WARREN, Mich. — De La Salle Collegiate announced Thursday the hiring of Sean Clark as its next head hockey coach.

Clark, who coached the Pilots for two seasons from 2017-19, replaces Nick Badder, who resigned at the end of the 2019-20 season.

After spending this past season coaching the U14 Oakland Junior Grizzlies, Clark is excited to return to De La Salle. 

"I am honored and extremely excited to be returning to De La Salle Collegiate," said Clark, who has 13 years of hockey coaching experience. "Working with the DLS administration, athletics department and our Pilot student-athletes, we have the ability to build something very special here. I look forward to establishing a winning culture built upon hard work, accountability, and team play."

In his two seasons at De La Salle, Clark's teams posted an overall record of 24-21-6, including a 10-8-2 mark in the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League South division. 

Prior to his time at De La Salle, Clark had spent three years with the Junior Grizzlies as an associate head coach — including time at the U18 AAA level. During that time, Sean had a proven track record of effectively teaching situational hockey, developing individual skills, and evaluation of talent. In fact, his U18 team in 2016-17 finished the season ranked third nationally. During his tenure with the Grizzlies, 10 players earned NCAA Division I scholarships.

A graduate of Brother Rice High School ('99), Sean is a native of Royal Oak. He played a season for the Warriors before moving on to play college hockey for the University of Wisconsin — Eau Claire where he was a four-year starter and was twice named team captain of the BluGolds. In addition to being named All-WIAC Academic three times, Clark earned a bachelor's degree in Operations and Material Management with a certificate in Leadership. 

After graduation, Clark had a short stint with the Bakersfield (CA) Condors of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). Since retiring from professional hockey, Sean has worked as a successful coach, general manager, and director of player development in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). In addition, Clark has held posts as the director of scouting for the Omaha Lancers (USHL), assistant director of scouting for the Sioux City Musketeers, and has served as the assistant director of central scouting for the USHL for two years. As a coach of the Michigan Jaguars (NAHL), his team captured the U18 Tier II National Championship.  

Clark, his wife, Mallory, and daughters, 3-year-old Ella Rose and 1-year-old Ava, reside in Warren. Sean is employed by the City of Warren as the Associate Manager of the Department of Public Works.

There will be a special introduction and reception for coach Clark on Monday, March 16, at 6 p.m. in the Commons at school. All current players, families, alumni, staff, and the public are welcome.