The Finlandia University men's hockey team is going to have a familiar face leading the team this season as the winningest coach in team history, Joe Burcar, has been hired as head coach. 
 
"I am proud and excited to come back to Finlandia University," said Burcar. "I love this community, the atmosphere of collegiate athletics, and the level of play you see in NCAA Division III hockey."
 
Burcar's initial stint with FinnU included a 104-96-11 overall record, and a 2007 Harris Cup championship for winning the Midwest Collegiate Hockey.
 
"Our team that year put together an incredible season," Burcar said. "I have never seen Houghton County Arena that packed, that energetic. It's my goal to bring that level of excitement back to our community, and that level of success back to our hockey team."
 
The Lions have a combined record of 29-130-9 in the years since Burcar was coach.
 
"Joe is the right person to lead our men's hockey program back to prominence," Athletic Director Kristan Schuster said. "I've spoken with many of his former players, and they all loved him as a coach. I'm beyond excited to see what he will do with this team."
 
Burcar has been coaching in California since 2010, including working with Anaheim Junior Ducks and Edison High School. In 2015, he led the Ducks to a state championship. The success continued in the national tournament, with his squad earning a spot in the semifinals.
 
Aside from coaching, Burcar has also been working with teams in the USHL, NAHL and BCHL as a scout.  
 
Burcar is replacing Dane Litke, who stepped down for personal reasons earlier this summer after two seasons with the Lions. The Lions season begins October 28 with a road game at University of Wisconsin-Stout.