Hockey Night In Virginia

It has been announced that Virginia Tech has officially left the ACCHL. No word yet of what league the Hokies may be moving to. Some people thought the ACCHL schedule kept Virginia Tech from making the ACHA D2 Tournament this year. It will be interesting to see what league they go to but it seems obvious they want to strengthen their schedule. More on this as news becomes available.

The Virginia Tech Ice Hockey team is proud to announce their new coach, Keith Houghton!

Bio: Keith J. Houghton

Personal:

Married- Spouse’s Name: Jeannette Resides in Roanoke, VA High School: Pingree- Located in Hamilton, MA, Graduated in 1980 Post Graduate Year: New Hampton Prep- Located in New Hampton, NH, Graduated in 1981 College: Babson College- Located in Wellesley, MA, Graduated in 1985 BS Degree in Finance

Hockey/Athletic Career Highlights:

Pingree- Senior Athlete of the Year, Played soccer, hockey and tennis. First Class Inductee into Pingree’s Athletic Honor Society New Hampton Prep: Received the Friends of Hockey Award. Babson College Hockey: Senior Athlete of the Year Inducted into Babson College’s Athletic Hall of Fame in the 5th inductee class (1995). 2nd Team all-American- Junior Year- College Division 1st Team all-American- Senior Year- college Division Helped Babson win its first Division II ECAC (Eastern Conference) championship over Bowdoin College- 1983/84 season Helped Babson win its first ever Division III NCAA championship over Union College- 1983/84 season Hold several goaltender records including lowest career and single season GAA of 2.38 and 2.08, respectively. After sophomore year, was invited to the National Sports Festival in June, 1983 to participate in the final trial selection for the 1984 USA Olympic hockey team. One of only a handful of Division II players selected and one of eight goaltenders selected. Received a tryout invitation with the Montreal Canadians and subsequently played one year of semi-professional hockey.

Professional Career:

Has been in banking since February, 1987 working in various lending and credit administration functions and currently serves as Chief Credit Officer for StellarOne Corporation. Previously served on the board of the United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd and as a Campaign Chair and President for two and one year, respectively. Served several years on the RMA (Risk Management Association) SW Virginia Chapter’s board and as President for two years. Over the years, served on various chamber of commerce related committees.

Other:

Enjoy tennis, golf, music, concerts, vacationing in Essex NY on Lake Champlain, the mountains, Hokie football and the NHL playoffs. Avid Bruins, Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics fan.

Over the weekend I heard that the Virginia Tech Hokies had dismissed Head Coach Mike Spradlin and Assistant Coach and GM Brian Myers. To say this move is a shock would be an extreme understatement. Mike Spradlin had been Head Coach for eight years. Virginia Tech had just won it’s second straight ACCHL Title and finished with it’s highest ranking ever. So what happened? The only information available so far is the release below. Everyone hopes this move works out for the best for the Virginia Tech program. Mike and Brian dedicated much of their time and alot of effort to take Virginia Tech hockey to where it is today. Time will tell if this was a good move or not. Virginia Tech hockey in our area is in a position to create interest in the sport on many levels if they can keep their momentum. Right now there are many questions and not many answers available. Please leave comments on this story or visit the facebook page for more discussion.

Family, Friends, and Fans,
It is unfortunate but necessary that we notify you that the Virginia Tech Hockey coaching staff, Head Coach Mike Spradlin and Asst. Coach/GM Brian Myers were informed that they have been dismissed from the Virginia Tech Hockey Program. The decision was made cooperatively by some of the players in the presence of a VT Recreation Sports representative, stating that they wish to take the program in a different direction. We are greatly disappointed with this decision after being a part of and seeing this program grow to record heights including their highest ranking ever, back to back ACC titles, and many other never before accomplished milestones.

Coach Spradlin had been a part of the Hockey program for over 8 years and his leadership, determination, and overwhelming commitment to make the team continually successful was never more evident as the recent Regional and National recognition the team has received. The passion with which he coached the team for the past 8 seasons will not be forgotten as we acknowledge his unyielding resolve to sustain hockey in Southwest Virginia through the success of Virginia Tech Hockey.

We also want to express our truest heartfelt thanks for your years of support for us and have enjoyed personally meeting and spending time with you and your friends and families. We’ve never taken for granted the unrelenting and faithful support that you, the fans, have given us, not only on game nights but even off the ice, and our hope is that we have provided not only excitement on the ice but also created lasting memories. We’ve long realized if it wasn’t for you, this program would not be where it is today, and that you as faithful supporters have integral roles for the survival of hockey in Roanoke and the southwestern Virginia area. Our anticipation is that Ice Hockey in Roanoke will maintain its growing momentum from the Youth leagues on up and reach even higher levels in the coming years. We hope to continue our relationship with you as we move onto our next ice hockey-related endeavor.

We’d like to hear from you so you can share your your memories, thoughts, and any stories that you or your family have. We’d be honored to hear from you and talk to you.

We can be reached directly at:
HockeyCoachingStaff@gmail.com

Please note that our previous email addresses, Spradlin@VT.edu and Bmyers19@VT.edu are no longer in use as of March 4th.

We look forward to hearing from and seeing you out on the ice again very soon.

Signed:

Michael Spradlin

Brian Myers

Do you have a story idea or would like to be a contributor? If so please contact me. I am looking to grow the blog to cover and promote hockey. I need the help of some dedicated volunteers. You don’t need to be a journalist just have something you want to say or report on.

I am looking for someone to write about Virginia Tech Hockey. If you are part of the Virginia Tech hockey team or know alot about the team and would like to be a contributor to the blog contact me by posting a comment.

You can watch the Liberty Flames in the ACHA Tournament live on the web. The cost is $6.99 a game or $20 for a tournament pass. The game is at 8pm central time tonight (9 eastern) Please allow time for registration which takes a few minutes. Follow the link for more information or to register.

FASTHOCKEY

Saturday night in Chicago Liberty University will begin it’s quest for the ACHA Championship. The Flames will face Arizona State at 9pm in the first round game. Arizona State was 21-8-0-3 on the season. Liberty finished the regular season at 28-2-0-2. The game will be available over the internet. Information on where to watch will be posted Saturday before gametime.

Sorry nothing has been posted for a few days but the website has been under attack from spammers and hackers. Comments will have to be approved until this problem goes away. I hope to have some more posts ready soon.

Last night at Oklahoma Liberty fell behind early. Trailing 3-0 the flames started their comeback. Jonathon Chung and Eric Reynolds scored to close the gap and at the end of two periods it was 4-2 Oklahoma. Liberty was not done as they pulled to within a goal midway through the third period. Then with under thirty seconds left in the game Jonathon Chung scored his second goal of the game to send the game to overtime. Oklahoma would get a powerplay in the extra period and scored to stop the Flames comeback bid. Liberty and Oklahoma play again tonight at Oklahoma.

I am working on a story about youth hockey here in the Roanoke Valley.  The players, coaches, and parents of Valley Youth Hockey Association are some of the most dedicated people to their sport around. Check back later in the week!