Gadowsky resigns: Macmillan to take the helm

Submitted by Scott Wilson
Phone: (907) 474-6807
05/05/04

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Athletics and Recreation announced that Hockey Coach Guy Gadowsky is leaving to accept the head coaching position at Princeton University in New Jersey.

Gadowsky leaves a UAF team he has built into a nationally recognized program within the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) and throughout college hockey. During Gadowsky’s five years at UAF, the Nanooks have placed as high as fourth in CCHA standings, and have hosted playoff games in two of the last three seasons, as wewll s leaving UAF’s only trip to the CCHA Super 6 Championships in Detroit in 2002.

Gadowsky led the Nanooks to three consecutive Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup Championships, including the most recent wins in Anchorage in March.

"I am honored to receive the opportunity to represent such a prestigious institution as Princeton," Gadowsky said. "However, I will miss Fairbanks and the UAF hockey program. I am proud to have been a part of what the team and community has achieved in the last five years. Fairbanks will always be a part of who I am and will always hold fond memories for my family. I am very appreciative of the UAF athletic department for the opportunity to coach in the CCHA. I sincerely thank the community and fans of this great hockey town for such a wonderful experience."

"Guy Gadowsky has been the consummate professional, statesman and diplomat in leading our hockey program for the past five years," said UAF Athletics and Recreation Director Cory Schwartz. "His time, effort and caring for the student-athletes have benefited everyone associated with our program. We have been extremely fortunate to have Guy with us, and we sincerely wish him the best at Princeton. From the uniforms to the caliber of play to the character of the team, and the quality of the student-athletes, UAF has improved significantly during Guy’s tenure."

Gadowsky inherits a Princeton Tigers team that has experienced some difficult times of their own. Participating in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), Princeton finished the 2003-04 campaign with an overall record of 5-24-2, finishing last in the 12-team conference.

Meanwhile, Tavis MacMillan will take the helm as the new head coach of the UAF Nanooks.

MacMillan has served in an administrative capacity for the past year as the department’s compliance coordinator, but rejoins the team that he had helped build.

"I have such mixed emotions about this opportunity," said MacMillan. "Guy has been an instrumental part of my coaching career and I have been blessed to work with him. At the same time I am very excited and energized by the challenge of continuing this program down the path of success. I have worn the Nanook blue and gold and I take great pride in the opportunity to lead this team. I foresee this being a seamless transition because Guy and I share many similar values on what this program should represent."

"Tavis brings to our program the perspective of an alum, the guidance of a seasoned veteran and the energy of a long-time hockey professional ready to take advantage of a new opportunity," said Schwartz. "With the administrative experience Tavis has gained in the last year, he is primed to take over a program on the way up. I’m confident that Tavis will continue that progress."

MacMillan served for seven years as an assistant coach for the UAF hockey program. A native of Eastend, Saskatchewan, MacMillan was a four-year honor roll student at Bert Church High School in Airdrie, Alberta and a 1995 graduate of UAF with a bachelor’s degree in business.

MacMillan is UAF’s fourth all-time leading scorer with 192 career points. He tied teammate Dean Fedorchuk for the NCAA scoring crown (74 points) during the 1993-94 season. During his UAF career, MacMillan also earned MVP and scholar-athlete honors.

Following graduation, MacMillan played professional hockey during the 1994-95 season with the Greensboro Monarchs in the East Coast Hockey League and the Alaska Gold Kings in the West Coast Hockey League. MacMillan was the player/assistant general manager for the Gold Kings in 1995-96 where he assisted with player recruitment and management, marketing, promotions and overall day-to-day operations. MacMillan also played one summer season for the San Jose Rhinos in the Roller Hockey International League with Guy Gadowsky.

This past year, MacMillan stepped out of hockey to accept the position as compliance coordinator for the department.

MacMillan and his wife Deon, have three daughters, Taryn (9), Camryn (4) and Lauryn (2).