At this time one year ago, the Wisconsin men's hockey team was named the year's Biggest Flop of 2003 by this publication. After finishing with a 13-23-4 overall record last season, many longtime fans quickly gave up hope on Eaves and the program. But the coach quickly put an end to that mentality, delivering a 22-13-8 season which saw Wisconsin return to the national scene and Eaves garner USCHO.com's coach of the year.
The biggest challenge the team faced in the 2002-'03 season was adapting to the new coaching style and philosophy brought in by Eaves and his staff. After struggling through last season, the coaches suggested that the players stay in Madison through the summer offseason to work on conditioning. The players did so and Eaves' system paid off exponentially this season.
Another huge factor of the team's success was the first recruiting class brought in by Eaves. The coach showed his power-as a former Badger player, former National Team Developmental Program head coach and a former National Hockey League player and assistant coach-to bring in strong freshman classes. This year's included some of the best players in the country, including Ryan Suter, Robbie Earl and Andrew Joudrey. If bringing in one Eaves recruiting class can help to change the program this much, just think about what four of his recruiting classes could do for the UW program.
\There is no substitute for being out there on the road. You have to know what the talent is out there and you have to trust your assistant coaches' ability to read talent,"" Eaves said.
Heading into this season, expectations for the team were fairly low-a .500 season probably would have sufficed-but Eaves and the Badgers did not settle for that. Before the first half of the season ended, the team had already set a school record by going unbeaten in 15-straight games and had returned to the national rankings.
And Wisconsin was not the only team that Eaves coached to success. Over winter break, Eaves took Suter and two other Badger freshmen-Jake Dowell and Jeff Likens-to Finland for the World Junior Championships. Not only did he take them there, but he coached the United States to its first-ever championship in the event.
""I think the fact that the coaching staff knew the players and the players knew the coaching staff was one of the edges that the United States had to have before going into that tournament,"" Eaves said.
If it were up to Eaves, the humble coach would probably give Coach of the Year to his entire coaching staff.
""The head coach is just the tip of the iceberg,"" Eaves said. ""Beneath the surface of the water there are so many people that make it work. They do their job so well that it allows me to do my job and I think that's an important aspect.""
For taking the Wisconsin team from one of its most dismal seasons to within inches of advancing to the Frozen Four, bringing in one of the school's most prolific recruiting classes, and for leading the United States to hockey history, The Daily Cardinal names Eaves its coach of the year.
Bo Ryan, men's basketball
