Coach Szkodzinski's Mission Statement

Dear Viking Hockey friends, fans, and prospects ?

The beginning of a new Viking hockey era has begun. With every coaching change comes new hope, new excitement, and new expectations. There is a sense of urgency from the players and the new coaching staff. Many feel relieved as though they have been given a second chance ? a clean slate so to speak. Others tend to cling to the past hoping that they will be given the same opportunities. It is a time when all of us have an opportunity to show others what we are capable of on and off the ice.

As we look toward the future of Viking hockey, I can promise you that I will do everything in my power to help build this program into a competitive force within the MCHA and the West Region. We will look to recruit not just quality players, but quality people ? people who are strong in the classroom and on the ice. It is my strong belief that the CHARACTER of a player is every bit as important as the talent level of a player. A team with strong character can be the foundation for great success in the present and the future.

On the ice, the Viking hockey team will become a more intense and aggressive unit. We will display a sense of pride and passion while maintaining a disciplined style of play. A ?never say die? attitude will be instilled. It is my goal for the men of Lawrence hockey to be one of the toughest teams to play against in all of the NCAA. We will do this by competing EVERY second of EVERY shift of EVERY game.

Likewise, the Viking hockey team will continue to produce excellent students. The academics at Lawrence are second to none and will be treated as such by the student-athletes. Gaining a degree from Lawrence University can pave the path for an amazing future. Our goal is to graduate EVERY student-athlete on time and in good standing. The effort laid out on the ice will be matched by the effort put forth by our players in the classroom.

It is an exciting time to be a part of Viking hockey. I am prepared to give it my all and get the most out of each player who puts on a Lawrence jersey this season ? and in the seasons yet to come. The 2006-07 Viking team is sure to put the pride back in Lawrence hockey!

See you at the rink!
Coach Szkodzinski