When Mike Eaves left the University of Wisconsin in 1978, he was hoping it wasn’t for good. Twenty-four years and 11 teams later, Eaves’ dream of returning to Madison was fulfilled when he was named head coach of the UW men’s hockey team, replacing the retiring Jeff Sauer.
UW athletic director Pat Richter announced the addition of Eaves to the Badger hockey program at a press conference yesterday afternoon, ending the three-month search for a future head coach.
“We believe Mike Eaves is the best person to build upon the past successes the program has enjoyed,” said Richter. “His enthusiasm, energy and knowledge of the game will be great assets to our program.”
As for Eaves, the opportunity of coaching at his alma mater and extending the proud tradition that has characterized Wisconsin hockey over the years has left him speechless.
“There aren’t any words to describe the way I feel coming back here,” stated Eaves. “In coaching there aren’t many places you can call home, but this is what I call home.”
For Eaves, hockey has been a way of life. He was an all-American for Wisconsin in the 1970s, played and coached in the NHL throughout the ’80s and has bounced around among six different hockey programs since then.
Although it’s been an unsettling journey for the 45-year-old Eaves, he acknowledges its significance and appreciates its rewards.
“Coaching hockey is just like any other profession,” commented Eaves. “You have to go through a lot and pay your dues before you can reach the level you aspire (to).”
Coaching hockey for Wisconsin has been a dream for the Badgers’ all-time leading scorer, and there is nothing in the world Eaves would rather be doing with his life.
“When your vocation is your vacation, you’ve got a great job,” noted Eaves. “If the 15th and 31st of each month come around and you’re not worried about collecting a paycheck, you know you’re in the right place.”
Eaves, who is still coaching the U.S. National Development team, will begin preparing for the 2002-03 season immediately. Among his first order of business will be assembling his coaching staff and getting familiar with next year’s returning players.
Unfamiliar with the current Badger roster, Eaves has not yet mapped out specifically what he plans to do in resurrecting the Badger hockey program, but he has set the bar for his future team at the highest level.
“We’ll definitely be looking to win it all,” Eaves said. “I don’t think the players would expect anything less.”
Eaves looks to instill an energetic, disciplined style of play into his players, confident in the results it will produce.
“When you play hard, you give yourself a chance to win,” Eaves said. “If you can also play smart, your chances of winning will increase.”
With the coaching position of his former school in hand, Eaves looks forward to settling down and carrying the torch of Wisconsin hockey for years to come. Returning to Madison has been a dream come true for the WCHA Hall of Famer, and he can’t wait for next fall to roll around.
“I’m honored to stand in the ranks of former coaches John Riley, Bob Johnson and Jeff Sauer,” Eaves said. “I’m confident that I can carry out the tradition that this university has established.”
