Former National Hockey League all-star defenseman Jason Garrison will return to Minnesota Duluth as a men's hockey undergraduate student assistant coach and finish his degree, Bulldogs coach Scott Sandelin announced today.


"When I came to UMD I always imagined playing four years and finishing a degree," said Garrison, 36, one of Sandelin's first recruits who signed with the Florida Panthers as an undrafted free-agent in 2008.


Garrison, who starred in the NHL for 11 seasons with Florida, Vancouver, Tampa Bay, Vegas and Edmonton, will join the Bulldogs for this weekend's National Collegiate Hockey Conference home series against Western Michigan.



"I was very fortunate to have that opportunity, as well as having the opportunity to play professionally after my junior year," said Garrison, who scored 49 goals and 160 points in 555 NHL games. "I took courses online during my career with the mindset I would finish. That still stands to this day and I am planning, albeit many years later, to graduate in a couple of semesters. Regardless of one's professional sports career, finishing what you start and earning a college degree is supremely important."

 
Sandelin said he is excited to welcome Garrison back to the program. 



"His credibility as a player, person and alum will be a nice addition to our staff," said Sandelin. "Jason played for me, had a great pro career and his experience will help our team on the ice --- and I am personally excited to have another defenseman on the staff."  

 
UMD Athletic Director Josh Berlo said Garrison "represents what it means to be a student-athlete at the highest level."



"He was successful during his time at UMD academically and athletically, as well as smoothly transitioning to an all-star NHL career," said Berlo. "And now, 13 years after leaving Duluth, has returned to complete his degree and assist the program he played for. 

 
"Since meeting Jason in 2013, he has consistently expressed to me a desire to return to the classroom. He is an exceptional role model and this is a great opportunity for the young men on our current team to learn from him. We look forward to having Jason back at UMD."

 
For his part, Garrison said he is "extremely excited to be around the team and help in any way Coach Sandelin feels fit."

 
"Being able to give back to this special program and share my experiences with this team will be very fulfilling," said Garrison. "I remember when older guys did the same during my career and it meant a lot to me. I still love the game of hockey and its team atmosphere. I am really looking forward to getting to know this impressive group of young men."


The Bulldogs will host Western Michigan this weekend at AMSOIL Arena on Saturday (6pm) and Sunday (4pm).  


Editor's Note: Howie, the dean of local sports columnists, is a longtime fan of Bulldogs men's and women's teams.


*Guest column from Howie Hanson, Editor & Publisher, The Duluth Times