Career
Bechard was selected in the 6th round (115th overall) in the 1989 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Hartford Whalers. After playing in the minor leagues for 13 years, including 7 with the Columbus Cottonmouths, Bechard turned to coaching where he enjoyed immediate success, winning the SPHL Championship (The President's Cup) with the Cottonmouths in the 2004-2005 Southern Professional Hockey League season - his first year as head coach.
