Thibault steps down as coach
The CSB Athletics Department is on the search for a new head coach of the CSB hockey team after Nick Thibault announced his departure following the 2021-22 season.
In the wake of the end of the CSB hockey team’s 2021-22 season, Nick Thibault has decided to step down after four years as the head coach.
He leaves behind a 28-45-6 overall record, two seasons with 10 or more victories and a big win over the University of St. Thomas in 2020. Thibault was unable to be reached for comment.
Thibault entered the CSB hockey scene in 2018 and led the team to the most season wins since 2008-09. He then topped the 2018-19 season with 11 wins in 2019-20, the most in the program since 2001.
In addition to the increased wins, Bennie hockey made an appearance at the MIAC conference playoffs this year. Thibault also helped coach the first CSB All-MIAC first team honoree since 2016-17 and first CSB MIAC all-rookie team member since 2008-09.
“Playing in our first playoff game in 20 years was a huge step forward for our program,” senior Maggie Gilchrist said.
Senior Zoe Culshaw-Klein reflects on the positive moments of her hockey career.
“Another highlight is becoming a team that can contend with the top teams in the MIAC. I think we have finally gained the respect of the MIAC and we are a team to watch out for,” Culshaw-Klein said.
Thibault served as the head coach for all four years of the Bennie seniors’ hockey careers.
“One thing that I would take away from my time with Coach Thibault is never giving up, even when you are told that you aren’t good enough, or that you aren’t playing well, keep working hard,” Gilchrist said.
“In life you don’t have control over a lot, but you do have control over how much effort you put into everything. Work hard at all times and give 110% in all you do,” senior Julia Pias said.
The search has already begun for a new coach.
The job was posted on March 14 and the selection process will continue through April, and a new coach is expected to be announced at the end of April.
“We are looking for a coach that wants to create a championship culture,” Anderson-Diercks said. “We are seeking a coach that understands the value of women’s athletics, someone who has a strong work ethic and someone who is adaptable and resilient.”
Although the current CSB hockey seniors won’t get the opportunity to play under the direction of a new coach, they expressed some hopes for the new coach and the future of the team.
“I hope they get a coach who wants to continue to take the program to the next level,” Culshaw-Klein said.
Gilchrist hopes that CSB athletics can bring in a coach who values every position and is an asset to the team.
She also mentioned how important it is to have a coach who is able to take player’s ideas and needs into account in order to help each individual succeed. The future of CSB hockey looks bright.
“The CSB hockey program [has] some very talented hockey players and we are looking for a head coach who [will] continue to develop our current student-athletes, as well as bring in talented new players to add to the mix,” Anderson-Diercks said.
