Gwozdecky Helped Turn Around Miami Hockey

(above) Before arriving at DU Coach Gwozdecky helped turn around Miami's hockey program

From: Dayton Daily News
by Pete Conrad


After four seasons and an overall record of 39-111-3, Steve Cady said, "I got called into the president's office" and was told the state of Miami hockey was "unacceptable." Cady insisted that the program could succeed if it had more resources.

Later that year Cady helped hire George Gwozdecky who replaced Bill Davidge as coach, and for the first time Miami's hockey program, Cady said, "was fully funded in terms of scholarships."

That was a major turning point. Following two more lean seasons, Miami hockey started to win and Gwozdecky guided the RedHawks to their first NCAA appearance in 1993. One of the captains of that team was Enrico Blasi, who has coached the RedHawks to five NCAA berths in the last six years.

As luck would have it, Cady, Gwozdecky and Blasi all will be together Friday, March 27, when Denver (coached by Gwozdecky) plays Miami in the opening round of the NCAA West Regional. Cady will oversee that regional and it has nothing to do with Miami's selection to play in Minneapolis, he said, noting that his role there was established prior to Selection Sunday.

Mason said it has been satisfying to see that Miami has become a national power, that the school's new arena is named after Cady and that the man who had to fight for Miami's hockey existence now plays such a prominent national role.

"He had to fight the battle back then," Mason said. "Now we can see the just rewards." [read entire article]

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