August 22, 2008
Coaching Legend Steps Down
CHN Staff Report
MADISON, Wis. — He's coached some college hockey's top goaltenders -- many of whom went on to long NHL careers -- and is the only person to have been a part of all six of Wisconsin's national titles. Now, after 36 years, Badgers hockey assistant and goaltending Coach Bill Howard is stepping down.
"I wish to thank all the wonderful support staff, the three head coaches that I worked for (the late Bob Johnson, Jeff Sauer and Mike Eaves), the past and present administration, all the media personnel, the players and specifically all of the great goalies that I had the opportunity to work with and coach over the past four decades," Howard said in a statement.
"Although this was a long thought out and difficult decision for me and my family to make, their support, thoughts, insight and understanding made this decision much easier to make. I am fortunate at this time to have many other opportunities as a goalie consultant and coach.
"I still have a great passion for teaching and coaching players and goalies at all age levels. I therefore am not retiring from coaching but simply moving in a different direction. It's been a lot of fun, a great run, and has been very rewarding."
Eaves had Howard as part of the staff for the program's most recent national title, with Brian Elliott in net.
“Bill Howard has been an invaluable part of the Wisconsin family and tradition for 36 years. One constant in life is change and Coach Howard feels that the time is right for this change in his life. We wish him nothing but the best health and success in the future," Eaves said.
Howard coached, among others, Curtis Joseph and Mike Richter -- two standout NHL performers.
big loss for the BADgers
Aug 23 2008, 9:09 am by
Love ya Howie!!!!
Aug 24 2008, 1:54 am by Scott, Madtown
http://www.madison.com/tct/column/301905
Aug 25 2008, 2:33 pm by
Why did Eaves throw Howard under the bus? Is Howard the scapegoat for last years sub-par season? Who\'s next to go in Madison? If I was a Badger recruit I\'d be seriously reconsidering my decision. Maybe things aren\'t so good in Madison. Rats fleeing a sinking ship?
Aug 25 2008, 4:15 pm by 6>1
Good guy, he\'ll be missed.
Aug 25 2008, 4:19 pm by Bill, WI
One thing all Badger fans could count on year in and out was the outstanding work that Bill Howard did, and that Wisconsin was a Goalie haven. It is clear Howard felt the progam lacked a commitment to keep those standards and the lack Of top prospects going to other programs was obvious that Eaves lacks the knowledge to build a program. Time to move Mark Johnson into the position he should of had in Badger Land!!! Good luck Bill, Thanks for making Wisconsin Hockey GREAT
Aug 26 2008, 1:44 pm by Tim, Wild Rose
Lack of top prospects? Are you just talking hoping no one would notice or did you even try to do a minimal amount of homework to back up your assertion. \r\n\r\nFor example; 2008 17th, 37th, 43rd, 51st, 206th, and 208th. You\'re saying that\'s a bad recruiting class? I\'m guessing it\'ll be in the top 3.\r\n\r\n2007: 3rd \r\n\r\n2006: 8th \r\n\r\n2005: 5th \r\n\r\nAll according to inside college hockey... So what more do you want? College hockey is a catch 22 because the higher quality talent you recruit the more likely they will leave early. That is why the Minnesota States of the world are getting comparably better. \r\n\r\nPerhaps Eaves and Howie didn\'t get along however wouldn\'t he have left earlier if that was the case. Stop trying to make this anything more than a guy moving on after a long succesful career. I mean anyone could get sick of the same \"job\" after 36 years.\r\n\r\n
Aug 27 2008, 12:17 am by
Wow what did it do to my typeset. Anyway, here are the details of my post,\r\n\r\n2007 recruting class 3rd\r\n2006 8th\r\n2005 5th\r\n\r\n
Aug 27 2008, 12:20 am by
Looks like Wisconsin didn\'t get the coach they thought they did when they hired Eaves He was an alum who they thought respected their tradition and they got a guy who seems paranoid about the success that came before him, Since he took over at UW Mark Johnson was moved . The longtime staff including,Malnory,( who was recently honored for all he did in college hockey,) and now Howard. All gone. His coaching of top talent is questionable as well. A hit one time is like playing in Vegas. Until he wins consistently he looks like a gambler who gets a lucky hand every now and then. But he can recruit, he just got a 14 year old to commit!!!
Aug 27 2008, 10:05 am by
Eaves ranks 16th amongst active coaches in winning percentage .54 in the best conference in college hockey. I\'m not going to complain about those results. If memory serves they only missed the NCAA\'s once under Eaves. Also 1 national championship.\r\n\r\n
Aug 27 2008, 7:18 pm by
That is a big shock to college hockey and I bet a bigger shock to the goalies going to Wisconsin. It's too bad he is stepping down for what ever reason. On the other hand we would love to have Howard in ND.
Aug 28 2008, 4:08 am by Sioux Fan ND
Howard is an idiot and can't keep up with the new systems/ styles. He hasn't changed some things since 1982. This is the best thing to happen for the badgers.
Aug 29 2008, 10:18 am by Joe Blow
Mark Johnson will have Eaves' job in the near future, anyhow....
Sep 17 2008, 10:53 pm by Buckyville, WI
Comment on this Article
