Contrary to a previous report by Lansing TV station WILX, which stated that Danton Cole had been hired as Michigan State's new hockey head coach, it appears that CCHA commissioner Tom Anastos is going to lead the Spartans' program. Multiple sources are reporting the move, which comes way out of left field.
Anastos had been the commissioner of the CCHA since 1998. Before taking that position he was the president of the North American Hockey League, which is a Tier II junior league.
Anastos attended Michigan State and played for the Spartans' hockey team from 1981-85. Oddly enough, that was the same time Cole was on the team, which may be part of why there was confusion earlier over who was hired. (Perhaps Cole will be an assistant.)
Anastos' coaching career is fairly limited. He was the Michigan-Dearborn head coach from 1987-90. From 1990-92, he was an assistant on Ron Mason's coaching staff at Michigan State. Considering he has not been involved in coaching since the early 90s, this move is very surprising, especially with a guy like Cole out there as the favorite to get the job.
The announcement about Anastos' hire is expected to take place later this afternoon.