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CONTACT:
Adam Schuchman, G.M.
Indiana University Ice Hockey

Indiana Names Al Karlander their 20th Coach for the 2006-07 Season

With a few games left in the career for Coach Rich Holdeman, the Hoosiers have named Al Karlander the Head Coach to replace him. Al Karlander comes to the Hoosiers with 40 years of playing and coaching experience.

Al is originally from Lac La Hache, British Columbia and played his college hockey at Michigan Tech in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association from 1966-1969. In 1969 he was tied for 9th in the NCAA for scoring with 44 points and 3rd overall in goal scoring with 31. Al was also named an All-American.

Al was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 1967 and played 212 for the Red Wings from 1969 to 1973 and totaled up 36 goals and 56 assists for 92 points. From 1973 to 1977 Al played for the New England Whalers and the Indianapolis Racers in 269 games and racked up 60 goals 111 assists for 171 points.

In 1979 Al started his coaching career by leading the Cincinnati Stingers of the Central Hockey League. Following his Cincinnati job, he moved to Indianapolis and coached in the Indianapolis Youth Leagues and at Carmel High School. Over the next 20 years he led his teams to several league and state championships.

Coach Karlander will have Tom Orr back for the 2006-07 season as his Associate Head Coach. Tom played for the Hoosiers for 4 seasons as a grad student before stepping behind the bench. L. Blair Alexander will also return as the teams trainer.

The Hoosiers will travel to the ACHA DII National Championship Tournament in Rochester, NY. The Tournament runs from March 8th through 11th.

Contact: iuhockey@iuhockey.org