Bowling Green State University Athletics
Dennis Williams Named Neumann College Hockey Coach
June 08, 2004 | Ice Hockey
June 8, 2004
Aston, Pa. - The Neumann College Knights Athletic Department announced its appointment of Stratford, Ontario native Dennis Williams as their men's ice hockey coach and assistant athletic director for the upcoming 2004-2005 season. Director of Athletics Chuck Sack made the official announcement on Tuesday, June 08, 2004. Williams will replace Coach Nick Russo, founder of the Knights Ice Hockey program, who stepped down earlier this year.
Coach Williams comes to Neumann College from ECAC West rival Utica College where he was the Assistant Coach for the Men's Ice Hockey Program in Utica, NY. While with Utica College Williams worked as the Pioneers defensive bench coach responsible for intensifying the Pioneers' defensive, penalty-kill and fore-check systems. He also administered and monitored the team's strength and conditioning programs and academic success through team training and study halls. Williams was actively involved in player recruitment and as a result the Pioneers claimed the fourth spot in the 2003-04 conference standings naming three student-athletes to the 2003-04 ECAC-West All-Academic Team and seven players to this years All ECAC-West Team. Prior to his tenure at Utica, Williams was a Graduate Assistant Coach for his alma mater, Bowling Green University where he graduated with a bachelors of science in Sports Management and Marketing and received his masters in Marketing Education.
"We are very excited to announce Dennis Williams as the Neumann College Head Men's Ice Hockey Coach. His knowledge, skills and abilities are perfectly suited to lead our program. Dennis is special because of his enthusiasm and passion. These qualities separated him from other candidates," stated Director of Athletics, Chuck Sack.
Dennis Williams' experience on the ice includes a career in the Central Hockey League as a forward for the Odessa Jackalopes and four-year lettermen at forward for the NCAA Division I Bowling Green State University Falcons (CCHA). He was a member of the 1994-1995 Sutherland Cup Jr. B Championship Team and in 1995 Williams played on the International Under-17 Team Ontario which won the gold medal at the International Hockey Tournament in Mountain, New Brunswick.
"I am excited to come to Neumann and I look forward to the opportunity to turn the ship around." stated Williams. "It is going to take a few years, but I feel that there is no reason that the Philadelphia area can't have a successful Division III hockey program. I want to win and my goal is a playoff victory. It will take time but I look forward to the challenge."
