The 2014-15 season will mark thethird for A.J. Aitken as head coach of the Marian University men'sice hockey program. Aitken has compiled a 25-25-3 overall mark inhis first two seasons at the helm.
Last season, he led the Sabres to a 12-13-2 overall record,including a 10-7 mark in the first season of the new-look NCHA.Marian claimed the fifth seed in the Harris Cup Playoffs and fellto Lake Forest, 2-1, in the first round. The Sabres finished theregular season strong with a seven-game winning streak from Jan.24-Feb. 14. Senior Tyler Klein claimed All-NCHA honors afterfinishing with a team-high 32 points, including 14 goals and 18assists. Ten Sabres were named to the NCHA All-Academic Team.
In 2012-13, the Sabres made it to the Harris Cup semifinal and sawtheir season come to an end at the hands of MSOE by a single goalfor the second straight season. Junior transfer, Tyler Klein, andsenior Mitch Kriz earned All-MCHA honors under Aitken, while sixothers made the All-Academic squad.
Prior to arriving at Marian, Aitken was a key contributor in St.Norbert’s recruiting efforts and helped lead the GreenKnights to a second consecutive NCAA Division III national titleand third in the last five years in 2011-12.
Aitken was promoted to associate head coach at St. Norbert by TimCoghlin prior to the 2008-09 season, and was brought aboard as anassistant prior to the 2003-04 season. During his tenure with theGreen Knights, Aitken was involved in all aspects of the program,primarily for the team’s recruiting efforts and in guidingthe junior varsity program.
St. Norbert won three NCAA Division III championships, played inseven NCAA Division III Frozen Fours and six NCAA Division IIInational championship games. The Green Knights are a sparkling217-37-23 during his time on the hockey staff.
Aitken is a native of Fort McMurray, Alberta and played for NCAADivision I Michigan Tech from 1997-2000. During his four-yearcareer, Aitken played in 140 games, scoring 14 goals and adding 17assists for 31 points. He also served as the Huskies’ teamcaptain during his final two seasons. Aitken, a finance major atMTU, was also named Academic All-WCHA twice.
As a professional, Aitken played with Macon and Memphis of theCentral Hockey League. His stint in Memphis from 2001-03 resultedin being a part of a pair of CHL championships.
Aitken, his wife, Rachel, and three children, Eliza (8), Ian (5)and Hattie (1), currently reside in Fond du Lac.
