Men's Ice Hockey | July 30, 2019
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey team and head coach Andy Murray have announced the hiring of Pat Ferschweiler to the position of associate head coach.
Ferschweiler rejoins the Broncos after spending the past four years as an assistant coach for the Detroit Red Wings and one season as an assistant coach with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
"We are very excited to welcome back Pat," said Murray. "He understands what it means to play Bronco Hockey and his experience in the NHL only adds to his coaching skills he has grown throughout his career."
Ferschweiler's original stint with WMU began in 2010 when then head coach Jeff Blashill brought him into the program as an assistant coach after the WMU alum built Russel Stover AAA into one of the elite programs in the country. The Rochester, Minn., native helped the Broncos reach back-to-back NCAA Tournaments in 2011 and 2012 and secure the 2012 Central Collegiate Hockey Conference Tournament Championship. Ferschweiler also had a hand in developing many of WMU's current NHLers.
Ferschweiler played for Western Michigan for three seasons, 1990-93, before graduating early to pursue a career in professional hockey. With the Broncos he played in 116 career games, racking up 95 points on 30 goals and 65 assists and serving as team captain during the 1992-93 season. Ferschweiler is also the first player in program history to win the CCHA Best Defensive Forward Award, earning the honors during the 1991-92 season.
Ferschweiler is currently on the road with USA Hockey after being named head coach of the U.S. Under 18 Men's Select Team for the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The team opens up the tournament in Slovakia on Monday, Aug. 5 against Russia. Ferschweiler was an assistant coach for the team last year and was the head coach of the US U-17 team at the Five Nations tournament in 2017, leading the team to a gold medal.
WMU Hockey season ticket renewals for the 2019-20 season are currently being accepted. For more information, head to www.wmubroncos.com/tickets or call 1-888-4-WMUTIX.
