Office of Public Affairs Acadia University Wolfville, Nova Scotia B0P 1X0 (902) 585-1362 Fax (902) 585-1072 News Release For Release: August 23, 2000

Mike Alcoe and Mark Hanneman to lead Acadia Axemen Hockey program

(Wolfville, NS) – Acadia University announced today that Mike Alcoe and Mark Hanneman will assume responsibility for the Acadia Axemen Hockey program for the 2000-2001 season. Their new contract as Associate Head Coaches will take effect immediately.

Combined, the two men have been involved with Acadia Axemen Hockey for well over two decades.  Hanneman assisted Tom Coolen from 1986-1995, with Mike Alcoe joining them in 1987.  Together, that coaching staff guided the Axemen to the position of CIAU national finalists in 1992, a CIAU national championship in 1993, and a berth in the CIAU national semi-finals in 1994. When Coolen left Acadia, Hanneman and Alcoe, along with Darren Burns, coached the Axemen to a CIAU national championship in 1995-96 and an appearance in the AUAA finals in 1997.

Alcoe and Hanneman were assistants to Kevin Dickie in 1997-98 when the Axemen returned to the CIAU championship tournament, earning a CIAU silver medal.  Mike Alcoe has been with the Axemen for every one of their nine straight appearances in the Kelly Division final within the Atlantic University Sport Conference.  Between them, Hanneman and Alcoe have made a combined ten trips to the CIAU national championships.

"Our priority was to re-establish a firm coaching foundation in the shortest time possible.” said Acadia Athletic Director Bev Greenlaw.  “I think we have accomplished that. With Mike and Mark at the helm, our Axemen student-athletes are confident the program is in good shape.”

“I am extremely excited and honoured to be named to this position. I look forward to continuing the record of Axemen success within the toughest hockey conference in the CIAU,” said Alcoe.

“I believe the direction we have taken is the best one to maintain continuity and retain stability in the program,” said Greenlaw.  “The guys know there will be pressure to maintain a winning program,  that comes with the territory.  Perhaps better than anybody, these two understand the nature of the challenge they have taken on.”

“I am honoured and very pleased to be back within the Acadia Hockey family,” said Hanneman.  “I had been looking forward eagerly to rejoining Mike as an Assistant with the program this fall.  With Kevin’s opportunity, obviously, our circumstances changed, and now Mike and I are keen to take on this new challenge.”

Alcoe and Hanneman emphasized “The Atlantic University Sport Conference is the strongest top to bottom in Canada, and it’s an honour to coach in the league.  At the same time, the foundation that’s been built for Axemen Hockey is firmly in place.  Our goal now is to help the players fulfil their potential and to reach their own goals – which are high.”
 
“I am aware, and very appreciative that we at Acadia have a luxury in having two men on site who can bring such quality and depth of experience to the program,” said Greenlaw.  “There aren’t many places where a sound solution could be developed so quickly.”

The Axemen Hockey season begins September 29, 30 and October 1 with the pre-season Kelly Classic in Wolfville.  The Axemen open their Atlantic University Sport regular season schedule at St. Thomas October 4 before journeying to play NCAA finalist Boston College and Providence College in exhibition road games October 6th and 7th.  The regular season home opener will be against Saint Mary’s October 13th, as part of Acadia’s Homecoming Weekend.
 

-30-

For more information, please contact:
Sheri Woodland
Communications Officer
Acadia University
Phone: (902) 585-1362
 
 

Acadia Home

Published by: The Office of Public Affairs Last revised: August 23,  2000 URL: http://www.acadiau.ca/whatsnew/newsrelease/hockeyrelease.htm