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Mike Bavis, Wheeling Nailers

Mike Bavis, Wheeling Nailers

Wednesday, August 8th

WHEELING, W. Va - The Wheeling Nailers, ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, announced that Mike Bavis has been named the team's new Head Coach & Director of Hockey Operations.

Bavis, 48, began his coaching career in 1998, joining the staff of his alma mater, Boston University. He spent 15 years as an assistant coach and an associate coach with Jack Parker and the Terriers. During his time there, Boston University compiled a 319-208-67 record, won the Hockey East championship twice and reached the NCAA Tournament eight times, including the school's fifth National Championship in 2009. The Terriers also captured The Beanpot eight times with Bavis behind the bench. After leaving B.U., Bavis spent one season as an assistant coach with the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, and most recently, one season as an assistant coach at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

As a player, the Roslindale, Massachusetts native was a forward, who entered his freshman year at Boston University after being selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. Bavis appeared in 159 games with the Terriers, totaling 82 points (34g-48a). Boston University reached the NCAA National Tournament all four seasons with him in the lineup, including three trips to the Frozen Four. After earning his degree in English, Bavis turned pro, playing two seasons in Buffalo's organization with the Rochester Americans and South Carolina Stingrays.

During his coaching career at Boston University, Bavis had the opportunity to work with some outstanding players who went on to have great success in the NHL. Highlighting the top players were Nick Bonino, Charlie Coyle, Kevin Shattenkirk, Ryan Whitney and Colin Wilson. Bavis also had a few former Nailers under his tutelage with the Terriers, led by John Curry, Bryan Ewing and Sahir Gill.

Mike and his wife Kim have three children – son Jack (17) and daughters Ciara (15) and Tyler (11).