Ty Eigner and Barry Schutte are the newest additions to the Falcon Hockey family, and although the two come from different programs, both have the same goal in mind for the University Hockey program.

Head coach Chris Bergeron hired Eigner and Schutte on May 8 as assistant coaches and said he is confident their personal rapport and passion for the game will be a big step in creating a winning environment for the program.

“I think they will bring great leadership to our players,” Bergeron said. “Their example is a great one. They’re both great teachers and they’re both very hungry to get this program back to where it belongs.”

Schutte said he is pleased with the local devotion for the hockey program.

“I’m really pumped about the rich hockey history at Bowling Green,” Schutte said. “It excites me to see the passion from the community.”

Eigner is no stranger to the passion and enthusiasm surrounding the Falcon Hockey program. He played for the University under coach Jerry York from 1988-93, and served as a team captain his senior year. During his time at the University, Eigner formed many lasting relationships and has a fondness for the University.

“The time I spent in BG [produced] some of the best times I’ve had in my life,” Eigner said. “The passion from the community and alumni is still there.”

Each coach brings distinctive experience to the program. Schutte is fresh off a stint as Miami University’s Senior Director of Recreational Auxiliaries and also served as Miami’s club hockey coach, leading the team to its first national championship in the program’s history.

Schutte also had considerable success on the ice. He played for the Miami Redhawks from 1993-97, lettering each year and winning both the Freshman of the Year Award and Senior of the Year Award during his tenure.

“The game has put me in great situations and introduced me to quality individuals, young and old,” Schutte said. “I take great pride in being able to give back and help mold student athletes.”

Eigner completed a successful run as associate coach for Eden Prairie High School’s hockey program in Minnesota, capping off 14 years of coaching experience by receiving the 2009 AA Coach of the Year award. He said he is eager to apply his experience to the BG program.

“It has always been a goal of mine to coach at the highest level possible,” Eigner said. “One of the great things about coaching college hockey is finding the players you think will best fit the team and helping them grow as a student and person.”

Eigner participated in many sports as a child, but settled on hockey in college. He said he did so in large part because the enthusiasm his local community had for the sport.

“Most hockey players start the game young, putting in a lot of hours and hard work, with commitment from the parents and the community,” Eigner said.

Schutte said he feels enthusiasm and motivation has to come from all around, and believes motivation and encouragement are essential tools in the process.

“The goal is to shape and mold young men and give them the tools to succeed in life,” Schutte said. “It comes down to execution and accountability.”

By creating a locker room culture that encourages success both on and off the ice, the coaches said they share the same basic coaching philosophy, even though they have not yet had the opportunity to coach together. They attributed this to their admiration of each other on a personal level.

There is an existing chemistry amongst the coaching staff because Bergeron previously played minor professional hockey with Eigner.

“I’ve known [Eigner] for a long time,” Bergeron said. “We already have a personality mesh and chemistry and I think … when we coach on a day-to-day basis that is something that will come easy.”

Bergeron said the coaches will be a highly positive influence on the program, making it stronger.

“[What these guys] don’t know they will learn and what they have already as people you can’t teach,” Bergeron said. “They’ve got a presence, they’ve got a personality, a charisma for hockey and coaching and teaching. They’re guys that are going to be great for this program for a long time to come.”