Wayne State has hired Jim Fetter as its women’s hockey coach. Fetter spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach with nationally-ranked women’s hockey programs.
“Jim brings the kind of experience that is so important as we continue to develop our women’s hockey program,” said Rob Fournier, Wayne State’s athletics director. “His work ethic, enthusiasm and established recruiting contacts will serve well our shared vision for the future. Jim got high marks from all the constituencies he met with during the interview and I want to thank the committee for their fine work in the search process.”
Fetter replaces Tom O’Malley, whose contract wasn’t renewed after the 2002-03 season. O’Malley started Wayne State’s team from scratch in 1999 and compiled a record of 21-86-5.
Fetter was an assistant coach at Mercyhurst the last two years and the Lakers compiled a 49-16-2, including back-to-back regular-season (GLWHA and CHA) and tournament titles. Before joining the Mercyhurst staff, Fetter spent one season (1999-2000) as an assistant women’s hockey coach at Maine.
His women’s coaching career began in 1996 when he led his team to a bronze medal at provincials and a gold a year later. Fetter then served as head coach for the University of Lethbridge women’s team of the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU) in its inaugural season of 1998.
The Kitchener, Ont., native is a 1995 graduate of the University of Lethbridge.
“I am excited to be joining the Wayne State athletic staff,” said Fetter. “I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead. I want to thank Rob for giving me this opportunity and look forward to working with him and his staff.”
