Bill Shaw assumes Head Coaching role for EWU in inaugural BCIHL season

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The Eastern Washington University Eagles will start the 2011/12 BCIHL Season with a different face behind the bench.

Gary Braun, the school's all-time leader in wins in any sport, has decided to step away from coaching this summer. Braun led the Eagles to four National Tournament berths in five years while compiling a record of 115-29-8 and a .757 winning percentage.

Braun will be succeeded behind the bench by his assistant coach for the last three seasons, Bill Shaw. Shaw brings experience at EWU both as a player and coach, having played four seasons (two under Gary Braun) for the Eagles and appearing in two ACHA National Tournaments. Shaw is 3rd All-Time in points by defenseman at EWU..

“The opportunity to be the head coach is exciting and we have a great nucleus of players coming back," says Shaw. "Combining that with the tradition that Gary has established for this program leaves us in a great place”.

Eagles players were informed of the change Monday morning by the coaching staff and encouraged to continue to help the tradition of EWU Hockey remain a proud one. 

“I feel that Bill is more than ready to take our program to the next level," said Braun when asked about the change.

The team has also made a hire to replace the assistant coaching position vacated by Shaw. The team has announced that JC Thomas will be the assistant coach for the 2011/12 season. Thomas has spent the last two seasons as an assistant with the Spokane Braves of the KIJHL and will see a lot of familiar faces in the EWU dressing room. 

“JC was the first name that came to my mind when the process of filling the assistant coach position was brought up last Thursday," says Shaw. "I have known JC for a long time and his ability to communicate with younger players will serve him well this role.”

Prior to coaching in the KIJHL, Thomas played for the Braves from 2001-2007 and was the captain in Spokane for three seasons.