Butters steps down as Wisconsin assistant

Bill Butters (Photo: University of Wisconsin Athletics)

Former University of Minnesota player and assistant coach Bill Butters has stepped down from his assistant coaching position at Wisconsin according to a statement released by the school.  Badgers coach Mike Eaves said the decision is effective immediately and ends Butters’ tenure at Wisconsin after just over two seasons.

“I can’t thank Bill enough for the time he spent with our program,” Eaves said in the release. “He has decided that it is in his best interest to return home to Minnesota to be with his family and to pursue other passions in his life. Bill is a good friend and a great hockey man. He has had a long and successful career in the game and, though I’m sad to see him go, I’m happy he will be able to move onto this next chapter in his life.”

Butters, who spent five seasons in the WHA skating with Minnesota, Houston, Edmonton and New England and later played 72 games over two seasons with the Minnesota North Stars, said he believes it is time for him to move on from coaching.

“I have appreciated Coach Eaves’ support and friendship as I have come to this conclusion,” said Butters who was a teammate of Eaves in his final year of pro hockey with Oklahoma City of the CHL. “Mike and I believe it will be in the best interests of both myself and the program if I take this step and return to my family and continue to develop the other pursuits on my horizon.

“It has been a fantastic opportunity to coach our players and work with the staff at Wisconsin.”

Prior to his arrival at Wisconsin, Butters staffed and coached hockey camps for Hockey Ministries International and served as head coach of White Bear Lake High School’s varsity hockey team.