Western Michigan announced Thursday the hiring of Todd Krygier as an assistant coach.
Most recently, Krygier was the head coach of the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks and led the team to the USHL Clark Cup finals during the 2014-15 season.
Current Broncos players Frederik Tiffels, Griffen Molino, Matheson Iacopelli and Corey Schueneman all played under Krygier in Muskegon.
“We’ve been very fortunate here at Western during my time to have outstanding coaches with our team,” said WMU head coach Andy Murray in a statement. “Previously, Rob Facca and Pat Ferschweiler and most recently, Dave Shyiak and Ben Barr. And with Ben returning to college hockey back East, we were looking for a strong person to replace him. Our search was based on three primary components: competence as a coach and a recruiter, compatibility with our players and our staff, and a high level of energy and enthusiasm for the game. In naming Todd Krygier as an assistant coach, we feel very fortunate to be able to capture all of these ingredients.
“Todd brings instant credibility to the position, having played close to 600 games in the NHL and multiple times on the US National team at the World Championships. He has a strong coaching background with experience at different levels, having coached youth AAA hockey, high school hockey and enjoyed success as the head coach of the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL, taking them to the league final in 2015. We welcome Todd and his wife Kim and his children to the Bronco hockey family.”
Krygier coached at Novi (Mich.) High School where he racked up a record of 102-51-15, winning a Division I state championship in 2011.
“I’m real excited and honored to join the Bronco family,” added Krygier. “It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to assist Coach Murray and Coach Shyiak and I look forward to being a part of the team.”
As a player, Krygier appeared in 543 games in the NHL, mostly with the Washington Capitals. He played in the Stanley Cup finals for the Capitals against the Detroit Red Wings in 1998. Prior to his time in the NHL, Krygier played his college hockey at Connecticut, scoring 99 goals and 101 assists for 200 points.
