Muckalt named assistant coach at Michigan Tech

June 10, 2011

New Mexico Mustangs head coach Bill Muckalt has accepted an assistant coaching position with Michigan Tech University (WCHA).

Muckalt, a former Michigan Wolverine and five-year veteran of the NHL, led the Mustangs to a 19-35-4 record with 15 wins in their last 27 games in their inaugural 2010-11 season.

"I had the opportunity to recruit and coach Bill, and he was an outstanding player," said Huskies head coach Mel Pearson. "He has a great work ethic and tremendous passion for the game. His experience gives him a good network for recruiting and a keen eye for talent. Bill will be a great addition to our staff."

Prior to his stint in New Mexico, Muckalt served as head coach of the Valencia (Calif.) Flyers of the Tier III Junior A Western States Hockey League, where his squad went 20-16-3. He also worked as head instructor of Summer Hockey School at Ice Station Valencia.

Muckalt gained coaching experience with Eastern Michigan University's club hockey team as assistant coach in 2006-07 and head coach in 2007-08.

"I'm very excited to be a part of a program that has such a rich history," said Muckalt. "The chance to work with Mel, who's had a big influence in my life both in hockey and personally, was a very easy choice. I've seen the commitment that the University administration has made to the hockey program, and I can't wait to get started."

Pearson recruited Muckalt to play at Michigan starting in 1994-95, and the two won 130 games and two national championships over the next four years. The winger posted 105 career goals and 226 total points. He earned All-America First Team honors and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist while leading the Wolverines to the 1998 NCAA title.

Muckalt, a Surrey, British Columbia, native, graduated from Michigan with a degree in sports management and communications, then made the jump straight into the NHL where he played five seasons. His most productive season came as a rookie with the Vancouver Canucks, where he posted 16 goals and 20 assists in 73 games.