January 21, 2014
Laurier signs coaches Campbell and Puhalski to contract extensions
WATERLOO, Ont. (January 21, 2014) - Peter Baxter, the Director of Athletics and Recreation for Wilfrid Laurier University, is pleased to announce that men's hockey Head Coach Greg Puhalski and men's basketball Head Coach Peter Campbell have each signed five year contract extensions.
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The two coaches, with the extensions, will stay on with their respective programs through the 2018-19 season.
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"The strength of the Golden Hawks program lies in our leadership team," stated Baxter on his decision to resign both coaches. "Both Coach Campbell and Coach Puhalski have earned honours in both the OUA and CIS, and have contributed greatly to Athletics and Recreation beyond basketball and hockey."
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Currently in his fourth season with the Golden Hawks, Puhalski has led his team to the postseason in each of his first three years behind the bench. Owning a regular season record of 45-47-11, he was named the OUA West Division Coach of the Year last season after an incredible second half run that vaulted the Golden Hawks into the playoffs. The Hawks went 9-3-0 over their final 12 games to finish fifth in the division and his recognition was the first for a Golden Hawks mens hockey coach since the 1998-99 season.
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Prior to coming to Laurier, Puhalski, the Hawks' all-time leading scorer as a player spent time coaching in both the United Hockey League as well as the ECHL.
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"I appreciate the support Peter Baxter and the Athletics and Recreation department have given me," commented Puhalski on his extension. "We are aligned in reaching our goals and I'm looking forward to achieving those goals over the next five years."
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As for Campbell, the veteran bench boss is currently in his 14th season at Laurier. During his tenure with the purple and gold, Laurier owns a 135-156 record and has qualified for the postseason in all but one of Campbell's seasons as head coach. He won the OUA West Coach of the Year award back in 2001-02 and guided the Hawks to the CIS Championship in 2005-06 where they finished ninth.
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While at Laurier, Campbell has overseen some of the best players to ever wear the purple and gold. Currently, the six leading scorers all-time at Laurier have played for Coach Campbell, led by the likes of Kale Harrison, Max Allin, Jesse MacDonald and Wade Currie. In total, his players have been recognized as OUA All-Stars 14 times since he came to Laurier.
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Prior to joining the Hawks for the 2000-01 season, Campbell spent 15 years with the Laurentian Voyageurs, compiling a record of 155-57, winning six OUA East titles, two Wilson Cups and qualifying for the CIS Championship on six occasions.Â
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"This extension demonstrates the belief that Peter Baxter and the department have in what we are doing as a program," said Campbell. "I have enjoyed my years with the Golden Hawks and this contract guarantees that I will finish my time in the OUA as a Golden Hawk."
Source: Laurier Sports Info
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The two coaches, with the extensions, will stay on with their respective programs through the 2018-19 season.
Â
"The strength of the Golden Hawks program lies in our leadership team," stated Baxter on his decision to resign both coaches. "Both Coach Campbell and Coach Puhalski have earned honours in both the OUA and CIS, and have contributed greatly to Athletics and Recreation beyond basketball and hockey."
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Currently in his fourth season with the Golden Hawks, Puhalski has led his team to the postseason in each of his first three years behind the bench. Owning a regular season record of 45-47-11, he was named the OUA West Division Coach of the Year last season after an incredible second half run that vaulted the Golden Hawks into the playoffs. The Hawks went 9-3-0 over their final 12 games to finish fifth in the division and his recognition was the first for a Golden Hawks mens hockey coach since the 1998-99 season.
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Prior to coming to Laurier, Puhalski, the Hawks' all-time leading scorer as a player spent time coaching in both the United Hockey League as well as the ECHL.
Â
"I appreciate the support Peter Baxter and the Athletics and Recreation department have given me," commented Puhalski on his extension. "We are aligned in reaching our goals and I'm looking forward to achieving those goals over the next five years."
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As for Campbell, the veteran bench boss is currently in his 14th season at Laurier. During his tenure with the purple and gold, Laurier owns a 135-156 record and has qualified for the postseason in all but one of Campbell's seasons as head coach. He won the OUA West Coach of the Year award back in 2001-02 and guided the Hawks to the CIS Championship in 2005-06 where they finished ninth.
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While at Laurier, Campbell has overseen some of the best players to ever wear the purple and gold. Currently, the six leading scorers all-time at Laurier have played for Coach Campbell, led by the likes of Kale Harrison, Max Allin, Jesse MacDonald and Wade Currie. In total, his players have been recognized as OUA All-Stars 14 times since he came to Laurier.
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Prior to joining the Hawks for the 2000-01 season, Campbell spent 15 years with the Laurentian Voyageurs, compiling a record of 155-57, winning six OUA East titles, two Wilson Cups and qualifying for the CIS Championship on six occasions.Â
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"This extension demonstrates the belief that Peter Baxter and the department have in what we are doing as a program," said Campbell. "I have enjoyed my years with the Golden Hawks and this contract guarantees that I will finish my time in the OUA as a Golden Hawk."
Source: Laurier Sports Info
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