Alaska-Anchorage will have a new head coach for the 2013-14 season as Dave Shyiak was fired Friday.
A school-issued news release did not divulge details or even mention Shyiak was fired, but according to the Anchorage Daily News, Shyiak met with the team Friday afternoon and gave them the news.
“He came in and told us, straight-up, ‘Guys, I’m terminated as of today,'” said UAA junior goaltender Rob Gunderson to the News. “We were shocked. He told us it was awesome to be here, he experienced so much and all he wants for us is success.”
Seawolves’ associate head coach Campbell Blair’s contact will be honored through this school year and assistant coach T.J. Jindra was told he can remain in his job, according to the News.
“He’s a great guy, a good coach and a good family man, and he gave us all the opportunity to play college hockey, and that’s huge,” Gunderson added. “But sometimes, you do need a change and even coach said change can be good.
“It was shocking, but that stuff does happen in the end and you have to find a way to deal with it. It’s tough.”
Alaska-Anchorage went 80-177-33 in Shyiak’s eight seasons, including a 4-25-7 season in 2012-13.
The News also reported a new hiring is at least a month away at this point.
