Western Michigan elevated J.J. Crew to assistant coach on Wednesday. Crew had been serving as the team’s director of player development and he replaces Dave Shyiak, who left the program last month to take an assistant job with St. Cloud State.
Crew did no recruit in his previous role, but prospects should expect to see him around the rinks now.
“We are very excited to be elevating J.J.,” said head coach Andy Murray. “He’s grown a tremendous amount as a person and as a coach since he helped us win a CCHA Championship in 2012. He has the drive and the desire to be a successful coach and knows what it takes to be a Bronco.”
Crew lettered at Western Michigan, playing four seasons from 2008-12, playing in 133 career games, scoring 55 points on 20 goals and 35 assists. Crew helped WMU go to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments in 2011 and 2012, along with being an influential member of the 2012 Central Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament Championship team. Crew holds a degree in criminal justice from WMU (2012) and a master’s degree in sports science and recreation from Ohio University (2017).
Crew has been on the WMU staff for three years and has had coaching stops both junior and college hockey prior to his position with the Broncos.
“I am excited to continue to be a part of the Bronco Family,” Crew added. “It’s a dream come true to be able to coach at my alma mater. I want to thank Coach Murray as well as Kathy Beauregard for this opportunity. I also want to thank all the coaches I’ve been fortunate to work with over the years. They have been so influential in my coaching career and have helped me prepare of this opportunity. I am forever grateful.”