It is true, York was NOT well liked by more than a few.  I know of
several in the program, not players, but others that didn't like him.
From what the old timers here say, Powers was the recruiting master mind
behind the teams that dominated the CCHA in the 80s, and these people
have also said he was the reason we won the NCAA in 84.  Statisically
after Powers left was the time when BG really took a dive in the league.
The point blank turnabout the team has made seems to bear their
statements out.  From what he said after being asked to come back, Buddy
really wanted to return to BGSU.  He described it as being his "dream" job.
 
On Sun, 15 Jan 1995, lesley bricker wrote:
 
> John-last year,BG was still being coached by Jerry York who is currently
> coaching BC.York had a great run at BG,but like many other long term
> coaching,it was time to get a new face in to change things around.BG had
> bad records the past few years and it was time to move on and see if
> things could change.York is a great coach,but honestly,I know for a fact
> that most of the guys did not particularly enjoy playing for York.I've
> talked to a few guys this season who left BG in the past year or two and
> they have all said"Why couldn't Buddy Powers come to BG while I was
> there?"I know of one guy who is currently playing for BG that was going
>  to join his pro team (that drafted him) this summer because he no
> longer wanted to play for York.Then he found that York was going to BC
> and Powers was coming back to BG so he decided to stay for his final
> year.I'm not going to mention this guy's name,but if York was still here
> and this guy had left,there is no way whatsoever that BG would be where
> they are today.In order for a team to be complete,they have to have a
> coach that they enjoy going in to play and practice for.Powers gets along
> great with his players and that is the big change for this year.He is a
> "players coach" and that is what was needed.Powers deserves coach of the
> year and I'm confident that we will all see BG in the NCAA tourny for the
> first time in years,and BG will have their first Hobey Baker award winner
> since George McPhee won it.
>
>
> Holzinger for Hobey Baker!
>
>                                                          Alex Bricker
>