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Jeff Blashill named head hockey coach

May 7, 2010

KALAMAZOO--Jeff Blashill has been named the fifth head coach of the Western Michigan University men's ice hockey team.

Blashill brings to WMU 12 years of coaching experience, the last two as head coach and general manager of the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League--the nation's top juniors league. Under Blashill's direction, the Indiana Ice went to the USHL playoffs twice and captured the Clark Cup as the 2009 USHL playoff champions. Several of his players have signed letters of intent to play college hockey or are already playing at the college level.

Prior to his appointment with the Indiana Ice, Blashill helped construct the Miami University hockey program into a national powerhouse, assisting head coach Enrico Blassi for six seasons. During his time as an assistant, the RedHawks went to the NCAA Tournament four times and to the Elite Eight twice. Under Blashill, the RedHawks' penalty-kill unit ranked in the top 10 in the nation from 2004 to 2007, and was best in the nation in 2008. Blashill was responsible for recruiting three Hobey Baker Finalists, four CCHA All-Rookies, 11 first and second team All-CCHA players, two World Junior Championship contenders and six All-Americans.

Blashill also spent four years as an assistant hockey coach for his alma mater, Ferris State University. There, he played a major role in recruiting and developing the 2002-03 CCHA Championship team.

"When we set out to find our next head coach, we wanted a candidate with experience as a head coach, one that has had success at multiple levels, and someone that has the drive and blueprint to take this program to championship levels with national prominence," says WMU Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard. "Coach Blashill embodies each and every one of these qualities."

A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Blashill received his bachelor's degree in finance from Ferris State University in 1998. As a goalie for the FSU hockey team, he was chosen Rookie of the Year and named to the CCHA All-Academic Team. He also received the FSU President's Award for having the team's highest grade point average three years in a row.

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Media contact: Adam Bodnar, (269) 387-4125, adam.e.bodnar@wmich.edu

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