On Wednesday, Dartmouth College confirmed a story that first appeared on U.S. College Hockey Online by appointing current Brown head man Bob Gaudet as its nineteenth men’s ice hockey head coach.
“When the search committee first came together, we had a good idea of what we were looking for in an ideal candidate,” said Dartmouth athletic director Dick Jaeger. “[Gaudet] met all of those criteria.
“In addition, the more I talked to hockey people around the country, the more it became apparent [Gaudet] is recognized as one of the finest and highly regarded coaches in the college game. We are ecstatic to have him return to his alma mater to lead the Dartmouth men’s hockey program.”
Gaudet graduated from Dartmouth in 1981 after playing four years in goal for the Big Green, which he led to two Ivy League titles and consecutive third-place NCAA championship finishes in 1979 and 1980.
Gaudet was an assistant at Dartmouth under George Crowe and Brian Mason before moving to Brown as the head coach nine years ago. In that time, Gaudet won two Ivy League titles, and coached the Bears to their first NCAA tournament appearance in almost 20 years.
“I’m really excited to be coming back,” said Gaudet. “Going to school at Dartmouth was one of the best things that has ever happened to me, and a lot of great things have happened for me as a result of my Dartmouth experience.
“To come back as head coach is a wonderful situation. I know the school and the people, and being familiar with the ECAC, I’m looking forward to meeting the players and getting right into it.”
Gaudet replaces Roger Demment, who was fired after six seasons, during which he compiled an overall record of 45-111-10.
Spokespersons for Brown University could not be reached comments on the school’s search for Gaudet’s successor.