By Anthony Gulizia, News Staff
Rumors of hockey coach Greg Cronin leaving the Huskies surfaced in April, but today the gossip became the truth as Northeastern Athletics confirmed Cronin will take an assistant coaching job with the National Hockey League’s Toronto Maple Leafs.
“A national search for Cronin’s replacement will begin immediately,” the Athletics Department said in a statement released today. “Assistant coach Sebastien Laplante will serve as the interim head coach and will be a candidate for the full-time position.”
Laplante, who joined the staff in 2008, stepped in for Cronin after he, along with coach Albie O’Connell, were suspended for telephone and text message violations which were revealed during the course of routine monitoring.
With Cronin out six games, Laplante led the Huskies to a 2-2-2 record.
Cronin began coaching at NU in 2005 after replacing Bruce Crowder. In six years with the Huskies, Cronin’s record stands at 84-104-29.
The 2008-09 season was remarkable for the program as Cronin guided the Huskies to 25 wins, tying the school record set in 1981-82, good enough for a No. 2 national ranking and a bid to the NCAA tournament, NU’s first appearance since 1994. For his success that season, Cronin earned the Bob Kullen Hockey East coach of the year award.
“I want to thank Greg for the incredible work he has done on behalf of this university and our student-athletes,” Director of Athletics Peter Roby said in anouncing Cronin’s departure. “Greg has been a tireless worker, both on and off the ice. He has taken our hockey program to new heights. He’s advanced our relationships with alumni and friends of the program. And he’s helped reshape our arena into one of the finest hockey venues in the nation.”
Cronin’s move to Toronto marks his fourth stint with the National Hockey League. He served as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders for six seasons (1998-2003); as the organization’s director of player development for three years (2002-05); and as head coach of its top AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, for two years (2003-05).
