Eigner Confirmed as Lakeville North Hockey Coach

Trent Eigner was confirmed as the Lakeville North boys’ head hockey coach Tuesday night after a that resulted in mixed emotions over the change in Panther hockey leadership.

Longtime head coach Randy Schmitz, who had been at the helm of the Panther program for more than 20 years, addressed School Board members during a special closed session prior to the board’s regularly scheduled meeting to conclude a formal grievance process over the decision by administrators not to renew his contract for the coming year.

Lakeville North administration has declined to comment on the decision saying it was an internal matter.

The board tabled Eigner’s hiring at their Sept. 28 meeting and the resulting uncertainty over the position ignited a swell of opinions in the Lakeville hockey community surrounding both coaches.

School Board member Bob Erickson made no apologies during Tuesday night’s meeting for the prolonged process.

“The board needed to work through a process not only with this coach (Eigner), but also involving issues with our previous coach,” said Erickson. “I have no regrets for working through that process so that the rights of all parties could be respected and dealt with in an appropriate manner. We had a closed session earlier and that completed that process.”

Erickson rebuffed accusations of micro-management saying the process was “intended to do just the opposite” and preserve the rights of all involved.

The board did say it had discussed ways to improve the process and is considering changing the methods in which the public is informed about coaching changes.

News of Eigner’s hiring had been widely reported within the hockey community and Eigner had spoken with Lakeville hockey parents about his goals as the Panther coach even before his contract had been formally ratified. Meanwhile, Schmitz had initiated a formal grievance process over his ouster and that process wasn’t finalized until last night.

The bumpy transition was surrounding Eigner the board also felt needed addressing prior to approving the hire.

Those concerns included the revelation of past media reports concerning 2002 drug-related charges for which Eigner was fully exonerated while he was the head coach of the El Paso Buzzards of the Central Hockey League, and a potential conflict of interest due to his ownership involvement with The Pond, an ice skating and training facility in Rosemount.

“Our School Board and community has worked hard over the past several years on a Pure Performance program, an effort that encourages strong penalties for use of alcohol and drugs and enacts strong penalties for students who violate those policies,” said Skelly. “I needed to feel assured that these coaches would be able to effectively enforce these policies.”

Skelly also said protecting the financial performances from any potential conflict of interest involving Eigner’s facility was also prudent.

“I think these are all legitimate concerns and questions that I think anyone would want a School Board member to ask about prior to making a decision,” said Skelly. 

Erickson also voiced concerns over the importance of avoiding any potential business-related conflict of interest over the facilities calling that caveat “critically important.”

Eigner has already been embraced by many involved with youth hockey in Lakeville and his announced assistant coaches that include former professional hockey players Ryan Kraft and Brad DeFauw has created an anticipatory buzz.

Schmitz ends his long career with Lakeville North having guided the Panthers to two straight state tournament appearances and a Consolation Championship trophy last year. Schmitz was also named as the Section 1AA Coach of the Year by the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association for the second consecutive year at the conclusion of last season.

“There has been a lot said and written here over the past several days,” said Skelly with regard to Schmitz. “But there are two words that have yet to be said: Thank You!

“As a School Board member and as a representative of Region 1AA, it was satisfying to see you on the ice at Mariucci Arena holding the consolation trophy at the State High School Hockey Tournament,” Skelly continued. “And to Paul Rutt, Steve Sabetti and Eric Schiedel—all teachers who serve as assistant coaches—thank you for all you have done to support student athletes. You should feel proud of the accomplishments of that team, and I’m sure you are proud of the players. It will be a tough act to follow.”

Skelly also welcomed coach Eigner and his staff.

“I wish them the best of luck,” he said.