Hockey Night In Virginia

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