Former NAHL Head Coach and NCAA champion Dane Litke has been named the head coach of the Finlandia University men’s hockey program.
Director of Athletics Chris Salani said. “Dane has had tremendous successes as a head coach at the Junior A level, and we needed to identify a coach like Dane, who has both the experience and hockey network that will allow our men’s hockey program to grow and succeed within the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA). His hockey knowledge, detail to discipline, and winning character will be a tremendous fit for our hockey team and hockey community.”
Litke has not coached since 2012 after resigning from the NAHL’s Janesville Jets. Though he brings an impressive coaching record of 158 wins, 103 losses, and 25 ties to Finlandia. During his time coaching, Litke coached one North American Hockey League Finals Runner-up and two NAHL Division title teams while earning himself an NAHL Coach of the Year honors.
Litke played his collegiate hockey at North Dakota from 1993-97, where he won a NCAA Championship in 1997. Individually, Litke was a two-time captain and was named to the All-Academic Team for the 1995-96 and 1996-97 seasons. He also earned All-WCHA Third Team honors as a Defenseman in the 1996-97 season.
“I am very excited about becoming Finlandia’s Head Hockey Coach,” Litke said. “This is a great opportunity for my family and I want to thank Chris Salani, Dr. Lenny Klaver, and President, Dr. Philip Johnson for their trust in me.”
