'You can tell he is a genuine guy': Wisconsin hockey coach Mike Hastings makes positive first impression
MADISON – Twenty-four days.
That is how much time passed between Tony Granato's firing as the Wisconsin men’s hockey coach and the hiring of Mike Hastings. Caught in the transition were the Badgers' players, who were asked to take care of business as usual while a critical part of their college experience was uncertain.
To have the situation behind them is a relief.
“Obviously the last couple of weeks have been stressful for everyone in terms of the question marks and what has happened, but we’re definitely feeling a lot more optimistic, excited,” junior Mathieu De St. Phalle said. “I saw a lot more smies in the weight room today, so. I think we’re trending in the right direction.”
Hastings, whose hiring was announced Thursday, was officially introduced as the Badgers' coach Monday afternoon at the Kohl Center. The team’s players were among those in attendance as Hastings enthusiastically spoke about the future of the program.
The coach also met with the team Sunday night when he preached accountability, respect and the importance of creating a family in the new dynamic.
“What stands out is how much he cares, not just for his success but everyone surrounding him, administration, coaches, all the staff involved,” senior Owen Lindmark said. “I think the biggest takeaway is how much he cares and how much relationships matter to him, not just in the short term but the long term as well.”
Hastings comes to UW after compiling a 299-109-25 record (.719), eight NCAA Tournament appearances and two trips to the Frozen Four in 11 seasons at Minnesota State. The 57-year-old has 14 years of additional head coaching experience with the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League.
He has not had a losing season in 25 seasons as a head coach.
“You can tell he is a genuine guy. He makes direct eye contact, firm handshake,” De St. Phalle said. “Little things like that go a long way and just the way he addressed our team, the way he made us all feel comfortable within the last couple of days is obviously important to us and something we’re looking for.”
Hastings noted that he met a couple of the Badgers during their college recruitment. For the most part, however, the players don’t have any history with their new coach.
De St. Phalle, however, received some thoughts on the new coach from Brennan Furry, a teammate from junior hockey who was Minnesota State’s captain this past season.
“He had nothing but great things to say, but really we don’t try to do much with outside stuff,” De St. Phalle said. “The big thing we’re talking about is staying within here. We’re just focused on trying to get know him ourselves and for him getting to know every single guy. I’m sure he’s obviously busy. The most important impressions you have are what you have of your coach yourself.”
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin hockey coach Mike Hastings makes positive first impression
