-Tribune is reporting the BGSU Hockey coaching search is nearing a conclusion.
Jason Knavel, Assistant AD for Athletics Communication is quoted in the article as saying, "I would expect news within the next two weeks and possibly sooner than that depending on how quickly things progress."
So who is on the radar?
A number of names have been kicked around in the press and among BGSU hockey fans.
One obvious name that has been floated is former OSU coach and BGSU alum John Markell whose contract with the Buckeyes was not renewed. According to The Lantern, Markell's overall coaching record was 280-267-56. Despite a number of successful years, the Buckeyes' record over the past four seasons was 65-76-18.
The general opinion I've heard of this option is not a positive one. While I personally don't know enough about Markell to have a strong opinion, I've heard less than flattering opinions from people I trust when it comes to matters of CCHA hockey. As much as I would like to experience some of the success Markell brought to OSU (like a 1998 Frozen Four appearance), his inability to sustain or recreate that success is certainly a concern.
Another name I have heard mentioned is Todd Reirden, current Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins coach and former Falcon assistant. As much as I would love Todd to come to Bowling Green, I have to see it as a bit of a pipe dream. The last coach to lead the Baby Pens went on to the big show and won a Stanley Cup. Reirden has to be thinking he has the same opportunity if he sticks around.
I've made my feeling on the coaching search very clear - give Dennis Williams the chance to prove himself. I won't re-hash those feelings, as I've covered them in great detail, but I will be watching closely as the situation develops.
So, Falcon fans, who is on your short list of most wanted coaches for the BG icers? Who's your dream hire? Who do you think we'll end up with? Any long-shots you'd like to throw out there for potential bragging rights?
Please let me know what you're thinking in the comments, because I'm curious to hear the thoughts and opinions of people who follow these things more closely than I do.
Jason Knavel, Assistant AD for Athletics Communication is quoted in the article as saying, "I would expect news within the next two weeks and possibly sooner than that depending on how quickly things progress."
So who is on the radar?
A number of names have been kicked around in the press and among BGSU hockey fans.
One obvious name that has been floated is former OSU coach and BGSU alum John Markell whose contract with the Buckeyes was not renewed. According to The Lantern, Markell's overall coaching record was 280-267-56. Despite a number of successful years, the Buckeyes' record over the past four seasons was 65-76-18.
The general opinion I've heard of this option is not a positive one. While I personally don't know enough about Markell to have a strong opinion, I've heard less than flattering opinions from people I trust when it comes to matters of CCHA hockey. As much as I would like to experience some of the success Markell brought to OSU (like a 1998 Frozen Four appearance), his inability to sustain or recreate that success is certainly a concern.
Another name I have heard mentioned is Todd Reirden, current Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins coach and former Falcon assistant. As much as I would love Todd to come to Bowling Green, I have to see it as a bit of a pipe dream. The last coach to lead the Baby Pens went on to the big show and won a Stanley Cup. Reirden has to be thinking he has the same opportunity if he sticks around.
I've made my feeling on the coaching search very clear - give Dennis Williams the chance to prove himself. I won't re-hash those feelings, as I've covered them in great detail, but I will be watching closely as the situation develops.
So, Falcon fans, who is on your short list of most wanted coaches for the BG icers? Who's your dream hire? Who do you think we'll end up with? Any long-shots you'd like to throw out there for potential bragging rights?
Please let me know what you're thinking in the comments, because I'm curious to hear the thoughts and opinions of people who follow these things more closely than I do.
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