Michigan Tech announced Thursday the addition of Bill Muckalt to the coaching staff as an assistant coach.
“I had the opportunity to recruit and coach Bill (at Michigan from 1994-98) and he was an outstanding player,” said MTU head coach Mel Pearson in a press release. “He has a great work ethic and tremendous passion for the game. His experience gives him a good network for recruiting and a keen eye for talent. Bill will be a great addition to our staff.”
Muckalt spent last season as the head coach of the New Mexico Mustangs, an expansion franchise in the North American Hockey League. He started the team from scratch, developing all aspects of the operation including coaching, recruiting and scouting. The Mustangs, which were made up of 21 rookies, compiled a 19-35-4 record with 15 wins in their last 27 games.
Prior to his stint in New Mexico, Muckalt served as head coach of the Valencia (Calif.) Flyers of the Western States Hockey League, where his squad went 20-16-3.
Muckalt gained coaching experience with Eastern Michigan University’s club hockey team as assistant coach in 2006-07 and head coach in 2007-08.
“I am very excited to be a part of a program that has such a rich history,” said Muckalt in a statement. “The chance to work with Mel, who has had a big influence in my life both in hockey and personally, was a very easy choice. I have seen the commitment that the university administration has made to the hockey program, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Pearson also announced that Damon Whitten, a Michigan State grad, will remain on staff as the team’s other full-time assistant coach.
