MADISON, Wis., Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Wisconsin's Jeff Sauer, the fourth-winningest coach in college hockey history, announced his retirement Wednesday, effective at the end of the season.
Sauer, 58, coached the Badgers to national championships in 1983 and 1990. In his 20th season at Wisconsin and 31st as a college coach, he has a 647-523-55 record. Only Michigan State's Ron Mason (912), Bemidji State's Bob Peters (741) and Boston College's Leg Ceglarski (674) have more wins.
"He has few peers in terms of his victory totals and longevity," Wisconsin athletic director Pat Richter said. "He means a great deal, not only to Wisconsin hockey but to the game as a whole. He has been a positive influence in the lives of hundreds of student-athletes -- my own son, Barry, included -- as well as fellow coaches, both on and off the ice."
Richter's son is one of 27 players who have gone on to the NHL after playing for Sauer. Among the others are All-Stars Chris Chelios, Curtis Joseph and Mike Richter and rookie standout Dany Heatley.
Sauer owns a 481-297-44 mark with the Badgers, guiding them to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and a spot in the 1992 Frozen Four. Wisconsin captured Western Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season titles in 1990 and 2000 and playoff crowns in 1983, 1988, 1990, 1995 and 1998.
A 1965 graduate of Colorado College, Sauer returned to his alma mater as an assistant before taking the same post at Wisconsin. He came back to Colorado College as head coach, a position he held for 10 years.
