Dennis Williams Steps Down As Neumann's Head Coach

Williams heads to the University of Alabama in Huntsville after three seasons as the head coach of the Knights.

June 6, 2007

Aston, Pa. - Dennis Williams, the most successful coach in Neumann College's men's ice hockey program, will step down as the Knights' head coach, the athletic department announced today. Williams will head to University of Alabama in Huntsville, an NCAA Division I program, to assist newly appointed Head Coach Danton Cole with the Chargers program.

"It is very tough to leave this group of players. I wish nothing but the best for this team and for Neumann College," stated Williams. "However, my goal for coaching was to get back to Division I and having the opportunity to work with Danton Cole and The University of Alabama in Huntsville provides me with great excitement."

As the second coach of the Neumann Knights' men's ice hockey program, Williams compiled a 35-32-8 record in three seasons as head coach of the Neumann Knights. He led the Knights to their two best seasons in program history, their first ECAC West championship tournament appearance and helped the team earn its highest national ranking (3^rd) in program history.

Williams led the Knights to the best overall team record 17-5-5; the best conference record 8-3-4 and coached Neumann to the Eastern College Athletic (ECAC) Conference- West men's ice hockey tournament final in 2007. Under Williams Neumann has had three Knights named as 2007 All-Americans (Neil Trimm, Mike Hedden, Mike Gooch) an ECAC West Goalie of the Year (Mike Collichio-2006), an ECAC Rookie of the Year (Matt Ward-2007) and nearly three dozen players who have earned postseason awards.

"I would like to thank Athletic Director Chuck Sack and Neumann College for giving me the opportunity to lead the Neumann Knight's hockey program, stated Williams."

His 2007 team was ranked 3^rd in the nation and recognized as having the best power-play in the country at the conclusion of the season. He has helped to produce 3 of the top 5 point scores in the country while 6 other Neumann Knights rank in the top 20 nationally in multiple categories.

"We are grateful and appreciative to Coach Williams for leading our men's ice hockey program. His leadership has been outstanding and his passion for the game is second to none. We wish him all of our best in his future endeavors and will work diligently to find his replacement." stated Director of Athletics, Chuck Sack.

A native of Stratford, Ontario, Williams graduated from Bowling Green University where he played four-years at forward from 1997-2001, Williams also served as an assistant coach with at Bowling Green during the 2002-2003 season before joining the staff at Utica College in the fall of 2003.