EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State has hired Danton Cole to try to turn around its struggling hockey program.
Cole takes over as the Spartans' coach after Tom Anastos stepped down last month. Michigan State went 7-24-4 this past season, and it is now hoping one of its former players can improve the team's fortunes.
The 50-year-old Cole worked previously with USA Hockey's national team development program. He played at Michigan State when the Spartans won the national title in 1986 and made additional Frozen Four appearances in 1987 and 1989.
The team announced the hiring on Tuesday.