Ohio State men’s hockey head coach John Markell has received a new five-year contract, effective immediately. The contract replaces Markell’s current deal, which had one season remaining. Markell, in 10 seasons, has led the Buckeyes to five NCAA tournament appearances, including in each of the last three seasons, and a NCAA Frozen Four berth in 1998.
“I’m excited to remain at Ohio State and in Columbus,” Markell said. “My family and I enjoy the Columbus area. We want to continue the relationships we’re established over the last 12 years. Our staff has worked hard to move the program in the right direction. There is still work to be done, but we look forward to an exciting future for Ohio State hockey.
“I would like to thank [athletic director] Andy Geiger and the OSU administration for the opportunity to coach at a premier institution like The Ohio State University. I appreciate the continued support of our program.”
Markell, who became OSU’s permanent head coach May 22, 1995, will carry a 200-173-32 record into the 2005-06 season. He has a 141-124-26 record in CCHA play. He has led the Buckeyes to the only NCAA tournament appearances in program history (1998, ’99, ’03, ’04, ’05) and guided the squad to the 2004 CCHA Super Six tournament title, the first league title for OSU since 1972. This past season, Markell’s young squad, with 11 freshmen and just three seniors, was 27-11-4, tying for the second-most wins in program history, and went 21-5-2 in league play to finish second in the CCHA, the team’s highest finish since 1984.
