UAA Extends Contract For Head Coach Shyiak

University of Alaska Anchorage head hockey coach Dave Shyiak has received a four-year contract extension through the 2012-13 season, UAA Athletic Director Dr. Steve Cobb announced Tuesday.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that Coach Shyiak is going to remain as UAA’s head coach,” Dr. Cobb said. “In his three years, he has improved every aspect of our program, most notably raising the team grade-point average to over 3.0 and winning the last two Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cups. Additionally, the team always plays hard and our players conduct themselves in a first-class manner.”

Shyiak is entering the final season of his original four-year contract as the Seawolves take to the ice in October.

“For stability and recruiting reasons, we felt it was important to address the contract issue prior to the season,” Dr. Cobb added. “With Coach Shyiak at the helm, I know the future of Seawolf Hockey will be bright.”

“I want to thank Dr. Cobb and the University for their ongoing support of me and my family,” Shyiak said. “I feel we have progressed in many areas of our program but still have work to do in order to achieve the success we want our student-athletes and fans to experience. I appreciate the efforts and determination the players have given over the years and look forward to moving the Seawolf hockey program in a positive direction.”

The Seawolves play their second and final exhibition game this Saturday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. when they take on the University of British Columbia at the Curtis Menard Ice Arena in Wasilla, then open the regular season with their own Kendall Hockey Classic, Oct. 10 and 11, where they will face Connecticut and Northeastern.