Dick to coach Miner hockey

NEGAUNEE - A man with Midget BB coaching experience has been tapped to lead the Negaunee High School hockey team.

Fred Dick of Negaunee Township has been hired by the district's school board as the Miners' head coach, NHS athletic director Mark Marana said Tuesday.

"Fred has a very nice (coaching) background," Marana said of Dick, who replaces Tim Gannon. The latter resigned this spring after posting a 39-53-3 overall record in four years at the NHS helm, including an 8-17-0 mark last season.

"He's a former hockey player who coached with the Iron Range (Hockey Association) Midget BB team the last four seasons.

"He's aware of the kids in our hockey program," Marana added, "and is a good person. I liked the ideas he had for developing skills and fundamentals (of our NHS icers)."

A message was left with Dick, one of three candidates for the NHS post, for comment.

Pat Moyle, who served as the IRHA president last season, said Dick will be "a nice addition" to the NHS hockey program.

"He has a lot of respect from the kids in the way he treats them," he said. "It'll be nice to get some new ideas (for the Miners' program)."

Perry Wooden, Dick's assistant coach the last two seasons with the IRHA Cleveland Cliffs Midget BB squad, said the new Miners' head coach is an "excellent person and very hockey knowledgeable."

"He's very skills-oriented and very personable with the kids," he said. "He's well-respected and will do a nice job."