Will retires from second stint

Owatonna boys hockey head coach Dennis Will recently announced that he will be resigning from his role after three years at the helm as part of his second stint as skipper of the team.

            Will felt a calling when coach Dave Fromm passed away suddenly in September 2023. “I knew they would have a tough time finding a head coach going into the season… I knew I was stepping into an unknown situation because I didn’t know the coaches and I didn't know the players. But I thought I could help out,” said Will.

            “It was really raw at that point with that group. And they were all seniors. That group was a lot of fun…They were on a mission. They were dealing with some raw feelings, and I think it came out on the ice with their performance. They just played really well. Dave was well liked by the players, and these guys don’t even know who I am,” said Will. OHS won 18 games that winter and beat Lakeville North in double overtime in the playoffs.

            He knew coaching would not be long term. Will retired from teaching after last school year. Now with his wife about to retire in June, he says they will have time to visit their children who live in different parts of the country. “She’s got some plans, I’m sure, on her list too.”

            Will was also head coach from 1991-98, ending with Owatonna’s only trip to the state tournament.

            “I’m going to miss being around the coaches and the players. I’m sure I’m going to miss the game nights. I enjoyed the competition... Just going out there battling with the boys.”

            The Huskies went 15-10-1 last season, finishing third in the Big Nine Conference. Will says the program is in a “real good place” and believes the team can be successful next winter, especially with the experience gained by the younger players.