Hakstol's success opens NHL door to more college coaches

Not because he thought his college coach was unqualified but because Hakstol had spent 11 seasons committed to the University of North Dakota.

Hakstol became the first NCAA coach hired by an NHL team since Herb Brooks of 1980 U.S. Olympic fame made the jump in 1987.

Hakstol's success in guiding the Flyers to the playoffs in his first season should help ensure it's not another 20-plus years until a college coach gets a head NHL job.

Washington defenseman Nate Schmidt, who played at the University of Minnesota, considers the transition for coaches more difficult than players because the game on the ice doesn't change as much as the off-ice dynamics.

The contrast from college hockey to the NHL is starker than the one from juniors or the minors.

The college-to-pro path isn't common and it's not easy to tear college coaches loyal to their programs away for the bright lights of the NHL.