💬 Bama Hockey's Coach Mike Quennville Retires

[bama alum]

Such a HUGE loss for this program. Coach is always a class act, and always supported the university in everything he did.

University of Alabama Hockey

Mike Quenneville Announces Retirement
TUSCALOOSA, AL – The Alabama Hockey Club has announced that Head Coach Mike Quenneville has retired. The decision will take effect immediately, and the organization will announce the hiring of a new Head Coach later today.

Mike Quenneville of Massena, NY led the team to three National Championship Tournament appearances in his six seasons as Head Coach. Quenneville served as an Assistant Coach for two prior seasons before becoming the 3rd Head Coach in program history in 2010. Quenneville retires with a Head Coaching record of 128-76-8.

Mike Quenneville released the following statement on his retirement:

“I would like to thank Buddy Damare and Jeff Cheeseman for asking me to be a part of the coaching staff eight years ago. This program would not be where it is today without the energy, effort, time, sweat and tears of David Noble, Buddy Damare, Ian Hebert, Brian Crowley, and Jessica Frame. It has been a great ride, and it is time for this program to move to the next level. I would like to say Thank You to the present and past players for all that you have done over your years to make this a successful program, best of luck, and Roll Tide!”

President Jon Lovorn released the following statement on Quenneville’s retirement:

“First, let me commend Coach Quenneville on a tremendous career as the Head Coach of Alabama Hockey. His willingness to sacrifice time on week nights to commute to Pelham, Alabama to coach this college team has allowed for numerous kids to continue to enjoy playing the game of hockey in college. Without his hard work, this program might not be where it is today. Coach Q has brought this team from winning regular season games, to winning the SECHC championship and putting the program in contention for its first National Championship - Coach Quenneville has done an amazing job sculpting this program for success both under his coaching reign and on into the future. On behalf of the Alabama Hockey Club, I would like to thank him for his time and dedication as it was a privilege to play for Coach Quenneville for two years and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

Quenneville is the only coach in program history to lead during the team’s time in ACHA DIII and ACHA DI. He was awarded the ACHA DIII National Coach of the Year Award in 2012. Mike Quenneville retires as the winningest Head Coach in Alabama Hockey Club history.

 

[bama alum]

This was quick! Welcome home, Coach!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

University of Alabama Hockey

John Bierchen hired as new Head Coach

TUSCALOOSA, AL – The Alabama Hockey Club has announced the hiring of John Bierchen as the new Head Coach. Bierchen returns as the only former Alabama Hockey Club player to both play and coach in a professional hockey game. Bierchen has been an Assistant Coach with the Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) since 2013.



Bierchen, 27, from Clearwater, Florida was the MVP of the 2012 SECHC tournament as he led Alabama to the league championship. He has been behind the bench for 178 professional hockey games, and also coached 23 NCAA DIII games at SUNY Canton.



John Bierchen released the following statement on his hiring:



"I'm honored and excited to be returning home to Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama. I'm looking forward to building the hockey team into a program that everyone can be proud to cheer on and support. No detail will be missed in raising the bar of player development and program professionalism. I am looking forward to getting started."



President Jon Lovorn released the following statement on Bierchen’s hiring:



“This program has been set up for success and Coach Bierchen's hunger and energy is only going to continue pushing this program in the right direction. His natural ability to lead and top-notch professionalism have me excited for future seasons to come. One thing that impresses me is his attention to detail and organizational skills that have him prepared for any task at hand. His ambitious personality and quest for perfection I can see rubbing off on returning and incoming players that will only promote a winning environment. Also, his connection the University is humbling- that he wants to return to a program in which he played his collegiate games and lead the charge into the oncoming obstacles that lay ahead for this program.”



At Columbus (SPHL), Bierchen coached 11 players who went on to earn professional contracts in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). Also on his teams; An SPHL Rookie of the Year Winner, the SPHL League MVP, and a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist.



The Alabama Hockey Club is thrilled to welcome John Bierchen back to Tuscaloosa!