Northern Michigan University has officially announced the resignation of head hockey coach Grant Potulny, as he seeks to pursue an opportunity in professional hockey. In light of this development, athletic director Rick Comley will assume the role of interim head coach. Additionally, Potulny’s departure has led to associate head coach Byron Pool and assistant coach Nick Peruzzi also stepping down in order to pursue coaching opportunities elsewhere. The university has confirmed that they will commence a nationwide search for a suitable replacement for the head coach position.
Potulny has made remarkable contributions during his tenure as head coach, notably leading the Wildcats to two conference championship games in the last four seasons. Comley and NMU President Brock Tessman have expressed their gratitude and well wishes for Potulny’s future endeavors.
Comley, a highly regarded figure in the world of hockey, boasts an impressive coaching record and has previously secured NCAA Division I national men’s hockey championships for both NMU and Michigan State University. With 13 years of prior service as athletic director at NMU, Comley’s extensive experience renders him a suitable choice for the interim head coach role while the university embarks on the search for a new head coach.
A press conference is scheduled to be held, featuring NMU President Brock Tessman and interim head coach Rick Comley, to provide further details regarding the changes in the hockey program. This will include information on the timeline for the search for a new head coach and the composition of the search committee. Additionally, Wildcat hockey fans will have the opportunity to meet the finalists and offer their input. Further details about the coaching position will be announced on Northern’s Human Resource’s “Careers at NMU” website.
The leadership changes within the Northern Michigan University hockey program signify a significant transitional period. With Comley’s wealth of experience and a national search for the next head coach currently underway, the program is poised for new developments and growth.