UND hockey coaching staff change

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota head men’s hockey coach Dave Hakstol announced today that associate head coach Cary Eades will not have his contract renewed as part of a restructuring of UND’s coaching staff for the 2012-13 season.

Eades has been a member of the Fighting Sioux coaching staff for each of Hasktol’s eight seasons behind the bench and was elevated from assistant coach to associate head coach prior to the 2006-07 season.

“Cary has provided tremendous leadership to our program and to the individuals within our program,” Hakstol said, “and I truly appreciate the loyalty and dedication he has demonstrated throughout his time at North Dakota. At this point in time, I felt a need to redefine and restructure the roles and duties within our coaching staff. There are no additional, underlying reasons for my decision, which was an extremely difficult one to make.”

During his eight years as a member of Hakstol’s staff, Eades helped lead the Sioux to six seasons of 25-plus victories, five NCAA Frozen Four appearances, four WCHA Final Five championships and two MacNaughton Cup titles as WCHA regular season champions. Eades coached UND’s defensemen and power play, and also served as the program’s recruiting coordinator.

“I am very appreciative of the past eight years at the University of North Dakota and am very proud of my contributions to the team’s success that we’ve enjoyed. Winning some form of a championship – WCHA league, WCHA playoff or NCAA regional – in each season is a testament to that,” Eades said. “I can also hold my head high knowing that our shelves are stocked with talent for next year’s team and beyond.

“I am a much better person and hockey coach because of this experience and I truly appreciate all of the current and former players, coaches, administration, alumni and, of course, our loyal, diehard Sioux fans for their part in my personal growth. It’s now time for me to look forward and pursue other career opportunities, and embrace the challenges that lie ahead in my life.”

Eades’ association with UND hockey extends well beyond his most recent stint as assistant and associate head coach. Eades previously was an assistant coach for the 1987 NCAA and WCHA champion Sioux while serving as a member of former UND head coach John “Gino” Gasparini's staff for seven seasons from 1984-91.

“I learn from the people I work with, and I’ve learned a lot from Cary,” Hakstol said. “He’s been an outstanding friend and coach to work with.”

Prior to embarking on a coaching career, Eades played hockey at UND for four seasons (1978-82), playing on two UND NCAA championship teams (1980 and 1982) and three WCHA championship teams (1979, 1980, 1982). He was UND's team captain his senior season (1981-82). Eades played in 144 games for the Sioux, scoring 85 goals and 79 assists for 164 points. His 85 career goals are tied for ninth in program history. UND compiled a 117-47-3 (.710) record during Eades four years of college.

Hakstol said a definitive timeline for naming a replacement has not yet been determined.