Marc Fakler was named assistant coach in August of 2006. Entering his fourth season, Fakler works with Bronco defensemen in addition to his responsibilities of recruiting, scouting, video breakdown, and practice and game preparation. He was heavily involved in the recruiting of freshman defenseman Luke Witkowski. Witkowski was drafted in the sixth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“Marc has earned a reputation as a tireless worker and is someone I feel demonstrates tremendous professionalism,” says Culhane. “He is a solid recruiter and communicates well as a coach.”
Two of Fakler’s recruits, Greg Squires and Kevin Connauton, from the 2008-09 season went on to receive CCHA All-Rookie Team honorable mention. Connauton was drafted in the third round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks, becoming his second recruit to be drafted.
During the summer, Fakler was a speaker at the National Hockey Coaches Symposium, which educates coaches seeking USA Hockey’s highest level of coaching certification. Fakler spoke to coaches from across the nation along with presentations from several current and former National Hockey League coaches and general managers, including Ron Wilson and Brian Burke of the Toronto Maple Leafs, John Tortorella of the New York Rangers, and Peter Laviolette formerly of the Carolina Hurricanes.
“It was quite an honor to be asked to speak at such an event by USA Hockey,” said Fakler. “The opportunity to aid coaches across the country in player development at the amateur level and the ability to share ideas with prominent figures involved with hockey was a tremendous experience.”
Fakler previously served two seasons (2004-06) as assistant coach at Robert Morris University. Fakler helped guide the Colonials through their first two varsity seasons, working under former Bronco Derek Schooley. At RMU, Fakler instructed forwards and defensemen, coordinated recruiting efforts and assisted with video editing. He coached three College Hockey America All-Rookie Selections and recruited two First Team CHA All-Conference selections, one Second Team All-Conference selection, two All-Rookie team selections, and one CHA league scoring champion. He also coached and recruited the all-time leading scorer in the history of the program.
Fakler also served two seasons (2002-04) as a volunteer assistant coach at Wayne State University. While there, the Warriors captured the College Hockey America Tournament Championship and advanced to the 2003 NCAA Tournament. Fakler assisted coach Bill Wilkinson with game strategy, pre-scouting opponents, breaking down tape and instruction during practice sessions.
Other coaching stops for Fakler include two seasons as assistant general manager/assistant coach for the Junior A Compuware Ambassadors of the Northern American Hockey League and assistant coach for the Junior B Grand Rapids Owls. He helped Compuware capture the 2002 national championship and North American Hockey League Regular Season and Playoff Championships. He continues to be actively involved with USA Hockey as a coach at the USA Hockey Select 16-17 Festivals each summer and as a lecturer with USA Hockey’s Coaches Education Program.
A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Fakler received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Eastern Michigan University in 2002 and added a master’s degree in sports administration from Wayne State in 2005.
Marc is married to the former Michelle Oakley. The couple resides in Kalamazoo.
