Ryan McKelvie Departs The Seawolves

UAA assistant coach Ryan McKelvie has accepted an offer to become the head coach at D-III Lake Forest College just outside Chicago.  McKelvie completed his first year as a WCHA assistant during this past season.  In the in the emailed UAA announcement Coach Shyiak said,

"Ryan has been an integral part of our success this year. He has worked very hard in his responsibilities and recruiting efforts. This is a great opportunity for him at Lake Forest College and we wish him all the best and thank him for all he has done."

As to departing the Seawolves program McKelvie indicated,

It was a difficult decision, as my time at UAA has been so enjoyable. My experience at UAA has prepared me for my first collegiate head coaching job, and I will forever be grateful to coach Shyiak, coach Blair, and the entire UAA athletic department for their tremendous support this year."

Ryan becomes the fifth head coach at Lake Forest who finished with a 5-21-1 record playing all season with an interim head coach running the program.  He will obviously be looking to turn that program around.  Dr. Cobb commented,

"We will miss coach McKelvie being part of our staff, but are always pleased when coaches have the opportunity to further their career. I have no doubt that, given coach McKelvie's experience, character and background, he will be successful at Lake Forest and I will not be surprised if he returns to coach in the WCHA in the future."

A national search to determine a replacement will begin immediately.  The search may be influenced by the ongoing Division 1 head coaching carousel which has seen or will see new coaches hired at 6 schools this offseason (UMass-Lowell, Penn St., Princeton, Clarkson, Northeastern and Michigan Tech).

Best of luck to Ryan on his step up the coaching ranks and meeting all the challenges that come with the position.  Here's the Lake Forest annoucement where he says,

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the Lake Forest College men's hockey program. It was clear throughout the interview process and during my visit to campus that my coaching goals align with those of the College. Recent enhancements to the rink and other athletic facilities at the College also strengthen my belief that Forester Hockey has the potential to be very successful."

The release indicates that he'll relocate to Lake Forest within the next month; so there's a wee bit  (obligatory Scottish reference) of time before you'll have missed your chance to wish him well.