HOUGHTON -- Courtesy: MTU
Michigan Tech hockey coach Mel Pearson today announced the hiring of former NHL goaltender Steve Shields to the position of volunteer coach with the Huskies’ program.
Shields, who played 10 seasons in the NHL from 1996-2006, will join the team immediately.
“I am pleased to announce that we’ve added Steve as our volunteer coach for the upcoming season,” said Pearson. “I had the privilege of coaching Steve at Michigan, and I watched him develop from a college player to an NHL player.
“Not only will our goalies benefit from his expertise, but our defensemen will also learn from him. His time in the NHL will serve our team well.”
Shields played at Michigan from 1990-94, compiling a 111-25 record and an NCAA record for career victories. The Wolverines won two Central Collegiate Hockey Association titles and made two NCAA Frozen Four appearances during his four years. Shields was named All-CCHA First Team and All-America Second Team as both a junior and senior.
Shields, who earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan in 1994, went on to a 12-year professional career that included stops at six different NHL teams (Buffalo, San Jose, Anaheim, Boston, Florida and Atlanta). The North Bay, Ontario, native was a Buffalo Sabres draft choice in 1991 but played most of his games with the San Jose Sharks. His overall NHL career included a 2.67 GAA and .911 save percentage in 246 games played. Shields won the Calder Cup as a member of the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans in 1996.
During his time as a player, Shields was taught by four of the hockey world’s most respected goaltending coaches: Mitch Korn (Buffalo), Warren Strelow (San Jose), Wayne Thomas (San Jose) and Francois Allaire (Anaheim).
Following the end of his playing career, Shields founded iCoach.com, an online coaching solution and video synchronization software. He has been involved in the development of young goaltenders through that initiative since 2008.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity Coach Pearson has given me,” Shields said. “I want to use my unique experience in hockey and goaltending to help Coach return the Tech hockey program to where he and the community expect it to be. I am honored to be a part of Michigan Tech hockey.”
Shields joins assistant coaches Billy Muckalt and Damon Whitten in working under Pearson. Muckult (1994-98) followed Shields (1990-94) at Michigan, and the two played against each other in the NHL.
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