Warroad Coach Resigns

[HShockeywatcher]

I'm not saying HSHW's explanation (affluence, hockey history, private schools=good at hockey) is wrong, I just think we can be a little more precise.

I would like to make it clear that I am pointing the arrowing the other direction AND I'm not saying "good at hockey" but rather "state title."

STAte Title implies affluence, hockey history OR private. Those three alone imply nothing. Rambling on and on about why certain schools with these traits are not good shows you clearly do not understand what was stated.

[OGEE OGELTHORPE]

[warriors41]

One thing to keep in mind is that they still have Bruce Olson who was coaching the JV team this year. He has had a successful coaching career including a AA championship when he was in Roseau and I think he was two time coach of the year. He won it at least once for sure. They can just keep him as the varsity coach if they want to so it won't be hard for them to find a qualified head coach.

[mn miracle man]

One thing to keep in mind is that they still have Bruce Olson who was coaching the JV team this year. He has had a successful coaching career including a AA championship when he was in Roseau and I think he was two time coach of the year. He won it at least once for sure. They can just keep him as the varsity coach if they want to so it won't be hard for them to find a qualified head coach.

I doubt he would want to take over the program as he was the head coach for a season or two and decided to step back out of the limelight. One would assume they are looking for a younger guy to step up and hopefully get their youth program back on track and develop a bit more. The numbers are obviously down so they are going to really dig deep and "do more with less" regarding the talent/numbers coming up in the system. Possible candidates could be local youth coaches, or maybe Corwin Saurdiff, former pro goaltender who was coaching the JV as well this past year. There also are some former Warriors in the area too that would fit the mold well behind the bench including one of the Ulwelling brothers, Matt or Joe, and I believe Nels Grafstrom is still in the area as well. All three have played collegiately DI for Grafstrom at Air Force, Matt at Michigan Tech, and Joe at Gustavus. Might be a good direction to go for the Warriors, and they all had success back in their high school days, each being key members to state championship teams in the mid-90s.

[x-ception]

One thing to keep in mind is that they still have Bruce Olson who was coaching the JV team this year. He has had a successful coaching career including a AA championship when he was in Roseau and I think he was two time coach of the year. He won it at least once for sure. They can just keep him as the varsity coach if they want to so it won't be hard for them to find a qualified head coach.

I doubt he would want to take over the program as he was the head coach for a season or two and decided to step back out of the limelight. One would assume they are looking for a younger guy to step up and hopefully get their youth program back on track and develop a bit more. The numbers are obviously down so they are going to really dig deep and "do more with less" regarding the talent/numbers coming up in the system. Possible candidates could be local youth coaches, or maybe Corwin Saurdiff, former pro goaltender who was coaching the JV as well this past year. There also are some former Warriors in the area too that would fit the mold well behind the bench including one of the Ulwelling brothers, Matt or Joe, and I believe Nels Grafstrom is still in the area as well. All three have played collegiately DI for Grafstrom at Air Force, Matt at Michigan Tech, and Joe at Gustavus. Might be a good direction to go for the Warriors, and they all had success back in their high school days, each being key members to state championship teams in the mid-90s.

Code: Select all

I don't think he was ever Head Coach.....Co-Head Coach and that doesn't work.....As far as candidates it will be interesting because if the girls don't get a goalie (and some more) the girls coach is looking as well....The local talent is suspect....One refs alot of games at higher levels and his brother just was promoted at his job.....and a goalie......How did the last goalie Head Coach do?? I think the well is dry for the Warriors....
But if someone would stand a chance it would be Olson.

[Flin Flon]

One name I have heard Is former Warroad Goalie from the late early 90's is Corwin Saurdiff (spelling) Not sure what he is doing now?

[Rocketwrister]

I've noticed a lot of teaching positions are open for the Warroad school district, I wonder if someone from out of the area could step into one of those positions while taking on the head coaching duties.

[Puckguy19]

I've noticed a lot of teaching positions are open for the Warroad school district, I wonder if someone from out of the area could step into one of those positions while taking on the head coaching duties.

There is no need to worry about a teaching position! This isn't a normal situation.

[defense]

See above posts about the factors relating to producing state champions...thats what we're talking about here.

I thought we were talking about the Warroad coaches resigning? Warroad has not been mentioned now since 2/3s the way down the first page of this thread.

Karl, maybe you should rename the thread Affluence Affects Hockey Success.

I'm more interested in who Warroad may get to guide the trainwreck that their HS boys hockey team will be for the foreseeable future.

Sounds like a good idea...here's the link to the newly created thread on affluence. http://www.ushsho.com/forums/viewtopic. ... sc&start=0

Let's stick to Warroad on this one.

Air Force, I know that EGF will definitely have soemthing to say in section 8 in the coming future, and I don't doubt that most of the state including me would rather not see Warroad as the rep from the NW. That said, honesly can you say that Warroad will be a "trainwreck'????

Doubt it.
You know what I mean... not saying that EGF won't do something...really hope they maybe do...but.....

[Air Force 1]

Air Force, I know that EGF will definitely have soemthing to say in section 8 in the coming future, and I don't doubt that most of the state including me would rather not see Warroad as the rep from the NW. That said, honesly can you say that Warroad will be a "trainwreck'????

Doubt it.
You know what I mean... not saying that EGF won't do something...really hope they maybe do...but.....

Putting aside where I am from, yes, I would call Warroad a trainwreck for the foreseeable future. No coach this long after the previous coaches resigned, does anybody want it? I hear rumors but it is still vacant. Top import and local talent is gone and last I heard the plant is on 32 hour weeks, getting tough to lure talent to town. Upcoming players have not had the success and have been dominated by EVERYBODY for the past 3 years. Numbers are getting to be an issue too. Had minimal Bantam A & B teams this past season, just a Pee Wee A, no B. Squirts could be promising if they continue to develop.

Things change, some players, teams, and associations fizzle out and plateau while others grow and surpass. Could Warroad continue to reload and players develop into D1 recruits and keep Warroad on top, sure. Will they become Park Rapids, not quite. I see them around a present day Crookston, a decent season just over .500 with an upset or two each season and a 3-5 seed each year in sections.

TRF is the team to beat now, knocked off Warroad when it mattered and seems to be on the rise. EGF has a distinct possibility to come out on top for the next few years too. Both TRF and EGF sustained key losses but also have some great opportunities with players moving up. I see TRF and EGF battling for 8A this year with Warroad a darkhorse, the year after I see it as EGF, TRF, Crookston, and 4-10 is up for grabs.

[warriors41]

Another name I've heard come up is Scott Knutson. He used to coach the girls hockey team and played for Warroad in the 80's I believe before he played for the Gophs and later transferred to Michigan Tech I think. He is an actual teacher at the high school for those wondering. Everything around town is still just rumors though.

[mn miracle man]

Air Force, I know that EGF will definitely have soemthing to say in section 8 in the coming future, and I don't doubt that most of the state including me would rather not see Warroad as the rep from the NW. That said, honesly can you say that Warroad will be a "trainwreck'????

Doubt it.
You know what I mean... not saying that EGF won't do something...really hope they maybe do...but.....

Putting aside where I am from, yes, I would call Warroad a trainwreck for the foreseeable future. No coach this long after the previous coaches resigned, does anybody want it? I hear rumors but it is still vacant. Top import and local talent is gone and last I heard the plant is on 32 hour weeks, getting tough to lure talent to town. Upcoming players have not had the success and have been dominated by EVERYBODY for the past 3 years. Numbers are getting to be an issue too. Had minimal Bantam A & B teams this past season, just a Pee Wee A, no B. Squirts could be promising if they continue to develop.

Things change, some players, teams, and associations fizzle out and plateau while others grow and surpass. Could Warroad continue to reload and players develop into D1 recruits and keep Warroad on top, sure. Will they become Park Rapids, not quite. I see them around a present day Crookston, a decent season just over .500 with an upset or two each season and a 3-5 seed each year in sections.

TRF is the team to beat now, knocked off Warroad when it mattered and seems to be on the rise. EGF has a distinct possibility to come out on top for the next few years too. Both TRF and EGF sustained key losses but also have some great opportunities with players moving up. I see TRF and EGF battling for 8A this year with Warroad a darkhorse, the year after I see it as EGF, TRF, Crookston, and 4-10 is up for grabs.

Just because they haven't named a coach yet doesn't mean nobody wants it. Warroad has a proud tradition and I am sure they are taking their time with applicants in order to get this right. This is basically the first real "search" since Eades came to Warroad in the mid 1990s, as after he left they handed the reins off to the assistant and previous Bantam coach. Wouldn't be surprised to see an announcement in the very near future. Also, I seriously doubt it would be Scott Knutson either, as he is already the head baseball coach up there. If I were a betting man, I would say they might reach outside the box with this one and go with someone outside of the program. Only someone entirely new will have the energy and enthusiasm to take over the whole program, including overseeing the youth programs, in order to make their feeder program relevant once again.

[Puckguy19]

Another name I've heard come up is Scott Knutson. He used to coach the girls hockey team and played for Warroad in the 80's I believe before he played for the Gophs and later transferred to Michigan Tech I think. He is an actual teacher at the high school for those wondering. Everything around town is still just rumors though.

Knutson would be a good choice. Yes, he did play a couple of years for the Gophers and then transferred to Chicago Circle, which is now the University of Illinois-Chicago. At they time they were members of the CCHA.

[Puckguy19]

Air Force, I know that EGF will definitely have soemthing to say in section 8 in the coming future, and I don't doubt that most of the state including me would rather not see Warroad as the rep from the NW. That said, honesly can you say that Warroad will be a "trainwreck'????

Doubt it.
You know what I mean... not saying that EGF won't do something...really hope they maybe do...but.....

Putting aside where I am from, yes, I would call Warroad a trainwreck for the foreseeable future. No coach this long after the previous coaches resigned, does anybody want it? I hear rumors but it is still vacant. Top import and local talent is gone and last I heard the plant is on 32 hour weeks, getting tough to lure talent to town. Upcoming players have not had the success and have been dominated by EVERYBODY for the past 3 years. Numbers are getting to be an issue too. Had minimal Bantam A & B teams this past season, just a Pee Wee A, no B. Squirts could be promising if they continue to develop.

Things change, some players, teams, and associations fizzle out and plateau while others grow and surpass. Could Warroad continue to reload and players develop into D1 recruits and keep Warroad on top, sure. Will they become Park Rapids, not quite. I see them around a present day Crookston, a decent season just over .500 with an upset or two each season and a 3-5 seed each year in sections.

TRF is the team to beat now, knocked off Warroad when it mattered and seems to be on the rise. EGF has a distinct possibility to come out on top for the next few years too. Both TRF and EGF sustained key losses but also have some great opportunities with players moving up. I see TRF and EGF battling for 8A this year with Warroad a darkhorse, the year after I see it as EGF, TRF, Crookston, and 4-10 is up for grabs.

Just because they haven't named a coach yet doesn't mean nobody wants it. Warroad has a proud tradition and I am sure they are taking their time with applicants in order to get this right. This is basically the first real "search" since Eades came to Warroad in the mid 1990s, as after he left they handed the reins off to the assistant and previous Bantam coach. Wouldn't be surprised to see an announcement in the very near future. Also, I seriously doubt it would be Scott Knutson either, as he is already the head baseball coach up there. If I were a betting man, I would say they might reach outside the box with this one and go with someone outside of the program. Only someone entirely new will have the energy and enthusiasm to take over the whole program, including overseeing the youth programs, in order to make their feeder program relevant once again.

Are the resources still in place to hire someone simply as the hockey coach, and then fill in some other duties as needed. If I remember the Eades hiring, which was out of the box, his primary responsibilities were to coach hockey and manage the arena. Has that changed?

[Goldy Gopher]

One thing to keep in mind is that they still have Bruce Olson who was coaching the JV team this year. He has had a successful coaching career including a AA championship when he was in Roseau and I think he was two time coach of the year. He won it at least once for sure. They can just keep him as the varsity coach if they want to so it won't be hard for them to find a qualified head coach.

I doubt he would want to take over the program as he was the head coach for a season or two and decided to step back out of the limelight. One would assume they are looking for a younger guy to step up and hopefully get their youth program back on track and develop a bit more. The numbers are obviously down so they are going to really dig deep and "do more with less" regarding the talent/numbers coming up in the system. Possible candidates could be local youth coaches, or maybe Corwin Saurdiff, former pro goaltender who was coaching the JV as well this past year. There also are some former Warriors in the area too that would fit the mold well behind the bench including one of the Ulwelling brothers, Matt or Joe, and I believe Nels Grafstrom is still in the area as well. All three have played collegiately DI for Grafstrom at Air Force, Matt at Michigan Tech, and Joe at Gustavus. Might be a good direction to go for the Warriors, and they all had success back in their high school days, each being key members to state championship teams in the mid-90s.

Code: Select all

I don't think he was ever Head Coach.....Co-Head Coach and that doesn't work.....As far as candidates it will be interesting because if the girls don't get a goalie (and some more) the girls coach is looking as well....The local talent is suspect....One refs alot of games at higher levels and his brother just was promoted at his job.....and a goalie......How did the last goalie Head Coach do?? I think the well is dry for the Warriors....
But if someone would stand a chance it would be Olson.

STA is really struggling to make the co-head coaches work.

[WarroadWarrior]

Per KQ92's Facebook Post:


Lake Country KQ92
Breaking: Warroad hires Steve Haataja as its new boys hockey coach. Haataja previously coached in the Dassel-Cokato school system. The Warroad School Board approved the hiring tonight at their board meeting. Haataja played defense for a season at St. Could State University in 1990-91. He'll also teach social studies.

[Air Force 1]

One problem solved for Warroad. I wish the new coach luck...but not too much!

[mn miracle man]

Per KQ92's Facebook Post:


Lake Country KQ92
Breaking: Warroad hires Steve Haataja as its new boys hockey coach. Haataja previously coached in the Dassel-Cokato school system. The Warroad School Board approved the hiring tonight at their board meeting. Haataja played defense for a season at St. Could State University in 1990-91. He'll also teach social studies.

This could turn out to be a great hire for Warroad. A young guy coming to town with a big family (I believe he has 6-7 kids) with intent to get a program back on track, in terms of youth program, while maintaining a presence in the north that Warroad has always been accustomed to having. Should have experience being an assistant, and playing at SCSU under Dahl I am assuming? should be able to do well up there. It is good to see some new blood as well, as he should bring some new ideas and a great deal of enthusiasm. Good luck to Coach Haataja!