Players and Athletic Department react to Jamie Russell leaving Michigan Tech

Posted: 03.17.2011 at 5:05 PM

HOUGHTON -- The search is underway for Michigan Tech's 21st hockey coach after Jamie Russell resigned last night (Thursday).

In a press release, Russell thanked the players and fans for their support in good times and bad.

Russell collected 70 wins in eight seasons, but had just 15 in his last three campaigns, including this year's 4-30-4 record.

The Tech Athletic Department says it's tough to see such a good person go, but this is still a bottom line business. "We tried to give Jamie all the support we could, "said Athletic Director Suzanne Sanregret, "but this year the wins just weren't there. We need to move forward in a different direction. I believe Michigan Tech Hockey can be competitive in the NCAA and the WCHA (Western Collegiate Hockey Association) and it was time to make a change."

A change that was hard for Jamie's players to take says team captain Brett Olson. "It's not fun to see any of your coaches go at any time. This is the first experience I've had with it. We had our meeting yesterday, and we found out when the release came out. It is what it is, and we're looking forward as a team to come together here and move forward in this next step."

Tech assistant coach and Hancock native Pat Mikesch also will not return. His contract was not renewed.

For the complete interviews with Athletic Director Suzanne Sanregret and Brett Olson click on the video player at the top of the story.