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Minnetonka's Brian Urick steps down as coach

By DAVID LA VAQUE, Star Tribune, 03/10/17, 2:45PM CST

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The decision to leave after 10 seasons is "100 percent" his own, a school official said.


Brian Urick is stepping down as the Minnetonka boys' hockey coach after 10 seasons. “I’m happy for him but sad to lose a great coach," Minnetonka activities director Ted Schultz said. Photo by Rick Orndorf, SportsEngine

Brian Urick is stepping down from his position as Minnetonka boys’ hockey head coach.

"I'm getting tired," said Urick, 40, a varsity coach for 10 seasons. "It's a grind and as I tell the kids, 'If you don't have passion and want to give 115 percent, you shouldn't be doing it.'"

Throughout their decade under Urick, the Skippers battled in sections brimming with top teams. They reached five section finals and broke through once to take second at the 2010 state tournament.

Urick informed players at a meeting Friday afternoon.

"The good news is I'm leaving on my own terms," Urick said. "There's no bitter taste. I've been involved with Minnetonka hockey pretty much my whole life. I care deeply and that's why it's time to leave. They'll get a great coach to add some new life."

Stepping down was “100 percent” Urick’s decision, Minnetonka activities director Ted Schultz said.

“I tried talking him out of it for a week and a half,” Schultz said. “I’m happy for him but sad to lose a great coach.”

Urick, a 1995 Minnetonka graduate, helped the Skippers reach the state tournament as a player. He was a Mr. Hockey finalist as a senior and later played at Notre Dame.

The 2010 state tournament saw Minnetonka outlast Hill-Murray for a semifinal victory in four overtimes. Later that day, the Skippers fell to Edina in the championship game.

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