In a surprising move on Monday, Stan Moore resigned as head coach of Union to return to the position of top assistant to Don Vaughan at Colgate, a post he held for four seasons from 1992-1996. No specific reason was given for the decision.
“There’s more to it than meets the eye: my wife, myself, how we feel about things, and how it all shapes up,” Moore told Ken Schott of the Daily Gazette. “The fact that it wasn’t presented until the 11th hour, I didn’t know if I had any option. All I knew I had to do is that I had a decision to try and make with my regard to my future at Union.
“Colgate became a very late opportunity. Discussing it with Don and going over the options, it felt like a good decision to make.”
Moore leaves after two years at the Dutchman helm. In two seasons Moore compiled a 24-33-7 record, including an 18-11-3 record his first year as the Dutchmen placed 5th in the ECAC standings, their highest standing since joining the ECAC and the Division I level. That season earned Moore ECAC Coach of the Year honors. Last season, however, the Dutchmen fell to 6-22-4, last in the ECAC.
“I feel bad that I’m not at Union as head coach,” said Moore. “I couldn’t ask for any more from the players than what I’ve gotten. I’m delighted for all the achievement they had. That’s my greatest disappointment.”
Ironically, Moore leaves Union to replace the man who replaced him. Chris Wells left Colgate after last season to take a position at Western Michigan. Wells replaced Moore after Moore left for Union in 1996.
“This is a great thing for Colgate hockey,” said Vaughan. “We are bringing back someone who meant a lot to the program. I’m thrilled that Stan’s back. I think it says a lot about Colgate hockey, the university and the community that he would choose to come back.”
“It’s nice to be back,” said Moore. “I’ve always enjoyed my association with Colgate and look forward to working with Donny again.”
Attention now turns to Moore’s successor at Union. One of the frontrunners for the job is Kevin Sneddon, Moore’s top assistant, who was up for the job two years ago when Moore was hired instead. Sneddon has been with Union for the past five seasons.
“Obviously my interest level is there,” Sneddon told the Gazette. “I care a heck of a lot about the 29 players we have in the locker room.”
If hired, Sneddon, at 29, would be the youngest head coach at the Division I level. He began his coaching career at Union under Bruce Delventhal after a standout career at Harvard.
Other names mentioned include Princeton assistant Len Quesnelle and former Merrimack head coach Ron Anderson.
