Hockey Listers, It's Official! Below is the release. Thx much for all your support and comments the past few months. I have already told Coach Gwozdecky, he will be getting an Internet address soon. Please feel free to send him comments through me. Have a great summer. ******************************** ***** *********** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *********** ************ ******************************** Jack McDonald, Athletic Director University of Denver 303-871-3399 fax 303-871-4950 [log in to unmask] 1992-93 National Coach of the Year Gwozdecky named hockey coach at Denver DENVER--George Gwozdecky has been named head hockey coach at the University of Denver Director of Athletics Jack McDonald announced today. Gwozdecky, who assumes his new duties July 1, comes to Denver from Miami University (Ohio), where he served as head coach the past five seasons. "George is a proven winner at every level he's been associated with," said McDonald. "His experiences with recruiting top student-athletes makes him an excellent fit for our program." In his first five seasons as a Division I head coach, the two-time Central Collegiate Hockey Association Coach of the Year posted a 83-94-19 (.468) record. During that span, Miami won the CCHA title for the first time in school history. In 1992-93, he guided Miami to its second straight CCHA Championship berth, the school's first-ever NCAA tournament selection and its best season record (27-9-5). For these achievements, Gwozdecky was named National Coach of the Year as well as CCHA Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year. "I'm very excited to become a part of a program with great tradition," Gwozdecky said. "I'm familiar with the Pioneer program and the WCHA having played at Wisconsin (1974-78). Not only am I looking forward to getting to know the team but also the Pioneer fans. I am confident this will be a good match and look forward to getting started." "Bringing out the personal best in people is what great coaching is all about," said Chancellor Daniel L. Ritchie. "With George as coach, I predict the hockey team will take the Pioneer spirit to new heights next season. For our players, our university and our fans, that's what we want.S Prior to his appointment at Miami, the 41-year-old coach served as assistant coach at Michigan State following a stint at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, an NAIA school. At UW-River Falls he compiled a three-year record of 67-30-2 (.687). Gwozdecky has been associated with national collegiate hockey championships as a player, assistant coach and head coach. He played left wing for the University of Wisconsin's 1977 NCAA Division I Championship team, coached UW-River Falls to an NAIA title in 1983, and served as an assistant coach for Michigan State's 1986 NCAA Championship team. A 1978 Wisconsin graduate and four-year letterwinner, Gwozdecky earned his bachelor's degree in physical education. One year later he earned his master's of education from UW-River Falls. He is married to the former Bonnie Baryames and has a one-year-old daughter, Adrienne. Gwozdecky becomes the seventh coach in Pioneer history succeeding Frank Serratore (1990-94), Ralph Backstrom (1981-90), Marshall Johnston (1977-81), Murray Armstrong (1956-77), Neil Celley (1952-55) and Vern Turner (1949-50). -DU- Head Coach George Gwozdecky Coaching Experience 1993-94Miami, Head Coach (21-16-1) 1992-93Miami, Head Coach (27-9-5)NCAA First Round CCHA Regular Season Champions 1991-92Miami, Head Coach (18-16-6)CCHA Finals 1990-91Miami, Head Coach (5-29-3) 1989-90Miami, Head Coach (12-24-4)CCHA Quarterfinals 1988-89Michigan State, Asst. CoachNCAA Semifinals 1987-88Michigan State, Asst. CoachNCAA Quarterfinals 1986-87Michigan State, Asst. CoachNCAA Finals 1985-86Michigan State, Asst. CoachNCAA Champions 1984-85Michigan State, Asst. CoachNCAA Quarterfinals 1983-84UW-River Falls, Head CoachNCAA III Quarterfinals 1982-83UW-River Falls, Head CoachNAIA National Champions 1981-82UW-River Falls, Head CoachNAIA Quarterfinals 1978-81UW-River Falls, Asst. Coach 1977-78Wisconsin, Graduate Asst. Coach Coaching Honors 1992-93 National Coach of the Year, CCHA Coach of the Year 1991-92CCHA Coach of the Year 1982-83NAIA National Coach of the Year