Mikesch

HANCOCK — Scott Mikesch has been named the sixth head coach of Hancock Central High School’s (HCH) hockey program Director of Athletics Chris Salani announced Tuesday. Mikesch is a head-coaching veteran at the NCAA Division III, USHL and Midget AAA levels.

“We are incredibly excited and fortunate to name Scott as our new head varsity hockey coach,” Salani said. “His coaching pedigree, along with his continued professional growth within the sport, is second to none; and we could not be happier that as a Bulldog alumnus, he has accepted the role as our sixth head coach in program history.”

“My initial reaction was pretty emotional,” Mikesch said after being named the bench boss at the school he played for from 1978-1982. “Being part of a team as a player or coach is special to me. To lead the Hancock Bulldog Hockey team as its coach is a great honor. I’m ready to take on this challenge.”

“I would like to thank (Superintendent) Dr. (Steve) Patchin, Athletic Director Chris Salani, and the Community Selection Committee for showing the confidence in me to lead the Bulldogs. I also want to thank my family, especially my wife Jodi, for their support of me in pursuing this position.”

“I want our team to be strong defensively first and foremost,” Said Mikesch. “When we don’t have the puck, we need to work hard to get it back and then attack as a 5-man unit. Most important for us is to be the smartest and most disciplined team night in and night out. If you can do that, you’re always going to have a chance.”

Prior to his new position at HCH, Mikesch was the head coach for the Waterloo Blackhawks (1992-96) and Dubuque Fighting Saints (1996-97) in the United States Hockey League (USHL), the Northeast Wisconsin Roadrunners Midget AAA (1999-2000) and the Finlandia University Lions (2000-01). Mikesch was named USHL Coach Of The Year in 1994.

Mikesch has stayed close to the game since his last coaching position, acting as a consultant for coaches and as an advisor for local players who aspire to continue their hockey careers at a higher level. Mikesch’s brother, Patrick, who is the current head coach of the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL, has always leaned on Scott for his deep knowledge of the game. “Scotty was a great mentor when I was a player, and has been an incredible resource during my coaching career.”

Former Team Copper Country head coach, Micah Stipech, said Mikesch “is a tremendous coach with so much to offer. He’s been a huge influence on me and someone I look up to. His return to coaching is great for Hancock and hockey in the Copper Country.”

Mikesch comes from a very well-known Hancock hockey family. All four Mikesch sons (Scott, David, Patrick and Jeff) played their high school hockey at Hancock. Patrick and Jeff had stellar careers for the Michigan Tech Huskies and their father, Bob, won a National Championship as a member of the Huskies team in 1962.

Mikesch succeeds longtime Hancock coach Dan Rouleau, who retired at the end of last season. Mikesch will begin his duties immediately.