VANCOUVER – After a successful 2016-17 season behind the bench as interim head coach of the UBC men's hockey program, the UBC Athletics Department is proud to announce former Vancouver Canuck, Sven Butenschon will be the full-time head coach of the UBC Thunderbirds, effective immediately.
In his first experience as a head coach, Butenschon was able to guide the Thunderbirds to a Canada West playoff spot and help spearhead the program to a record-setting year for attendance, as well as fostering a great 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.