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Balkovec earns Coach of the Year title

By Michael Trzinski, 02/28/13, 12:45AM CST

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Ex-Badger led Whitefish Bay co-op to first state trip

Eighteen years ago, Maco Balkovec walked off the ice for the last time as a Wisconsin Badger, hoping for bigger and better things.

Balkovec--drafted in the 5th round by Chicago in 1991--played only two more seasons in the minors and hung up his skates in the spring of 1997.

A few months later, he was standing behind the bench for Milwaukee Pius, and would coach that squad for two years before moving on to Homestead.

In 2007, the Highlanders made their first and only trip to the state tournament behind Balkovec.

In the fall of 2008, the New Westminster, British Columbia native took over a struggling Whitefish Bay co-op team. In his fifth year at the helm, the Storm team is making its first trip to the state tournament.

For the hard work he has done, Balkovec has been named the 2012-13 Bob Johnson Coach of the Year by the WHCA.

The Storm has compiled a remarkable 22-4-1 record this year, a testament to the interaction between players and coaching staff.

"We have such a great group of seniors and families that are so supportive and willing to do the little things that lead to success," stated Balkovec.

"My assistants Jeff Holck and Dano Schonenberg, along with JV coach Tom Zienkiewicz, all get along amazingly well and each of us speaks with the same terminology and keeps a high level of attention to detail that reflects a continuity between the staff so there is never any deviation from the message. We are all passionate about hockey and about competing and that type of attitude is infectious."

Balkovec accepted the award with typical humbleness.

"It's very rewarding," he said. "To be selected by your peers for this award makes it even more special."

The fact that he led two different programs to the state tournament gives an indication of his coaching prowess, but in typical Maco fashion, deflects the credit to his players.

"The boys have bought in and believe in 'The Brotherhood.' So being able to take two programs from virtual anonymity to state is something I'm very proud of and this award certainly makes this amazing year that much sweeter."