UAA dropped word today that assistant coach T.J. Jindra is leaving his job to pursue other opportunities.
Jindra was instrumental in holding together the program after the school fired Dave Shyiak in 2013 and began a complicated, start-stop-start process -- it was something of a cluster -- before hiring current bench boss Matt Thomas. It really can't be over-emphasized how much Jindra's work during the coach search maintained a measure of stability -- at that point, Jindra was the only coach on the staff.
In any event, best of luck to Jindra.
Here's the UAA release:
ANCHORAGE (Mar. 31) – Alaska Anchorage hockey head coach Matt Thomas announced Tuesday that assistant coach T.J. Jindra is leaving the Seawolves' program after four seasons to pursue other professional opportunities in the Lower 48.
Originally from Faribault, Minn., Jindra was an integral part of the UAA staff under both Thomas and former head coach Dave Shyiak, variously heading the team's recruiting and academic functions, in addition to on-ice instruction.
"T.J. has been an invaluable asset to Seawolf Hockey over the last four years," said Thomas, who recently finished his second season at the helm. "His dedication and hard work bridged a gap during a coaching change, and he really helped elevate the program during his time here. Our student-athletes benefited from his knowledge and commitment to their academic and athletic experience. I know we will miss his passion for the program and wish him success in his future endeavors."
After serving on Shyiak's staff for two seasons, Jindra piloted all aspects of the UAA program during the summer of 2013, prior to the hiring of Thomas. His efforts helped the Seawolves to an 18-16-4 record and a WCHA Final Five berth in 2013-14 as UAA posted its most successful campaign in 20 years.
"TJ Jindra is an outstanding teacher, mentor, coach and role model," said UAA Athletic Director Keith Hackett. "He has shown a great commitment to the student-athlete experience. We will miss him and wish him the best in his professional pursuits.
"Coach Thomas will begin the process of finding the right candidate for this important coaching staff position – someone who has a strong skill set and understands what coaching at the Division I level requires. We need to fill this void with a seasoned, experienced coach to keep moving the program forward."