It’s all about finding the right candidate for a position to fill and after a successful 2016-17 season behind the bench as the Interim Head Coach of the UBC men’s hockey program, UBC Athletics Department officially promotes former Vancouver Canuck, Sven Butenschon as the (full-time) Head Coach of the UBC Thunderbirds.

The position see’s him take over immediately and it’s interesting to note that this is his first experience as a Head Coach.

Butenschon guided the T-birds to a Canada West playoff spot helping them record a record-setting year for attendance.

It’s easy to mention that he also has an exceptional working relationship with both the Thunderbirds hockey alumni and the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks.

“I’m honored to accept the position as the full-time head coach of the UBC men’s hockey team. Some of my best times in hockey were playing for the Canucks and to accept a position where I get to live and work in Vancouver is very exciting for both myself and my family,” says Butenschon. “I felt last season we created an exciting and vibrant hockey atmosphere here at UBC. I believe this move will allow us to continue with that process and build on the great history and tradition of the UBC Thunderbird hockey program.”

In 2016-17, Butenschon led the Thunderbirds to victories in their final four regular season games and a spot in the Canada West playoffs.

Butenschon was an assistant with the Thunderbirds in the 2015-16 season and currently lives in North Vancouver, BC.

Looking forward to covering more exciting UBC Hockey action this fall.

Congratulations to Sven on the appointment.

Thanks to Len Catling for the press release

VANCOUVER,BC:FEBRUARY 24, 2017 — UBC Thunderbirds Sven Butenschon poses for a photo in the team room after being named the head coach of the men’s ice hockey team at UBC in Vancouver, BC, April, 24, 2017. (Rich Lam/UBC Athletics Photo)
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