Miami University is mourning the death of former coach Bill Davidge, who passed away this week at the age of 72.
Davidge was the second varsity head coach for Miami, starting out as a graduate assistant with the team in 1977. He earned a master’s degree from the school in 1978 and worked as an assistant under Steve Cady before serving as head coach from 1985-1989 while also teaching in the university’s physical education department.
According to a release from the school, Davidge was instrumental in the development of the Miami Hockey program, helping it transition from club sport to varsity sport. His name adorns the program’s outstanding offensive player award each season.
Davidge went on to scout for several different NHL teams before becoming a broadcaster for the Columbus Blue Jackets, a role he held for nearly two decades.
“Our organization has never known a greater advocate or ambassador for our team and sport than Bill,” the team said in a statement. “If the Blue Jackets were somewhere in the community, there was a good chance Bill was there, and he was making an impact. There were no strangers in his world, only friends.”