Joe Shawhan named new head coach of Michigan Tech

Michigan Tech Huskies


By @MichaelCaples –

The Huskies have their new head coach.

Tuesday morning, Michigan Tech announced that Joe Shawhan will be the man taking over the Huskies hockey program after Mel Pearson left for Michigan.

Shawhan, a Sault Ste. Marie native, was an assistant coach for Pearson at MTU for the last three seasons.

“I’m thrilled to introduce Joe Shawhan as the head coach of our historic hockey program,” said Michigan Tech athletic director Dr. Suzanne Sanregret said. “He has been an instrumental part of our success over the last three seasons, and winning has followed him in every program he has been a part of.

“This search process was different then the last in that we are looking for a coach to build upon our recent success and raise the program to yet another level. We were also looking for a leader who has integrity, character, and a genuine interest in developing players to be leaders both on and off the ice. We also want a coach that has strong relationships and networks for recruiting, will continue to recruit to the style of play that we have come to enjoy, and engage with our community. Coach Shawhan has all of these characteristics. He is a tremendous human being who will coach our hockey student-athletes for life. I look forward to working with Joe in the years to come. I am confident in his abilities as a coach, teacher, and professional, and he will continue to grow and advance Michigan Tech Hockey.”

Shawhan was originally brought to Tech to work with the Huskies’ goaltenders and defensemen. In his three seasons with the program, MTU posted a 75-34-14 record.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to remain a part of the Michigan Tech family,” Shawhan said. “The past three years have been an amazing journey. Sharing in the passion this community has for this university and hockey program has been an experience most only dream of. Tech hockey has a colorful history painted by legendary individuals and teams. My family and I are excited to be part of the next chapter.

“I would like to thank President Mroz, Vice President Cook, and especially Athletic Director Suzanne Sanregret for entrusting me with this opportunity. I also want to thank Mel Pearson, Bill Muckalt, and John Rockwell for convincing me to come to Houghton three years ago.”

Shawhan, a goaltender who spent four seasons at Lake Superior State from 1982-87, started his coaching career as the head coach of the NAHL’s Soo Indians from 1995-2005. He was named NAHL coach of the year on three different occasions. From there, he was an assistant coach for LSSU for three seasons, before four years in the same capacity at Northern Michigan.