KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey program and head coach Andy Murray have announced the elevation of J.J. Crew to the position of assistant coach.
 
Crew has been a part of the staff for three seasons as the Director of Player Development and helping out in an operations capacity. The Placentia, Calif., native has had coaching stops both junior and college hockey prior to his position with the Broncos. Crew lettered at Western Michigan, playing four seasons from 2008-12, playing in 133 career games, scoring 55 points on 20 goals and 35 assists. Crew helped WMU go to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments in 2011 and 2012, along with being an influential member of the 2012 Central Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament Championship team. Crew holds a degree in criminal justice from WMU (2012) and a master's degree in sports science and recreation from Ohio University (2017).
 
"We are very excited to be elevating J.J.," said Murray. "He's grown a tremendous amount as a person and as a coach since he helped us win a CCHA Championship in 2012. He has the drive and the desire to be a successful coach and knows what it takes to be a Bronco."
 
"I am excited to continue to be a part of the Bronco Family," Crew added. "It's a dream come true to be able to coach at my alma mater. I want to thank Coach Murray as well as Kathy Beauregard for this opportunity. I also want to thank all the coaches I've been fortunate to work with over the years. They have been so influential in my coaching career and have helped me prepare of this opportunity. I am forever grateful."
 
Crew replaces associate head coach Dave Shyiak, who departed in May to join the coaching staff at St. Cloud State. Shyiak joined the WMU staff in 2014 and helped the Broncos to a NCAA Tournament berth in 2017 and two top-four finishes in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference standings.
 
"This was an opportunity for Dave to get closer to home," said Murray. "Dave and his family have been a great part of the Kalamazoo and Western Michigan communities and we are happy for them and thank him for his dedication during his time as a Bronco."