ANTIGONISH, NS – David Synishin is stepping down from his head coaching position with the StFX X-Women hockey program. After 14 years of guiding the program, he plans to switch his career focus and spend more time with family.
StFX Director of Athletics & Recreation Mr. Leo MacPherson comments, "Dave has had a tremendous coaching career at StFX, establishing X-Women hockey as a nationally prominent program with success at both the regional and national levels. His impact on the growth of women's hockey is enormous and we are all very appreciative of the great work he has done."
Coach Synishin has been a part of the X-Women program for 18 years, including 14 seasons as head coach, three as an assistant coach, and a one-year hiatus in 2014-15 where he coached in B.C. With a 276-83-3 coaching record (regular season, AUS and U SPORTS playoffs), Synishin lead the nationally ranked X-Women to five AUS championship titles, never missing a conference playoff appearance. His X-Women appeared in eight U SPORTS national championships, claiming a silver medal in 2010-11 and a bronze in 2012-13.
Under Coach Synishin's tutelage, the X-Women have been consistently ranked in the U SPORTS top ten year in and year out, finishing as a top contender in the AUS conference and challenging for championships. With an overall win percentage of 0.771, the four-time AUS coach of the year guided the X-Women to three undefeated seasons in 2011, 2008 and 2004. His career coaching record stands at 334-110-6 with 450 games under his belt.
Ready to move on to his next career challenge, Synishin comments, "It has been a privilege and honour coaching the X-Women for the past 14 years. I was very fortunate over that period of time to be surrounded by great people who played a huge role in the program's success. Both the players and staff have made a significant, positive impact on my life and my family's life."
"I want to thank Leo MacPherson for all of his support for me personally, and for the X-Women hockey program. I also want to thank assistant coaches Ben Berthiaume and Willie Sofan for all of their hard work and their 100% commitment to the program over the past number of years. I am looking forward to watching the team play and enjoying their future success."
An announcement on a replacement for Synishin will be released in the coming days.
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