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 eighth subject is Ohio State's Mark Osiecki, who will enter his second season with the Buckeyes in 2011-12.

WHAT IS?

The best way to describe your coaching style?

Aggressive

Your favorite part of coaching?

Making a difference on young men's lives.

Your least favorite part of coaching?

Being restricted to the number of hours we get to spend with our athletes.

The most important thing your assistant coaches do for you?

Recruiting and being great buffers between the players and myself. They are great coaches, so we let them coach - they make my life easy!

Your favorite thing about college hockey?

The fans are awesome!

Your favorite place on campus outside the rink?

The student union - the place is a palace.

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

Be patient, there is no rush. I've seen so many players blossom at the age of 19/20.

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

Be supportive but give your son/daughter room to grow.

The best advice you ever got?

"Make a difference every day."

The most important trait you look for in a player?

Character

The biggest win of your career?

NCAA Championships in 1997 and 2006. Triple overtime win vs Cornell in the 2006 Midwest Regional Championship. 2010 US World Junior Championship. USHL Championship.

A game you look forward to each year?

First game of the year!!

WHO IS?

Your biggest coaching influence?

My father and Dean Blais

An NHL coach you admire?

Tony Granato and Joel Quenneville

A coach you admire outside of hockey?

Thad Matta

A former player you're particularly proud of?

Tie - Adam Burish and Derek Stepan

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

Our whole hockey support staff - without them our program would be a mess.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Author

John Sandford

Book

Lone Survivor

TV show

Cheers

Movie

Caddyshack

Web site

ESPN.com

Vacation spot

Eagle River, Wisconsin

Pro team

Green Bay Packers

Sport besides hockey

Fishing

Time of year

Fall

Quote

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain."