Saturday, June 11, 2011

Muckalt named assistant coach at Michigan Tech

Press Release

New Mexico Mustangs head coach Bill Muckalt has accepted an assistant coaching position with Michigan Tech University (WCHA).

Muckalt, a former Michigan Wolverine and five-year veteran of the NHL, led the Mustangs to a 19-35-4 record with 15 wins in their last 27 games in their inaugural 2010-11 season.

"I had the opportunity to recruit and coach Bill, and he was an outstanding player," said Huskies head coach Mel Pearson. "He has a great work ethic and tremendous passion for the game. His experience gives him a good network for recruiting and a keen eye for talent. Bill will be a great addition to our staff."

Prior to his stint in New Mexico, Muckalt served as head coach of the Valencia (Calif.) Flyers of the Tier III Junior A Western States Hockey League, where his squad went 20-16-3. He also worked as head instructor of Summer Hockey School at Ice Station Valencia.

Muckalt gained coaching experience with Eastern Michigan University's club hockey team as assistant coach in 2006-07 and head coach in 2007-08.

"I'm very excited to be a part of a program that has such a rich history," said Muckalt. "The chance to work with Mel, who's had a big influence in my life both in hockey and personally, was a very easy choice. I've seen the commitment that the University administration has made to the hockey program, and I can't wait to get started."

Pearson recruited Muckalt to play at Michigan starting in 1994-95, and the two won 130 games and two national championships over the next four years. The winger posted 105 career goals and 226 total points. He earned All-America First Team honors and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist while leading the Wolverines to the 1998 NCAA title.

Muckalt, a Surrey, British Columbia, native, graduated from Michigan with a degree in sports management and communications, then made the jump straight into the NHL where he played five seasons. His most productive season came as a rookie with the Vancouver Canucks, where he posted 16 goals and 20 assists in 73 games.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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