Denny Drake, who led the Central Wisconsin Storm to a pair of WIAA state girls hockey championships — including last winter — has stepped down after seven years as head coach, to spend more time with his family.

The 53-year-old Mosinee resident made the decision official Tuesday morning, after completing the co-op program’s game and practice schedule for the upcoming season last Friday.

“I struggled with (the decision) for quite some time. I still have a passion to coach, and it’s tough to walk away from it,” said Drake, whose daughter Hillary is a sophomore with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point women’s hockey team after transferring from Providence this past winter. “At the same time, my daughter has only three years of eligibility to play college hockey. I want to see her play.