Scott Owens Resigns at Colorado College

Colorado College head coach Scott Owens announced his resignation on Sunday after 15 years at the helm for Colorado College. Owens compiled a 324-228-54 record in Colorado Springs, including seven trips to the NCAA tournament and a trip to the 2005 Frozen Four. He also coached Hobey Baker winners Marty Sertich(2005) and Peter Sejna(2003).

In all, Ownes tenure at Colorado College was a strong one at an expensive private school whose academic rigors make fielding a competitive hockey program a struggle. In many ways, Owens became a victim of his own success as local fans became frustrated with only one NCAA tournament appearance in his final six seasons. This past season, in which Colorado College went 7-24-6, appears to have been the final straw.

It will be interesting to see the direction Colorado College heads in. Even before Owens' resignation, fans were clamoring for the school to hire ex-Denver head coach George Gwozdecky. It will be a very important hire for the school. The success of Owens and his predecessor Don Lucia made many forget, but Colorado College was on the verge of dropping their hockey program altogether in the late-'80's/early-90's after many years of struggling to compete, and simply removing Owens may not be enough to overcome the challenges Colorado College faces.

The school is expected to start a national search for Owens' replacement immediately.