Blackburn Named Hockey Voluneteer Assistant Coach
8/28/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Aug. 28, 2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State hockey coach Ron Mason announced today that Joe Blackburn will serve as volunteer assistant coach for the 2001-02 season. Blackburn, who wrapped up a successful four-year career at MSU last year, will assist with all facets of practices and games, work with the Spartan goaltenders and serve as color commentator on MSU hockey radio broadcasts.
"It's a great opportunity for me to learn a lot from both the coaches and players," said Blackburn. "We've got a solid nucleus of players coming back. I'm excited to get this season going with the big outdoor game against Michigan."
Blackburn made 59 appearances between the pipes for the Spartans and logged an impressive 36-13-8 career record to go along with a 1.76 career goals against average and a .920 saves percentage. He ranks second among MSU netminders in career goals against average and saves percentage.
The Livonia, Mich., native backstopped MSU to an NCAA Frozen Four appearance in 1998-99 when he posted a 21-5-7 mark, a .928 saves percentage and a NCAA-best 1.55 goals against average. He was named to the NCAA West All-American first team for his efforts and also received CCHA Best Goaltender and all-league second-team honors. He also earned numerous academic awards during his playing career. Blackburn was named to the GTE Academic All-District second team in 1999 and was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten and CCHA All-Academic honoree. As a senior, he was co-recipient of MSU hockey's Blue Line President's Award, presented to the top scholar-athlete in the senior class.
"Joe is a quality person and understands the Michigan State program, so it's natural he would become the volunteer assistant coach," said Mason. "He's a good student and this gives him a chance to work on his education. In all aspects, it's a good match."
Born Jan. 26, 1979, Blackburn was an education major as an undergraduate and is continuing course work in that area. He plans to enroll in MSU's School of Labor and Industrial Relations in winter quarter.