Hamilton College head men's hockey coach Phil Grady has announced that he is stepping down from his position after 24 seasons behind the bench.
Grady said his decision was based on health concerns and family circumstances during the past year. He plans to remain at Hamilton as a special assistant for director of athletics Jon Hind '80 in 2008-09.
"Coach Grady feels that he can no longer make the total commitment that all of you know from firsthand experience he expects of himself and his players," Hind said in a statement to men's hockey alumni. "The difficult decision to step down as coach was made in the best interests of himself, his family and the Hamilton hockey program that has been so much a part of his life for nearly a quarter century."
Grady finishes his career with a record of 304-260-34. His 304 wins are the most by a Hamilton men's hockey coach. He guided the Continentals to 18 postseason appearances, including 14 straight from 1993 to 2006, and Hamilton won an Eastern College Athletic Conference East Division title in 1998.
The Continentals enjoyed 15 winning seasons under Grady. Eleven 100-point scorers and four All-Americans have played for the veteran coach. Goaltender Guy Hebert '89 went on to a standout career in the National Hockey League in the 1990s. Grady was an assistant at Hamilton under legendary coach Greg Batt in 1983-84.
"Phil has been a tremendous advocate for Hamilton College and a wonderful mentor for the many student-athletes who have played for him," Hind said. "His love for the institution and his passion for the Hamilton College athletic department have been steadfast throughout his 25 years of service. I'm thrilled he will be staying on to assist in the department next year."
On Nov. 25, 2007, Grady picked up the 300th victory of his Hamilton career as the Continentals defeated SUNY Potsdam, 2-0, in the Babson College Invitational Tournament. At the time, Grady was the 17th NCAA Division III men's hockey coach to reach the milestone, and the 12th active coach to accomplish the feat.
Posted February 26, 2008
