Sports
Ohio’s Hogan Named National University Team Coach
By: Robbie Dipaola
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On Wednesday, Ohio Hockey head coach Sean Hogan was named the head coach for the U.S. Men’s National University Team that will compete in the 2017 Winter World University Games that will take place from Jan. 28 through Feb. 8.
Hogan returns to the U.S. Men’s National University Team coaching staff for the third time in his career, but this will be the first time he will serve as the team’s head coach.
“I never thought something like this would ever happen,” Hogan said. “It’s so weird to think about because I never thought this would happen but it is pretty exciting for sure.”
Hogan will have to miss two weeks of Ohio’s regular season to travel with the team to Almaty, Kazakhstan, where the games will be held. Hogan being gone is something that he knows will different for the team but has confidence in his staff to do a great job while he is away.
“There’s a good chance we’ll be missing some of our top players because they will be on the roster as well as myself,” Hogan said. “But I have full confidence in my assistant coaches on the team. We are really deep this year and have great coaches so we should be alright.”
Ohio had the same situation come up last time the World University games were held when Hogan, as well as a few of their top players, left for two weeks to play and coach in the Games in 2015. The Bobcats team did the best they could while those guys and Hogan were away but ultimately went 0-4 in the games where they did not have their top players and head coach.
The coaching staff did a good job with the schedule this season because they knew it was a possibility they would again lose a few of their top players and coach to the U.S. Men’s National University team.
During the first weekend they will be gone the Bobcats will host their annual charity game and the second weekend Ohio will host Pittsburgh, who they have beaten nine consecutive times.
As for what Hogan wants to accomplish for the U.S. Men’s National University Team at the World University Games this tine around, he was clear in what his main goal would be.
“I would like to be the guy to deliver the first medal in the World University Games, that would be great. I think we have a pretty good shot because we’ll have a pretty good team.” Hogan said.