Canisius is moving forward with its plans to find a new head coach, and is not intending to dismantle the program, officials said.
“We have no intention of dropping our hockey program,” said Marc Gignac, Canisius’ director of athletic communications.
Speculation was fueled that the program could be in danger after Canisius fired 24-year head coach Brian Cavanaugh in December, and athletic director Tim Dillon resigned on Wednesday, both amid dubious circumstances, leaving a leadership void.
There was further speculation after some hockey people noted that Canisius’ job posting had been taken down.
However, Dillon said that a number of applications were already received and that the job posting had already run its natural course.
Gignac said the school still plans to hire a coach by April 1.
Canisius is the only MAAC school currently playing in Atlantic Hockey. Iona and Fairfield dropped their hockey programs two years ago. Niagara, another MAAC school, plays hockey in CHA.
