April 30, 2007
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Cole Named at UAH
CHN Staff Report
Alabama-Huntsville introduced Danton Cole as its new head coach today. He spent last season as an assistant at Bowling Green.
The school — which recently narrowed down its selections to current assistant Lance West and Nebraska-Omaha assistant Doc DelCastillo — was replacing 25-year coach Doug Ross, who announced his retirement in mid-season. Ross then led the Chargers to a CHA tournament championship despite a 10-19 regular-season record, and the program's first NCAA Division I tournament bid.
"I was in pro hockey for 17 years as a player and coach and a lot of the reason I wanted to come back (to college hockey) was the culture and the people that are involved," Cole said.
Cole, who won a national championship with Michigan State in 1986 during a four-year college career, played 11 seasons of professional hockey, winning a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 1995.
"We look forward to Danton's experience, his integrity, his desire and his enthusiasm and excitement to take the Chargers to the next level and to win as many championships as absolutely possible," said Jim Harris, UAH athletic director.
Cole was an assistant at Bowling Green last season. Previously, he was the head coach of the Motor City Mechanics in the UHL, where he coached Ross' son, Jared, a former star at UAH.
"Two things on his resume impressed the Dickens out of me" said Harris. "He was a three-time All-CCHA Academic Team member and that rings well with what we do here at UAH. He was also a Big Ten Medal of Honor winner while at Michigan State. That certainly leads toward our UAH philosophy of the true student-athlete concept of student first and to continue the integrity of bringing the student here for the highest possible degree of education as well as winning championships for UAH."
Cole was also head coach of the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins from 2002-04, after having spent two years as an assistant there.
"I want to thank Coach (Scott) Paluch and Greg Christopher the AD at Bowling Green for giving me the opportunity to get back into college hockey," said Cole. "I certainly thank them as they've been wonderful supporters. It was tough leaving there but I did want to get back to being a head coach and this is a great spot and some good things are going to happen."
Cole will be taking over the Chargers program during a time of great uncertainty. The CHA's future is in doubt, as many of the remaining five members have been looking for new homes in attempt at self-preservation. UAH, being so far away from any other program, could be left out in the cold if that comes to pass.