May 15, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- The Indiana Ice is proud to announce the hiring of Jeff Blashill to the position of general manager and head coach through the 2010-2011 season.

Blashill comes to the Ice after holding the role of Assistant Coach with the Miami University (OH) RedHawks for the last five years and the four previous seasons with the Ferris State Bulldogs of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA).

The Sault Ste. Marie, MI native leaves a Miami program which has made the NCAA tournament the last three seasons which also includes one CCHA Championship and an overall record of 83-31-9 during that span.

"During his tenure with the RedHawks, he was a major part of the rebuilding process that firmly established the RedHawks as one of the premier division one hockey programs in the nation," said Ice CEO Paul Skjodt. "Miami has created a culture under the direction of Head Coach Enrico Blasi, Blashill and Assistant Coach Chris Bergeron where some of the most sought after recruits have indeed found a very comfortable nesting place."

Four of his 07-08 players just signed NHL contracts in forwards Ryan Jones (Minnesota), Nathan Davis (Chicago), defenseman Alec Martinez (Los Angeles) and goaltender Jeff Zatkoff (Los Angeles) and he also worked with current Anaheim Might Ducks forward Chris Kunitz while at Ferris State.

At Miami University, the rebuilding process also saw the university procure and build one of the most beautiful college arenas in the nation, which opened for play in the 2006-07 season. Former Indiana defenseman Michael Findorff will be a senior in Oxford next season. 

"The first priority for me when I accepted the position as President of Hockey Operations was to continue to build a winning program for the Indiana Ice, its fans and partners in the community," said Charlie Skjodt. "Your general manager and head coach is the most important hire for a hockey program at any level and we have kept a close eye on Jeff over the years. In order to be successful in this league, we need a person who can not only coach, but has the ability to recruit and who is well-respected in the hockey circles and Jeff is all of that."