TROY, N.Y. – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Director of Athletics Ken Ralph today announced that the Institute has begun an international search for a new head men's hockey coach, following the resignation of coach
Dan Fridgen.
"Rensselaer has offered me a tremendous opportunity over the past 17 years," Fridgen said. "My family and I are very thankful for all the experiences we have shared with some tremendous people in the program, on the campus and in the community. I wish the team nothing but success."
"Dan Fridgen has served Rensselaer admirably over the past 17 years, including 12 as the head coach, and his efforts are greatly appreciated," said Ralph. "As we enter this period of transition, there is great excitement about the new opportunities ahead for our student athletes and dedicated fans."
"I applaud Dan for his hard work and dedication to the Institute and for the compassion and commitment he has exhibited to his players. We wish him all the best," said Rensselaer President Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson. "Rensselaer has a great hockey tradition, and we will now take the necessary steps to begin a new chapter in our program's history."
"We are very proud of the outstanding student-athletes Dan has recruited and introduced to the Rensselaer community," said Dr. Eddie Ade Knowles, vice president of student life. "Building on Rensselaer's strong tradition of scholar athletes, we will continue to field a team that is solid on the ice and in the classroom."
In his 12 years as the head coach, Fridgen compiled an overall record of 211-193-38, including a league mark of 116-116-31. He enjoyed eight winning seasons, including five 20-win campaigns, and his teams finished in the top three in the league standings three times. The Engineers won the league tournament once in his tenure.
The 2006-07 Engineers return 18 players from this year's team, including two of the top three scorers and their starting goaltender. In addition, Kirk MacDonald, the team's top scorer in 2004-05 who was a medical red-shirt in this season, is also expected to return.
Second-year assistant coach Frank Bretti will manage the day-to-day operations of the men's hockey program while the search for a new head coach is in process.