CORALVILLE, Iowa – Jake Hults joined the coaching ranks of the University of Iowa hockey team nearly 10 years ago and has loved every minute being around the Hawkeyes.
He said that over the years, he has come to appreciate that the program is much more than a team on the ice and in the locker room.
“I was brought on board by former Iowa head coach Kevin Brooks for the 2012-13 season,” Hults said. “We had known each other from coaching youth hockey in Cedar Rapids. What I like most about being here is the family that teams become, and that extends long after the season ends. From the coaching side, I enjoy working with the high-end talent we have worked to recruit and finding ways to build a unique team each season using those talents.”
Originally from Big Rapids, Mich., Hults runs the Hawkeyes’ defense and assists head coach David VanDeveer with anything else that is needed.
“I have been around the team for many years and have a relationship with the returning players, so I have tried to use that to ease to transition to Coach VanDeveer this season,” said Hults. “I have also served as the goalie coach for each of the years I have been with the team. The team has shown that we have the talent to win. Now we need to work on the discipline to set ourselves up for continued success. I know we have what it takes to win our league and progress to the national tournament.
“I am always looking to build on the success of the previous season working to get the team to the next level.”
Away from the rink, Hults works as an engineer in Cedar Rapids and is enjoying raising his three young children with his wife.
The Hawkeyes host St. Louis University for two games this weekend from Coral Ridge. Game time is 7 p.m. Friday night and 1:30 p.m. for the finale on Saturday.
For more, visit HawkeyesHockey.com.