Surprising news out of Storrs today, as Bruce Marshall, UConn's hockey coach for the past 25 years, has decided to resign. Marshall, a UConn graduate, had been away from the team since November with health problems, and was expected to lead the team as they planned to join Hockey East in 2014. Assistant Dave Berard has coached the team in Marshall's absence, and a full coaching search will take place after the season. UConn's press release is below:
STORRS, Conn. - University of Connecticut men's ice hockey coach Bruce Marshall, the all-time winningest coach in program history, has resigned from his position. Marshall had been on a medical leave of absence since November 6, 2012. Assistant coach Dave Berard will continue to serve as the team's head coach for the remainder of the 2012-13 season, as he has since Marshall began his leave of absence. A national search will take place after the season for a new head coach.
Marshall, a 1985 UConn graduate, was in his 25th season as head coach and was also an assistant coach in 1985-86. He was a four-year letterwinner for the Huskies from 1982-85 and a team captain in his senior year.
"During my time away from the program, I determined that this decision was in the best interest for myself, my family and the UConn men's ice hockey team," said Marshall. "I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of the program during my time as a Husky and I wish nothing but success for the team as it continues to make the exciting transition to Hockey East for the 2014-15 season."
Marshall was named the Edward Jeremiah College Division National Coach of the Year Award and was named the ECAC Coach of the Year at the conclusion of the 1991-92 season.
Marshall led UConn to a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship in 2000 and to a total of six conference semifinal berths (MAAC in 1999, 2000 and 2002; Atlantic Hockey in 2006, 2007 and 2011). He concludes his UConn career with 337 career wins, the most in school history. He began the 2012-13 season ranked 12th in the country among active NCAA coaches in career wins.