June 10, 2008

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Former Providence College men's hockey player Ron Wilson was named head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs on June 10 and on June 6 former Friar and current Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks, Brian Burke, was named General Manager of the U.S. Olympic Men's Hockey Team that will compete in the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, B.C.

Wilson `77, who is PC's all-time leading scorer with 250 career points, ranks eighth all-time with 518 career wins as an NHL coach. Prior to Toronto, Wilson coached the San Jose Sharks, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and the Washington Capitals. He also led the 1996 United States National Team to a gold medal in the World Cup. In 1998, he served as the head coach for Team USA at the Nagano Olympics and also coached the 2004 United States National World Cup team. The two-time First Team All-American is a member of the PC Athletic Hall of Fame, and is the NCAA's all-time leading scoring defenseman.

Burke `77, who played in 112 games at PC, became the second former Friar (while serving as a general manager) to help an NHL team capture the Stanley Cup title as Anaheim won the crown in 2007. Lou Lamoriello `63, who was a player, head coach, and athletic director at PC, is the current CEO/President and General Manager of the New Jersey Devils, has guided his team to three Stanley Cup titles. Prior to Anaheim, Burke also served as the President and General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks.