After 15 years as the men’s coach at Western New England College, Mike Badger announced that he is stepping down from his position due to increased work and family commitments.
“With my other work responsibilities and trying to become more involved in my two children’s active lives, I just couldn’t devote as much time coaching as the position requires,” said Badger, who also assists his wife in a family business.
Badger has served as a physical education teacher at Putnam High School in Springfield for the past 25 years.
Western New England College athletics director Mike Theulen thanked Badger for his years of dedication and service to the College.
“Mike deserves credit for making our ice hockey program competitive in the highly-regarded Northeast Conference of the ECAC,” said Theulen. “Additionally, Mike has been a very strong presence on the staff since my arrival, and I am very grateful for all of his efforts in helping our athletics program to unprecedented heights.”
Badger compiled a 146-169-16 record during his tenure behind the Golden Bears bench and directed his teams to the ECAC playoffs on eight occasions.
Western New England posted a 7-14-2 record this past winter after dropping four games by a single goal. The Golden Bears ended the season on a positive note by winning three of its final four contests.
