KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Western Michigan University Athletics announced its plan to extend the contract of hockey head coach Jim Culhane through May 31, 2011. With the extension, Culhane is set to lead the Bronco hockey program over the next four seasons.
"On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank Dr. John Dunn, Kathy Beauregard and Monty Porter. I have thoroughly enjoyed being the head coach of the WMU hockey program over the past eight seasons and I look forward to what is ahead for our team. The coaches, staff and student-athletes are excited to get going on the 2007-08 season and begin our pursuit of the goals we have set. I am extremely proud of the team I have now and the teams I have had in the past. The successes we have enjoyed at Lawson Ice Arena, against ranked opponents, and in the classroom and community are a true testament to the quality of people that surround these young men throughout the athletic department and University," commented Culhane.
The success of Western Michigan hockey has been measured on the ice and in the classroom. Under Culhane, WMU has an 83-55-14 (60 percent) winning record at Lawson Ice Arena. Competing in one of the toughest hockey conferences in America in the CCHA, the Broncos have an even or winning record against six CCHA opponents under Culhane, including a 10-9-3 edge over Ohio State and an even record with defending national champion Michigan State (8-8-3).
Western Michigan hockey has defeated 33 ranked opponents with Culhane on the bench. Seven of those victories, the most wins over ranked opponents in any one season during his tenure, came this past season and included a 3-1 series sweep over the Spartans. WMU has defeated five or more ranked opponents in four different seasons, and has 16 wins over teams in the top 10, eight wins over teams in the top five and one defeat of a team ranked No. 1 in the country (Michigan State; Feb. 16, 2001).
Western Michigan hockey also boasts one of the top academically successful programs at the University and in the conference. The team GPA has steadily risen under Culhane with the team having a combined GPA of 3.00 or higher in nine of the last 10 semesters. The squad had its highest Fall GPA in 2006 (3.18) and its highest Spring GPA in 2007 (3.30). Eighteen members of the team ended the 2006-07 academic year with a GPA of 3.02 or better. Thirteen had a GPA of 3.52 or better and two members carried a perfect 4.00 GPA.
Western Michigan hockey has graduated 41 seniors since 1998 with another nine turning pro after their playing days in the Brown & Gold were complete.
"Jim Culhane has been a Bronco since his days as a student-athlete, for that reason, along with the success our hockey team has experienced on and off the ice under his tutelage, we are very happy to make this announcement concerning the future of our hockey program. From great wins over ranked opponents to the impressive team and individual GPA's, Jim continues to push our hockey program in the right direction and we look forward to his leadership of these young men into the future," commented director of athletics Kathy Beauregard.
Along with Culhane's teams' efforts against the opposition and in the classroom, community service is a huge part of the Western Michigan hockey program. Culhane is a long-standing board member of the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA) and he works with USA Hockey and the CCHA at numerous hockey clinics throughout the year. This season Culhane will be spear-heading "Hockey Cares" on Feb. 10. More information on "Hockey Cares" will follow as the 2007-08 hockey season gets under way.
