3 MIHL Coaches Honored by MHSHCA
Posted by (pronayne) on Mar 16 2009
News >> COY

The Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association (MHSHCA) named Rick Bennetts, U of D Jesuit Head Coach, and Lou Schmidt Jr., Brother Rice Head Coach, as Coach of The Year in their respective divisions.  Additionally, Andy Weidenbach was inducted into the MHSHCA Hall of Fame.

Rick Bennetts, 2009 Coach of the Year Division I, has been with U of D Jesuit for 14 years and has a 165-160-31 record overall.  This season he led the Cubs to an impressive 18–4-2 overall and 8-4-0 record in the MIHL which was good enough to capture the MIHL Championship.  U of D Jesuit is only the third team to win the title of the MIHL in its 10 year history.  Catholic Central has eight titles and Cranbrook captured one.  Equally impressive is the turnaround for the Cubs this season. Last season they finished last in the MIHL standings.

When informed of the honor, Bennetts responded, “This is a tremendous honor, very humbling, I feel it's a tribute to the MIHL, U of D Jesuit and the players who worked so hard throughout the year.  I'd also like to thank everyone involved with high school hockey who have worked so diligently over the years to elevate the level of play to the point where high school hockey is now a viable option for players looking to make the jump to the next level with the ultimate goal being to play Division I or III college hockey.”

Lou Schmidt Jr., a name very familiar to hockey in the Detroit area, has been with Brother Rice for six years compiling an impressive 94-56-13 record and a Division II MHSAA State Championship in 2005.  This year the Warriors skated to a 19-6-2 overall and a 7-3-1-1 record in the MIHL.  That put the Warriors in a 4 way tie for 1^st place with U of D, Cranbrook and Catholic Central.

Accepting the Award, Schmidt stated, “It's quite an honor to receive the Coach of the Year award in Division 2.  Any successful program requires the work and support of many people, and we are no exception.  Although the head coach gets the award, countless volunteer hours are put in by the Athletic Department, assistant coaches, team managers and parents.  That doesn't begin to acknowledge the hard work and commitment from the players.  We are fortunate to have such a great group of people supporting our hockey program at Brother Rice.”

MIHL President, Andy Weidenbach was pleased for both recipients, “Rick and Lou are to be congratulated.  They are not just good coaches.  They teach the values and principles that are consistent with the objectives of the MIHL.  Their programs represent what good high school hockey in Michigan is all about.  We are fortunate to have them in our league.”

Andy was inducted into the Hall of Fame not just for his coaching record (13 Regional Championships and 7 State Championships in 16 year) and achievements but also for his leadership and dedication to improving high school hockey in Michigan.  He served the MHSHCA first as secretary and then as president.  He served on several state and national committees that oversee high school hockey.  He was instrumental in the founding of the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League and the MIHL Prep Hockey Showcase.

"I must be getting old.  When they put you into the Hall of Fame, there are no young guys there.  I am honored.  I am really pleased and overwhelmed that the guys I compete against voted for me," commented Weidenbach.

Last changed: Mar 24 2009 at 10:14 AM