Michigan Tech announced Monday the hiring of Joe Shawhan as a new assistant coach.
Shawhan replaces Damon Whitten, who left to become the head coach at Lake Superior State in April.
“I’m extremely pleased to welcome Joe to the Michigan Tech hockey program,” said MTU head coach Mel Pearson in a statement. “We took our time to find the right person for this position to ensure our program continues to move forward. We had an outstanding pool of candidates, including first-round NHL Draft picks and Stanley Cup champions. Joe brings with him a wealth of hockey knowledge, not only at the college level, but from his days as head coach in the North American Hockey League. He’s going to be a tremendous asset in recruiting and in working with our goaltending.”
Shawhan was an assistant at Northern Michigan the past six seasons and spent 1995 to 2005 as the head coach and general manager of the Soo Indians of the NAHL, compiling a 474-162-43 record and sending more than 100 of his players on to college hockey.
Joining the Lake Superior State staff in 2005, Shawhan worked three years as assistant coach with the Lakers before moving to Northern Michigan. He spent the 2008-09 season as a volunteer assistant and the 2009-10 campaign as the director of hockey operations before being named assistant coach in 2010.
“I’m excited about this new opportunity,” added Shawhan. “Thanks to Mel, (Michigan Tech athletic director) Suzanne (Sanregret) and all involved. It was a really difficult decision to leave NMU, but this is a great opportunity for me. I like the enthusiasm of the program and am comfortable with Houghton and the Copper Country. I’ve know Mel for a long time and understand how he’s running the program. I’m confident I’ll be able to step in and use my 30 years of experience to help this team.”
Shawhan earned four letters as a goaltender for Lake Superior State from 1983 to 1987.
