Following the unexpected and sudden passing of head men’s ice hockey coach Bruce Marshall over the weekend, the Franklin Pierce University Department of Athletics has named an interim coaching staff for the team’s 2016-17 season, as announced on Tuesday afternoon by Bruce Kirsh, Director of Athletics. Doug Michals will take over as interim head coach, Brian Bator will assume the title of interim associate head coach, and Shaun Millerick will serve as interim assistant coach.
“In the wake of Bruce Marshall’s untimely death, we believe we have a responsibility to follow a course of action which allows the program to continue to build on the groundwork he laid,” said Kirsh. “We believe these three individuals understand coach Marshall’s mission, will continue to promote his values, and are best-suited to sustain the short-term health of the program, while building towards its long-term success as well.”
Michals joined the coaching staff at Franklin Pierce last season, with more than a decade of experience as a hockey instructor in western Massachusetts.
Michals was a four-year member of the men’s ice hockey team at the University of Connecticut, where he played under Marshall. Michals was named the team’s MVP in 1992-93, when he posted a 19-6-2 mark between the pipes for the Huskies. The 19 wins for a goaltender still stands tied for the program’s single-season record, while his 38 career wins (38-14-5) ranks sixth in program annals.
The Ravens are scheduled to open their 2016-17 campaign on Sunday, Oct. 30, when they play host to Post in a non-conference contest. Opening faceoff is set for 3 p.m. at Jason Ritchie Ice Arena in Winchendon, Mass.