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Breck girls' hockey coach resigns after suspension

By DAVID LA VAQUE, Star Tribune, 10/06/11, 9:57PM CDT

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Len Vannelli was to be punished for violating a MSHSL rule governing ''non-school competition and training.''

Breck girls' hockey coach Len Vannelli resigned Thursday after learning he was facing a heavy suspension from the Minnesota State High School League's Eligibility Committee.

The league, citing a bylaw governing "non-school competition and training," suspended Vannelli for the first four weeks or six games of the regular season, whichever is greater. He was also suspended for the entire postseason.

During these times, Vannelli could have no contact with the program, including practices, scrimmages, training and competition.

Breck spokesperson Jill Field said Vannelli "resigned verbally [Thursday] evening and we expect written confirmation in the morning."

Vannelli could not be reached for comment. Players were notified Thursday evening.

In three seasons at Breck, Vannelli guided the Mustangs to state tournament appearances in the past two seasons. He is the second cousin of St. Thomas Academy co-head boys' hockey coaches Greg and Tom Vannelli.

Len Vannelli is listed as president-program director of the Community Athletic Development Program on the group's website. According to its Facebook page, "CADP specializes in hockey-specific training programs ... to improve the quality of training and competition among high school players."

According to the CADP, more than 50 female athletes have gone on to play Division I or Division III college hockey since 2010. CADP offers various camps from March to October.

The high school league, which approved the suspension at its board meeting Thursday, did not elaborate on the details of its decision.

Change in track & field

Also on Thursday, the high school league board changed the number of relay teams advancing to state from one to two per section meet. Teams under the qualifying standard also advance.

"This will impact how coaches manipulate lineups for the section meet," Rosemount coach Jay Hatleli wrote in an e-mail. "This will also impact team scoring at the state meet."

Coaching Changes entering 2011-2012 season

SCHOOL 2010-2011 COACH 2011-2012 COACH
Academy of Holy Angles Jaime Grossman Jon Dundore
Alexandria Mitch Loch Andy Shriver
Bemidji Matt Menne Bob Brink
Brainerd/Little Falls Rod Peltoma Stephanie Sustercich
Breck Len Vannelli Chris Peterson
Chaska/Chanhassen Chris Erickson Tracy Cassano
Cretin-Derham Hall Steve Williams John Pohl
Detroit Lakes Dan Maloney Gretchen Norby
East Ridge Tony Hoops Craig Norwich
Eden Prairie Tim Morris Jaime Grossman
Faribault Gretchen Dahl Steve Gravgaard
Forest Lake Jeff Neidt Ryan Sauter
Lake of the Woods/Rainy River/Indus Katie Hasbargen April Beckel
Lakeville South Perry Wilkinson Natalie Darwitz
Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato Brian Johnson Hannah Impola
Minneapolis Novas John Wareham Pat Meacham
Mound-Westonka Bob Kuehl Chris Erickson
Mounds View Tom Foley Pete Aus
Orono Kevin Armstrong Keith Radloff
Park Rapids Chris Albee Gary Vaudrin
Pequot Lakes Regan Rudbeck Bryan Henricks
Prior Lake Jaime Grossman Todd Johnson
Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper Joel Zejdlik Kevin Gray
Rochester John Marshall Steve Russell Bob Montrose
Rosemount Tracy Cassano Josh Hoekstra and Trent Eigner
St. Cloud Joel Heitkamp and Mark Chamernick Mark Chamernick
St. Louis Park Mike Knoke Donnie Williams
St. Paul Blades Sarma Ozmen Jeff Hauer
St. Paul United Ted Cheesebrough Carrie Holldorf
Windom Shawn Veenker Dean Drahota

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