Former Michigan State standout Damon Whitten has been named the new coach at Lake Superior State, replacing Jim Roque, who was fired last month.
Whitten has spent the last four years as an assistant coach at Michigan Tech, after assistant coaching stints with Wayne State University then at Alaska-Anchorage. Whitten briefly returned to Michigan State as the team’s director of hockey operations, before going to Michigan Tech.
Whitten was introduced at a press conference Saturday at the Cisler Center and introduced to media and the public by LSSU Director of Athletics Kris Dunbar, who headed the search committee.
Lake Superior State Athletic director Kris Dunbar said Whitten would have full autonomy on his coaching staff.
“Damon brings a strong work ethic and positive energy to the Laker Hockey Program,” Dunbar said. “We had a lot of very qualified candidates apply for the position but in the end we felt that Coach Whitten was the one to move the program forward.”
While with Michigan Tech, Whitten helped the Huskies implement a new fore-check, neutral zone defense and zone entries. He was responsible for in-game defensive matchups and academic performance. Whitten is also no stranger to the recruiting trail and has been seen at many high level junior and Midget AAA events.
While Whitten faces challenges in his new position, he is confident in his recruiting ability stating, “I know the available talent pool well,” during the press conference.
Restoring the glory of Laker hockey will not be an easy undertaking. Resources are limited, and attendance has steadily declined. Whitten will look to re energize the fan base in short order. Well connected and regarded as a smart coach and solid talent evaluator he now has a program to run as his own with plenty of room for growth.
Joe Hughes
