The Michigan hockey team continues to bolster its personnel ahead of yet another crack at the long-awaited tenth national championship. On Monday, the Wolverines announced the hiring of Chris Lazary as associate head coach.<\/p>\n
Lazary brings with him years of experience in the sport. After building his coaching career with several Canadian programs at both the collegiate and junior hockey levels, he found his way to the Mitten State with the Ontario Hockey League\u2019s Saginaw Spirit, where he took over as head coach in 2018. The Spirit enjoyed great success under Lazary\u2019s leadership, claiming three West Division Championships and the franchise\u2019s first Memorial Cup championship in 2024. As he arrives in Ann Arbor, he brings with him a history of success at high levels and a penchant for player development.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the University of Michigan as associate head coach,\u201d Lazary said. \u201cMichigan is one of the premier programs in college hockey, with a rich tradition of excellence and a standard that is recognized across the sport. I want to thank (Wolverines) coach\u00a0Brandon Naurato<\/a>\u00a0and (University of Michigan Athletic Director)\u00a0Warde Manuel<\/a>\u00a0for their belief and trust in me.\u201d<\/p>\n Wanting to suppress the bitter aftertaste of yet another Frozen Four loss<\/a>, Michigan has looked for new blood to push an already potent roster over the line. And Lazary, with his bags of experience, is yet another valuable addition to that cohort.\u00a0<\/p>\n