Sauer to retire from coaching

Jeff Sauer, the all-time leader in Western Collegiate Hockey Association victories and the fourth-winningest coach in college hockey history, will retire from his position as head hockey coach at UW–Madison, effective at the conclusion of the 2001-02 season.

A national search for Sauer’s successor will be conducted.

“Jeff has had a highly successful coaching career,” Director of Athletics Pat Richter says. “He has few peers in terms of his victory totals and longevity. He means a great deal not only to Wisconsin hockey, but to the game as a whole.”

Sauer is in his 20th season as head coach at Wisconsin. Sauer coached the Badgers to NCAA titles in 1983 and 1990. He guided the Badgers to an additional Frozen Four appearance in 1992.

Wisconsin has made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances during Sauer’s tenure. Sauer has compiled career record of 481-297-44 with the Badgers, guided the UW to WCHA regular-season titles in 1990 and 2000, and to WCHA playoff crowns in 1983, 1988, 1990, 1995 and 1998.

Seventeen Badgers have earned all-America honors while playing for Sauer, including nine first-team selections. Additionally, 13 of Sauer’s former Badgers have participated in Olympic competition. Twenty-seven have gone on to careers in the National Hockey League.