Lakers name new coaches

April 12, 2004

The St. Paul Lakers hired Cal Ballard as their new head coach for the 2004-05 season, replacing Don Babineau, who left to pursue other coaching opportunities.

A resident of Richfield, Minn., Ballard has been an assistant coach with the Lakers the past two seasons, primarily working with the defense and goaltenders.

“I am thrilled the Lakers’ management has given me this opportunity,” said Ballard. “I think we have built a strong foundation the past two seasons and I look forward to the challenge of reaching the next goal, which is competing for league championships.”

Prior to working with the Lakers, Ballard served three seasons as an assistant coach-assistant GM for the Iron Range Yellow Jackets.

The Lakers also announced the hiring of Eric Ballard as coach-assistant GM. He worked as a scout for the Lakers this past season.

Eric Ballard brings a wealth of coaching and playing experience to the program. For three years, he was head coach and general manager of the Yellow Jackets. During those three seasons, the Yellow Jackets dominated the MJHL by winning the regular-season title and playoff title every year. The Yellow Jackets compiled a league record of 102-11 during those three seasons.

“We are extremely excited about the upcoming season,” said Lakers GM Scott Ludwig. “I think everyone has high expectations. We want the Lakers to be contending for league titles and promoting players to higher levels of hockey.

“I think we have done a great job of moving players on the past few seasons. Now it’s time to build on that and get our program back to the national tournament.”