Tavis MacMillan tabbed as new Denver assistant coach

Former University of Alaska head coach Tavis MacMillan has been hired as one of Jim Montgomery's assistants at the University of Denver.

MacMillan, a UAF alum, was an assistant coach at his alma mater from 1996-2003 under current Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky before taking the head coaching responsibilities when his predecessor left for Princeton. After three seasons at the helm in Fairbanks, MacMillan abruptly left.

MacMillan, a Milk River, Alberta native, compiled a 46-54-15 record as head coach of the Nanooks. He has served as an amateur scout in the NHL for the Atlanta Thrashers and Winnipeg Jets organization the past eight seasons.

MacMillan replaces Joe Clark, who resigned from his post last month. MacMillan won't be the only assistant on Montgomery's staff with ties to the state of Alaska. David Carle, a third-year assistant with the Pioneers in 2015-16, is a native of Anchorage.

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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.