Inside College Hockey | On Deck at Tech

April 3 , 2003
On Deck at Tech

As the majority of teams wind up their seasons, there hasn't been much in the way of Division I head coaching changes, which is good news for the nation's bench bosses. Clarkson's recent hiring of Oswego State's George Roll leaves a single vacancy – the one created by Mike Sertich when he announced his retirement from Michigan Tech last month.

As the powers that be in Houghton search for the right person to continue the rebuilding program Sertich started at Tech, Inside College Hockey compiled a list of candidates we feel might be a good fit for the Huskies. Remember, this is just speculation on the part of the INCH staff supplemented with input from others in the college hockey world and not an endorsement.

THE FRONT-RUNNERS (in alphabetical order)
Newell Brown Assistant Coach Columbus Blue Jackets	He’s been in the professional game for some time, but he may be interested in returning to Houghton where he was coach from 1990-92. The Blue Jackets whacked head coach Dave King earlier this season; general manager Doug MacLean has been behind the bench since. The uncertainty of both the new regime in Columbus and the impending labor disagreement in the NHL could weigh on Brown’s mind.
Bob Mancini Scout Edmonton Oilers	Not only was Mancini bench boss at Tech from 1992-96, but he still resides in the Houghton area. He was relatively successful, too, guiding the Huskies to a fourth-place finish in the WCHA in 1992-93 – the team’s best showing of the last 15 years – and engineering the stunning upset of Colorado College in the first round of the 1994 league tournament. He’s also the last man to lead Tech to a winning season.
Mark Maroste Assistant Coach Michigan Tech	Sertich endorsed him for the job when announcing his retirement. A legend in Germany due to his long playing career there, Huskies players rave about his ability to teach. The only drawback – Maroste has just two years of coaching experience, both alongside Sertich behind the Tech bench.
Mark Osiecki Head Coach Green Bay (USHL)	The Gamblers' head coach since 1997, Osiecki led the team to four straight USHL Eastern Division titles from 1999-2002, a league first, and the 1999 Clark Cup as USHL playoff championships. A former North Dakota assistant, the list of players Osiecki has sent to the college ranks includes Colorado College's Tom Preissing, Stephen Bâby of Cornell and Yale's Josh Gartner.
Ron Rolston Assistant Coach Boston College	A Michigan Tech alum, he’s got loads of experience as an assistant at Lake Superior State, Clarkson, Harvard and now Boston College. He’s well respected in the college ranks and ready for his shot. Rolston also has international experience, most recently as an assistant coach for the U.S. team at the 2003 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Dave Shyiak Assistant Coach Northern Michigan	He’s been mentioned for a few jobs in the past and was one of three finalists for the Northern Michigan job last year, only to lose out to Walt Kyle. Shyiak, an excellent recruiter, is chomping at the bit for a head coaching job.

THE LONG SHOTS (in alphabetical order)
Bob Daniels Head Coach Ferris State	He did a great job with the Bulldogs this season, but Michigan Tech has a better history, better facilities and plays in the higher-profile WCHA. After Ferris' run this season, however, he's acheived legendary status in Big Rapids.
Guy Gadowsky Head Coach Alaska-Fairbanks	He was a hot commodity last season after guiding the Nanooks to a top-half finish in the CCHA and a trip to the Super Six championship. UAF experienced a slight drop-off this season, but finished the season strong. If he can lure recruits to the top of the world, he could certainly do the same in Houghton.
Mike Guentzel Associate Coach Minnesota	Guentzel made it to the top of the mountain with the Gophers last season and could do it again this year. Even though he was a candidate for the Minnesota-Duluth position that was eventually filled by Scott Sandelin, he seems content in the Twin Cities
Jeff Jackson Scout New York Islanders	The former Lake Superior State and U.S. Under-18 team coach was axed by the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League earlier this season. Insiders say he yearns to return to the college game, but he may not be the best fit for Michigan Tech’s needs and vice versa.
Mel Pearson Associate Coach Michigan	Another associate coach, Pearson was passed over for the Tech job in 1996 in favor of Tim Watters. Yet another MTU alum, he’s the heir apparent to take over at Michigan once Red Berenson retires, but it would behoove Huskies brass to make a courtesy call.
Worth a mention	Steve Miller, Denver assistant; Steve Rohlik, Minnesota-Duluth assistant; Jamie Russell, Cornell assistant; Brad Willner, St. Cloud State assistant.