May 5, 1999
KALAMAZOO -- Chris Wells, assistant hockey coach at Western Michigan University, is leaving the Bronco staff to accept a similar position at his alma mater, St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. The announcement was made today by head coach Jim Culhane.
"We wish Chris the best of luck at St. Lawrence and are grateful for the contributions he made to the Bronco program. Chris brought a unique prospective to our staff and helped implement some innovative ideas," says Culhane, who will search for a replacement immediately.
Wells spent the 1998-99 season at WMU, working with Bronco forwards and assisting recruiting efforts. He was elevated to top assistant after Culhane accepted the head position in March.
"I certainly loved the experience of being in a new league (Central Collegiate Hockey Association)," says the 30-year-old Wells. "Kate (wife) and I have enjoyed our time in Kalamazoo and we're looking forward to the new experiences ahead. Much of what I learned here will be utilized in the future."
Prior to WMU, Wells served four seasons as the top assistant at Colgate, helping the Red Raiders to four consecutive appearances in the Eastern College Athletic Conference playoffs.
At St. Lawrence, Wells reunites with his collegiate coach Joe Marsh, now in his 15th year. In four playing seasons under Marsh, Chris helped the Saints to a pair of NCAA Tournament berths and finished as the team's third-leading scorer his senior season.
After graduating from St. Lawrence with a bachelor's in economics, Wells played two professional seasons in Europe. He is a native of Canton.
Media contact: Daniel Jankowski, 616 387-4138; daniel.jankowski@wmich.edu
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