BUTLER TWP — Pat Hammonds can’t help but be enthusiastic.

All levels of the Butler hockey program had winning seasons in 2013-14. Hammonds, who will take over as the varsity coach next season, is hoping to keep the machine humming.

“It’s certainly exciting. It’s a critical time for Butler hockey in general,” Hammonds said. “This staff and organization have built an incredible foundation. We want to continue to build on that and become a true force in the PIHL.”

Hammonds, a 2003 Butler graduate, takes over the program from Mike Guentner, who announced his resignation Tuesday night.

In Guentner’s two seasons, the Golden Tornado finished 23-19 and earned berths in the PIHL Class AAA playoffs. Before Guentner took over, Butler lost 31 of its past 33 games.

Guentner didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment.

“I’m practicing what I preach and moving on to a higher level of hockey to continue my development,” Guentner tweeted Tuesday night. “Big announcement coming soon.”

All levels of Butler hockey finished as winners this season. The varsity team finished 13-7, won its first section title in 21 years and earned a first-round bye before losing to Pine-Richland in the quarterfinals.

The junior varsity team finished 11-7 in the regular season, while the middle school team finished 13-6 and beat Latrobe in triple overtime to win the section title.

Hammonds, who will be a head coach for the first time, served as an assistant for two years under Guentner. He wants to continue the team’s “gritty” attitude.

“I think it’s more of a general vision. We’re looking to build a culture,” Hammonds said. “The word we used to describe that is gritty. ... Everyone has bought into our visions of a gritty culture. We couldn’t do it if everyone wasn’t on the same page.”

Middle school coach Rob Queen, who has coached Butler for 11 seasons, is happy the program will continue to have consistency.

“Having that continuity and we are stating to do things at middle school that varsity does at a basic level helps to build the program,” Queen said. “That way they have an idea of what the varsity coaches will expect from them.”

Beyond coaches, junior varsity coach Matt Gurgiolo thinks the necessary level of dedication is there.

“I think the overall coaching at all three levels helps,” Gurgiolo said. “We have a lot of educated players and parents involved. That’s a big change from years past.”

Ian Hammonds will remain on as an assistant coach for the varsity. Pat Hammonds is excited to get started.

“This is my first head-coaching job. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do since I was a player,” Hammonds said. “I’m truly honored that I’m being trusted with the future of the organization.”