In Behind the Bench, College Hockey, Inc. will introduce college hockey head coaches from around the country and provide some insight into their approach, their program and their background, in their own words.

Our ninth subject is Niagara's Dave Burkholder, who will enter his 11th season with the Purple Eagles in 2011-12.

WHAT IS?

The best way to describe your coaching style?

Always be fair; always be frank ; always be friendly.

Your favorite part of coaching?

Game day and the thrill of completion.

Your least favorite part of coaching?

Losing.

The most important thing your assistant coaches do for you?

Be loyal to program and to me personally.

Your favorite thing about college hockey?

Time you have for individual development and game preparation.

Your favorite place on campus outside the rink?

Gallagher Hall on Basketball home nights.

Something unique or noteworthy about your school?

Built and based on the catholic Vincentian traditions where giving back and helping the needy are a part of student life.

The best advice you could give a young player hoping to make Division I?

Grades are equally as important as stats.

The best advice you would give parents of a young hockey player?

Keep them well balanced in life.

The best advice you ever got?

Believe in yourself and anything is possible.

The most important trait you look for in a player?

Character

The biggest win of your career?

2004 OT win in CHA finals to go back to NCAA Tourney for 2nd time in our young program's history.

A game you look forward to each year?

Home opener and all the excitement that goes with it.

WHO IS?

Your biggest coaching influence?

My dad and my college coach Brian Mason

An NHL coach you admire?

Pat Burns. Coach of year with 3 different teams

A coach you admire outside of hockey?

Coach K from Duke

A former player you're particularly proud of?

Dr. Jon Marshall a captain on 2000 team who is now a radiologist in Ontario

An unsung hero in your program (on or off the ice)?

Don Borsuk, the best equipment manager in college hockey

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Author

James Patterson

Book

All of the Alex Cross series by James Patterson

TV show

Seinfeld

Movie

Bucket List and Scent of a Woman

Web site

purpleeagles.com

Vacation spot

Naples, Florida

Pro team

Buffalo Sabres

Sport besides hockey

Golf

Time of year

U.S. Thanksgiving