Simon joins Seawolf hockey staff
Aug. 8, 2008
ANCHORAGE - Alaska Anchorage hockey coach Dave Shyiak announced Thursday the addition of former Seawolf Reggie Simon to his staff as an assistant coach.
"Since his playing days at UAA, Regg has built quite a resume. He has a wealth of experience in coaching and recruiting and has paid his dues to move up the ladder to earn this opportunity," Shyiak said. "Most importantly, he's an alum with a great work ethic who understands the pride of being a Seawolf. He loves Alaska which will help us attract more of the blue-chip talent we have in this state."
"It's very gratifying when you are able to bring one of your former athletes back as a coach, particularly one who is as uniquely qualified for this position as Reggie Simon," UAA athletic director Dr. Steve Cobb added.
Simon comes to UAA after a short stint as coach and general manager of the St. Louis Bandits of the North American Hockey League. He has extensive coaching experience in the junior ranks, beginning in 2002-2003 with the United States Hockey League's Tri-City Storm of Kearney, Neb. Simon started as an assistant with Tri-City before he took the reins halfway through the season as interim head coach and general manager and led the team to the playoffs.
He then moved on to the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL where he coached five seasons, including the last three and a half as head coach and general manager. In 2005-2006, his first full season at the helm, Simon directed the Buccaneers to the USHL's Clark Cup with a record of 33-21-6, an improvement of 16 wins over the previous year. He earned the USHL's GM of the Year award for his efforts.
Simon also played for Des Moines from 1994-1996 and helped lead the Buccaneers to both a USHL Anderson Cup for the best regular-season record, the Clark Cup and the Gold Cup - junior hockey's national championship - in 1995.
"I think his passion, energy and past success will be a strong addition to our staff. We are excited to get a person like Regg and continue moving forward with our program," Shyiak said. "His strong ties to the Mid-west and USHL will help in our recruiting efforts in those regions."
The Minnesota native graduated from Elk River (Minn.) Area High School, where he led the hockey team to a 67-7-3 record, three conference titles and one section crown. Simon, who also played football for Elk River, posted 61 goals and 75 assists during his prep career.
"In my mind, I'm coming home. Alaska is a place that is dear to my heart, as are UAA and the hockey program," Simon said. "Not many guys have the opportunity to go back and coach for the program they played for, so it's a special situation."
As a forward and defenseman, Simon skated for the Seawolves in 133 career games from 1996-2001 and finished with 12 goals and 21 assists. A team captain his final two seasons, he was a three-time pick for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's All-Academic team and volunteered as the hockey team's representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, including a year as SAAC vice president.
"I've kept tabs on the hockey program since I left and the most exciting part about this is that Coach Shyiak has it going in the right direction," Simon said. "I'm excited to be back at the Sully, back on campus and back in Anchorage."
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