Boosters: Expectations for UND hockey program remain

1733350+Schweigert Lowell.jpg — Lowell Schweigert

By John Hageman

May 18, 2015 at 4:05 PM

Dyana Beaton's reaction to the news that Dave Hakstol was leaving the UND men's hockey team was simple.

"WHAT," she wrote in an email to a friend Monday morning, followed by several question marks and exclamation points.

What ensued was what Beaton called "freakout mode" as she checked her Twitter account and emails.

"My first reaction was panic because I was afraid of who we would get in here," said Beaton, the past president of the UND boosters. That fear subsided when she learned UND assistant coach Brad Berry was picked to lead the team next season.

"Freakout mode went away when I found out it was Brad," Beaton said, citing his history with the program and the sense of continuity he would bring to the squad.

Fans and other boosters expressed a similar sentiment about the sudden change. While they praised Hakstol's consistent success at UND and wished him luck in the pros, they also welcomed Berry as the team's new leader.

"I'm really happy for him," said former Grand Forks Central boys hockey coach Tarek Howard, who played and roomed with Berry at UND and remained good friends after their playing days. "He's going to do a great job."

'No doubt'

UND booster Lowell Schweigert heard the news Monday from a well-placed family member: his brother and UND head football coach Bubba Schweigert.

"I guess it's not a surprise, considering the success that coach Hakstol has had," Lowell Schweigert said. "It's kind of a shock just for a moment. It just made sense that someone from the NHL was going to go after him."

Charlie Bridgeford said he was glad the new coach came from within the program, which avoided a long public process to find a new hire. He also praised Hakstol for his success during an 11-year tenure at UND, even if it came without winning a national championship.

"Most programs would only dream of making seven out of 11" NCAA Frozen Fours, Bridgeford said.

Reaction to the news that Hakstol would leave UND to coach the Philadelphia Flyers was widespread on Twitter Monday.

"No doubt he will have great success at the next level," Minnesota Twins President and UND alum Dave St. Peter wrote of Hakstol. "His teams ALWAYS get better."

North Dakota Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley tweeted: "Congrats 2 Dave Hakstol, headed to the NHL's Flyers! Amazing 11 yr run."

One fan called Hakstol's departure a "bitter pill to swallow," and another worried about next season's prospects now that UND's head coach and star goalie Zane McIntyre have left for the pros.

But Bridgeford and Beaton said the coaching change shouldn't alter fans' high expectations for the program.

"I'm looking into flights for Tampa already," Beaton said, referring to the site of the 2016 Frozen Four.

Dave Hakstol:

UND's Hakstol resigns , accepts job in Philadelphia; Brad Berry to become next head coach
Flyers general manager says he wasn't going for "the popular choice" when picking new coach

Brad Berry: