Tech Hockey Guide has learned that Joe Shawhan is expected to be named the 22nd head hockey coach in Michigan Tech hockey history. Shawhan becomes head coach after serving as an assistant under Mel Pearson for the past three seasons.
Shawhan was a four-year letter winner at Lake Superior State between 1983 and 1987. The Lakers earned a berth in the NCAA tournament during the 1985-86 season under the direction of Frank Anzalone. Shawhan led the team that season with a goals against average of 3.03.
Following his playing career Shawhan joined the Lakers as a volunteer coach. Between 1988 and 1995 he served under under the leadership of Frank Anzalone and Jeff Jackson. During his time as a volunteer coach the Lakers made the NCAA tournament every season while earning two National Championships as well as a runner-up finishing.
Between 1995 and 2005 Shawhan served as head coach and general manager Soo Indians in the NAHL. During his tenure Shawhan became the winningest coach in NAHL history with a record of 474-162-43. He was named NAHL Coach of the Year on three occasions after in 1996, 2000, and 2001.
After the Indians franchise was dissolved in 2005 he joined the staff at Lake Superior State as an assistant coach under Jim Roque for three seasons. During this time the Lakers returned to the CCHA Championships at Joe Louis Arena for the first time since 1996.
In 2008 Shawhan became a volunteer assistant with the Northern Michigan Wildcats while he pursued completion of his bachelor’s degree. For the 2009-2010 seasons Shawhan additionally served as Director of Hockey Operations. Prior to the 2010 season he was promoted to full-time assistant coach. While with the Wildcats the team earned a berth in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999.
Shawhan joined the Huskies for the 2014 season, a season in which the Huskies would return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since a third place finish in 1981. As an assistant coach, the Huskies have made two visits to the NCAA tournament and won both a regular season and playoff title in the WCHA. The Huskies are coming off their best three seasons in over 30 years.
Featured image courtesy of Michigan Tech Athletics
Brandon is a 2010 graduate of Michigan Tech. He co-founded Tech Hockey Guide with Tim Braun as a outlet to expand the coverage of Michigan Tech Hockey. He currently resides in Portland, Oregon with his wife Lindsey and corgis Quincy and Niko.
