Hakstol steps down at North Dakota to take Flyers job

Dave Hakstol has left his position as head coach at the University of North Dakota to take the same job with the Philadelphia Flyers.

A North Dakota alum, Hakstol took over the reigns at his alma mater prior to the 2004-05 season when previous coach Dean Blais left to take a job with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets.

Despite never winning a national championship as head coach at the illustrious program, Hakstol's resume is an impressive one. UND made the NCAA Tournament in each of Hakstol's 11 seasons behind the bench in Grand Forks, including seven trips to the Frozen Four. North Dakota lost in the national semifinal in all but one of the team's trips to the Frozen Four under Hakstol's watch. His teams won three regular season conference championships and four post-season tournament titles.

Hakstol played at North Dakota from 1989-1992 before embarking on a minor pro career with the Indianapolis Ice and Minnesota Moose in the defunct IHL. He served as the head coach of the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers from 1996-2000 before returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach.

This will be Hakstol's first foray into the NHL in any position. He replaces Craig Berube who was fired by the Flyers on April 17 after a nearly two-year run with the organization.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior, high school and prep hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on Twitter @JeffCoxSports.