BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Killarney's Jim Roque is the new head coach
of the Lake Superior State Lakers NCAA Division I hockey
program.
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ROQUE |
For a man who has been an assistant coach in
the NCAA for 16 seasons, finally getting the reins to run his
own program with his core values is a dream come true.
"I am excited about this opportunity," said
Roque, 42. "I am comfortable here because I have coached and
played at Lake Superior. I know the workings I am involved
with. I am a little nervous though."
Roque was an assistant with Lake Superior
from 1988 to 1991, winning a NCAA National Hockey Championship
in 1988, and in 1994-95. Roque was assistant coach for Clarkson
for six seasons as well in the 1990s. Roque played four seasons
for Lake Superior in the 1980s, graduating in 1987 tied for
19th in all time Laker scoring with 144 points.
"I never really had a timeline to be a head
coach," said Roque. "Like I tell my players, if you work hard
enough, long enough, you'll get a chance to do something in the
game whether you're a coach or player. With any company, you
want to be promoted and move up."
Lake Superior has floundered in recent
seasons with a record of 32-97-20 since 2001-02, after being a
powerhouse program in the 1980s and 1990s.
Roque, who replaces long-time Lake Superior
coach Frank Anzalone, doesn't plan to rattle the foundations of
the team chemistry with his new powers.
"The players have earned my respect as people
just what they have been through the past couple of seasons,"
said Roque. "My goal is to earn their respect as a head coach
and help them succeed at Lake Superior."
Mental toughness is just one of Roque's
strong points.
"I have good knowledge of the game and
understand it," said Roque. "I know things that work and don't.
With the players, I am direct and compassionate. I consider
myself a leader. I like to work with kids and treat them
fair."
Lake Superior was ready for a new
coach.
"We believe that there is a need for change
in our hockey program, and that this is the best possible
decision we can make," said Bill Crawford, director of
athletics in a news release. "Jim brings continuity to the
coaching situation. I am confident that he will do a great job.
He recruited many of
our players and knows our strengths and
weaknesses. I hope that Laker fans everywhere will continue to
support the program."
Roque wants to guide his team to the playoffs
and then make some serious noise once there for the 2005-06
season.
