Strand Steps Down As UW-Eau Claire Head Women's Hockey Coach

**Release courtesy of UW-Eau Claire Sports Information

EAU CLAIRE, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Head Women's Hockey Coach Erik Strand announced Thursday he will be stepping down from his position to accept a role at the University of Vermont.

Strand will be an assistant coach for the Catamounts' women's hockey team, an NCAA Division I program.

Strand coached the Blugold women for 10 seasons, compiling a 183-68-17 record. Previously, he had been an assistant coach for the UW-Eau Claire men's hockey team for eight years.

"After 18 unforgettable years coaching hockey at UW–Eau Claire — eight as the men's assistant coach, 10 as head coach of the women's program — it's time for a new chapter," Strand said. "Coaching here has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The wins are special — but it's the people, the memories, and this incredible community that truly made it priceless. My family and I are forever grateful for the journey, the relationships, and the chance to have been a part of the Blugold family."

Over the last 10 years, the Blugold women won a WIAC regular season championship in 2020 along with O'Brien Cup championships in 2018 and 2019. They played in four NCAA Tournaments in that stretch and had six players earn All-America honors along with three WIAC Player of the Year honors. Multiple alumni have gone on to play hockey professionally.

The Blugolds will begin a national search to find their next head coach immediately. The next leader of the team will be the third head coach in program history.

"We wish Erik well and appreciate his contributions to UWEC Athletics," UW-Eau Claire Director of Athletics Jason Verdugo said. "I'm excited to welcome the next leader of our hockey program — someone deeply committed to student-athlete development, ready to build upon our strong foundation and driven to elevate our program."

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