Elk River hockey coach Sarsland resigns anew amid investigation

Article by: PAUL WALSH , Star Tribune
Updated: April 10, 2012 - 10:41 PM

The longtime coach has been on leave since February, and the school board was to hear about a district investigation this week.

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Elk River boys' hockey coach Tony Sarsland has resigned.

Photo: Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

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Elk River hockey coach Tony Sarsland, under investigation and on paid leave since February for undisclosed reasons, has resigned from the team effective immediately, a school official said Tuesday.

Sarsland, whose long tenure has been scrutinized for everything from the coach's ability to control his anger to the players' rough style of play to accusations of recruiting, resigned Monday.

The Elk River school board had intended to hear about the district's investigation Monday night, "but that became a moot point" with Sarsland's resignation, said district spokesman Casey Mahon.

Sarsland remains as a teacher at VandenBerge Middle School, the district said in a statement issued late Tuesday afternoon. District officials declined to field any questions about the investigation.

District staff interviewed up to 20 players on Feb. 10 as part of an investigation that began Feb. 6. In an e-mail to the team's families, the district said players would be interviewed about "complaints that we have received against Coach Sarsland."

In the wake of his players being question, Sarsland resigned but then reversed himself Feb. 16.

Sarsland has not responded to numerous calls seeking comment about what the investigation involved.

His attorney, Patrick B. Moore, said "it's really unfortunate, in my humble opinion," that Sarsland's coaching career at Elk River is over.

Moore declined otherwise to talk about the specifics of the investigation. As for Sarsland returning to coaching, Moore said "that remains to be seen."

Since 1993, the Elks have earned six trips to the state tournament -- winning it all in 2001 -- and claimed 12 conference championships. If he had remained coach, he would have been on target to get his 600th career victory next season. He finishes up with a 27-season record of 588-277-26.

Junior varsity coach Ben Gustafson took over for Sarsland on an interim basis near the end of last season.