Mentor and coach, 'Toot' reshaped Princeton hockey

It's already been a week, but I still don't think reality has set in.

It's been a week since that shocking phone call from Athletic Director Gary Walters '67.

It's been a week since Princeton lost one of its best coaches and most interesting personalities.

It's been a week since former men's hockey head coach Don "Toot" Cahoon decided to leave Old Nassau and take over as the new head coach at UMass.

For the past seven days, I have tried to picture a Princeton hockey game without "Toot" behind the Tiger bench — I just can't seem to do it. I have tried to walk by Baker Rink without thinking of the vacant head coach's office — I just can't seem to make it. The more I think about what Cahoon brought to the Princeton hockey program, the more I realize how difficult it will be to find a proper replacement.

What can you say about a guy like "Toot" who brought so much to the table?

First of all, he was a player's coach.

Cahoon was the kind of coach that every athlete loves to play for. The kind of coach who always pushes you to do your best. The kind of coach who is hard on you when you make mental mistakes, but at the same time, the kind of coach who is the first to pat you on the back when you make a fantastic play.

Second of all, he was a winner.

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As a player, an assistant coach and a head coach, Cahoon consistently showed that he knew what it took to win. In addition to capturing two national championships as a player for Boston University in 1971 and 1972, he helped the United States National Team to a silver medal at the 1972 World Championships. Moreover, as an assistant under legendary head coach Jack Parker, Cahoon led the Terriers to yet another NCAA title in 1978. He also led Lehigh to a Mid-Atlantic Conference title during his brief stint as the Engineers head coach.

In nine years at Princeton, Cahoon proved that he could translate all this experience into results — turning what was a traditionally lackluster Tiger program into what has become a perennial national contender. In the span of less than one decade, "Toot" managed to record 122 victories — third all-time among Princeton coaches. He also reached 100 wins faster than any coach in school history, won 18 games four times and amassed a school-record 20 victories during the 1998-99 season.

Before Cahoon took over as head coach in 1991, the Tigers had never reached the Eastern College Athletic Conference Final Four. Under "Toot" however, Princeton made four such appearances — including the historic 1998 championship run. After beating top-seeded Clarkson in double overtime to win the ECAC crown, Cahoon led the Tigers into the NCAA tournament for the first time in history — almost upsetting eventual national champion Michigan on its home ice. In addition, he guided Princeton to a No. 6 national ranking during the season, which resulted in a feature article in Sports Illustrated.

Third of all, he was both a teacher and a motivator.

Cahoon was the kind of coach who relished teaching kids what he knew about the game of hockey. You could see it each and every time he stepped onto the ice. From Princeton practices, to U.S. Junior National coaching, to youth clinics, it was easy to see that Cahoon was eager to pass on his love for the game and drive players to do their best.

Junior defender Kirk Lamb clearly described this side of Cahoon when he stated, "For me, he's taught me more about the game than I've ever known."

"Toot" also revealed this side of himself when he made a mid-season bet with his team — to shave his head if Princeton was able to sweep its weekend opponents. When the Tigers accomplished the feat, Cahoon was the first one to reach for the razor. Bald as a cue ball, he continued as teacher and motivator for the rest of the season.

Finally, he was a stand-up guy.

From my first encounter with Cahoon, I could realize that he was genuine, honest and hardworking — the kind of guy you want as a head coach. I could immediately tell that he loved hockey and was dedicated to his job, his assistants and his players.

A former Princeton star — Jeff Halpern '99 — realized the same thing about "Toot." Hearing of Cahoon's decision to take the UMass position, Halpern described his former coach as "one of the truly special people in hockey — a guy who guys love to play for."

After seeing what "Toot" has done for Princeton hockey, I can easily see how someone can use such glowing words.

Nevertheless, reality must set in.

"Toot" won't be back next year for his 10th season with the Tigers — it's been a week since his departure and the University is undoubtedly well on its way to choosing a successor.

Whoever the choice may be, I wish him luck. He has some big shoes to fill and some big expectations to live up to. Nevertheless, I can't help but hope he picks up where "Toot" left off — Bic in hand.