Huge news in college and professional hockey today as the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers named former University of North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol its new head coach.
“I am extremely excited to be named the Philadelphia Flyers new head coach,” Hakstol said in a statement from the Flyers. “Through the process here with Ron [Hextall] and everybody in the Flyers organization I have gained even more of an understanding of the history and tradition of this organization and I’m very proud to become part of the Philadelphia Flyers today.”
BREAKING: Dave Hakstol has been named the 19th head coach in #Flyers history → http://t.co/KkKlP4RB2e pic.twitter.com/8Ion8JJ8s8
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) May 18, 2015
Hakstol leaves North Dakota’s men’s hockey program after 11 years (2004-2015) and career record of 289-143-43, NBC Sports notes.
Flyer fans, your new coach is an ultra serious, intense fella. There will be few smiles.
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) May 18, 2015
CBS Philadelphia profiled Hakstol’s remarkable success at UND, where he guided the team now in search of a nickname to seven appearances in the Frozen Four, but he never won a National Championship. UND’s last national championship came in 2000.
Brad Berry next UND head coach
The Grand Forks Herald first reported that UND assistant coach Brad Berry will be promoted and hired as the team’s new head coach. The university has since confirmed the report and will introduce Berry at 1 p.m. today.
Live at 1 p.m. – Watch the press conference announcement of UND's new men's hockey coach. http://t.co/vBoUZZKNmC
— UND Insider (@UNDinsider) May 18, 2015
