McKelvie hired at Lake Forest

Former Minnesota State hockey player Ryan McKelvie has been hired as the head coach at Division III Lake Forest College in Illinois. McKelvie spent the last season as an assistant at Alaska-Anchorage. Before that, he was the associate head coach for the Wenatchee Wild junior team in the North American Hockey League for two years and a graduate assistant at Bemidji State prior to that.

McKelvie was at Minnesota State from 2002 to 2006 and was a three-year assistant captain.

He takes over a program that hasn't had a winning season since 2005-06. The Foresters went 5-21-1 last season, playing in the MCHA with Adrian, Concordia (Wis.), Finlandia, Lawrence, Marian, Milwaukee School of Engineering and Northland.

While with the Seawolves, McKelvie helped UAA to one of its best seasons in several years and its second trip to the WCHA Final Five.

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the Lake Forest College men's hockey program," McKelvie said in a school press release (read the entire release here). "It was clear throughout the interview process and during my visit to campus that my coaching goals align with those of the college. Recent enhancements to the rink and other athletic facilities at the college also strengthen my believe that Forester hockey has the potential to be very successful."

Alaska-Anchorage also had a release about McKelvie's departure. Said coach Dave Shyiak: "Ryan has been an integral part of our success this year. He has worked very hard in his responsibilities and recruiting efforts. This is a great opportunity for him at Lake Forest College and we wish him all the best and thank him for all he has done."

For more, check out Doyle Woody's blog.