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Quote:Bill Wilkinson, the men's hockey coach at Western Michigan in 1982-99 and at Wayne State in 2003-07, again is a bench boss. But now he's coaching a team in Jaca, Spain -- Club Hielo Jaca. The team just started play in a five-team league. Wilkinson, 62, chatted with Free Press sports writer George Sipple in a series of e-mails about his new job, how it compares to college hockey and what it's like to live overseas.

On how he found out about the job: "Dave Conte, who played at Colgate when I was at (St. Lawrence), played here after graduation a couple of summers. Dave is the director of player personnel for New Jersey Devils. The organization contacted Dave looking for a player and a coach. He recommended me, and that got the ball rolling."

On he and his wife moving to Spain: "Mary wanted to make sure everything was in order both here and at home. We rented our house in Farmington -- which had a complete makeover after the flood two summers ago, so it is in top shape. I know Mary was a little nervous and excited about going abroad, but we both felt it would be a great life experience."

On how the level of competition there compares to college hockey: "The quality of the play here is lower-college level, but I have two Canadian kids that are rookies but very good players, probably high-end (Division I players). We are only allowed to play four imports, so it cuts down on the quality of the game somewhat."

On living in Jaca, Spain: "The city has 140 bars, almost one every few yards, in a very small area. Streets are extremely narrow with tons of shops, restaurants, fruit stores and meat markets."

On the weather in Jaca: "The weather here has been fantastic. Very warm during the day and cools off at night. I have played some beautiful golf courses, especially Campo Margas. Breathtaking views of the Pyrenees mountain range."

On the java in Jaca: "The coffee is actually very much like Starbucks -- if you order it black. I have what is called cafe con leche, which is with steamed milk. The only problem is the size of the cup you would think a kids' tea party was being served."

Contact GEORGE SIPPLE: 313-223-4796 or gsipple@freepress.com.