NAHL 2021-2022 Thread

[JMCx4]

An early start, with some noteworthy signing news ...

Corpus Christi names Michael Lysyj as new head coach

MAY 24, 2021

The Corpus Christi IceRays, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have named Michael Lysyj as the team’s new head coach, IceRays president Cassidy Lange announced today. ...

Lysyj, 32, spent last season on the bench as an assistant coach for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL. Lysyj was responsible for the Buccaneer’s Power Play that finished 5th in the league at a 21.5% success rate. ...

Lysyj has spent time as an assistant coach in the NCAA ranks at Division I (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and Division III (SUNY Fredonia) recruiting and developing players. In his final season at SUNY Fredonia the 5th seeded Blue Devils made an impressive run to the SUNYAC Final where they ultimately fell short of the Conference Championship.

The former forward made his pro debut with an assist in six games withthe Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) in 2012-13 and recorded 30 games split between Peoria and Mississippi (SPHL) in 2013-14. Lysyj spent all four seasons of his collegiate career with SUNY Cortland, registering 77 points (39g-38a) in 96 games and led the Red Dragons with 33 points (18g-15a) in 25 games as a 2012-13 senior. ...

Read more at: Corpus Christi names Michael Lysyj as new head coach

Click to read more...

 

[JMCx4]

From: The North American Hockey League > News > Top Stories

Sanden signs new two-year deal with North Iowa Bulls
June 1, 2021

The North Iowa Bulls of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) have announced that Head Coach and General Manager Todd Sanden has signed a new two-year contract with the organization as the Bulls make their move from the NA3HL to the NAHL. ...

Sanden remains the franchise’s only head coach since its founding in 2011, and he racked up a dominant resume with the Bulls over a decade in the NA3HL, including more than 400 regular-season and postseason wins, eight division championships, four NA3HL titles and four national championships. He will begin his 11th season behind the bench for the Bulls as the team kicks off its inaugural NAHL season this fall. Sanden won two Coach of the Year awards and four General Manager of the Year awards at the NA3HL level before moving up to the NAHL along with the Bulls for the upcoming season.

As North Iowa gets ready to drop the puck on the 2021-22 season, the Bulls will also look to pack the house again at the Mason City Multipurpose Arena. North Iowa drew nearly 800 fans per night during the COVID-restricted 2020-21 campaign, capping their first decade on the ice with their ninth league attendance title. The completion of the arena in December of 2019 became the first major milestone in downtown Mason City’s ongoing “River City Renaissance” project.

The announcement of Sanden’s contract follows the recent hiring of Kevin Murdock, who is set to return to Mason City and serve as the Bulls’ associate head coach and general manager during the 2021-22 season. Murdock previously served under Sanden from 2016 to 2019, and recently finished a successful two-year stint as the head coach of the NAHL’s Kenai River Brown Bears.

 

[JMCx4]

Press Release: Corpus Christi IceRays

ICERAYS TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE THURSDAY
June 1, 2021

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), will be holding a press conference at the American Bank Center Arena on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 1:00 PM.

On Thursday, the IceRays plan to make some announcements regarding the team as well as formally introduce IceRays head coach Michael Lysyj to the community.

The press conference will be open to the public. All patrons, including media, can park in Lot 5 (the corner of Rasaca and Water Street). Patrons and media personnel shall walk to the Main Arena doors past the American Bank Center Box Office to enter the building. The press conference will be held on the second floor of the arena inside the Club Lounge.

For immediate questions on all the specifics of the press conference, contact IceRays President Cassidy Lange at 361-814-7825 ext: 7006.

 

[JMCx4]

From: Chippewa Steel Hockey > News

Steel Reveal New Logo
May 27, 2021

Steel Reveal New Logo Ahead of Fourth Season

Chippewa Falls, WI- The Chippewa Steel of the North American Hockey League announced today a new logo ahead of the 21-22 Season.

“As we move ahead, we felt it was a great opportunity to provide a new look for the Chippewa Steel. We are excited for the future and the direction we are headed in. With the new changes, comes a new look. We are excited to share this next chapter in Steel history with the Chippewa Valley community,” stated Steel Head Coach & General Manager Mike Janda. ...

Read more at: Steel Reveal New Logo

 

[JMCx4]

Isn't it time for the Rebels franchise to move again?

 

[PipeDream]

I know these aren't all communicated publicly, but is there a consolidated list of the 2021-2022 tenders somewhere on the interweb? I know the NA3 and USPHL post players who have tendered to the NA from their leagues, but anything beyond that?

 

[CHRDANHUTCH]

I know these aren't all communicated publicly, but is there a consolidated list of the 2021-2022 tenders somewhere on the interweb? I know the NA3 and USPHL post players who have tendered to the NA from their leagues, but anything beyond that?

those are done by team, there's not enough posters here to keep track of that with the variety of leagues being covered HERE in and/or out of season...

most teams that the majority post here probably aren't connected to the NA3 or the USPHL... LIKELY BECAUSE they may not have a team or have other leagues in their area like the NCDC in addition to the NAHL.

 

[JMCx4]

I know these aren't all communicated publicly, but is there a consolidated list of the 2021-2022 tenders somewhere on the interweb? I know the NA3 and USPHL post players who have tendered to the NA from their leagues, but anything beyond that?

Like HUTCH said, the individual teams (though maybe not all of them) post tender announcements on their websites and/or other social media platforms. You've gotta work to earn your payback.

 

[JMCx4]

Not sure where the FYC poster got their "partial image" ... NAHL Tenders

Note that it's from last season.

 

[JMCx4]

From: The North American Hockey League > News > Top Stories

Dates announced for the 18th annual NAHL Showcase
June 9, 2021

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the dates for the 18th annual NAHL Showcase, which will take place from September 15-18, 2021, at the Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota.
All 29 NAHL teams will play four regular-season games at the Showcase, which is one of hockey's most prominent and popular events of the entire season and has become the 'Greatest Show on Ice.' ...

The NAHL Showcase attracts over 9,000 people in overall attendance, including more than 330 professional, college and junior scouts. For scouting purposes, the NAHL Showcase is the premier event of its kind and is a yearly gathering for every NCAA program and NHL team as they get their first look at some of the best and brightest hockey talent North America has to offer. For more information on the NAHL Showcase including schedule, ticket prices, hotels, rental cars and arena information, visit nahl.com/showcase.

A 2021 NAHL Showcase schedule will be released later during the Summer of 2021. All 2021 NAHL Showcase games will be broadcast live and in HD through HockeyTV, the official broadcast provider of the NAHL. ...

Read more at: Dates announced for the 18th annual NAHL Showcase

 

[JMCx4]

From: The North American Hockey League > News > Top Stories

Wilderness announce coaching change
June 11, 2021

The Minnesota Wilderness, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce Dave Boitz return as the team's Head Coach, in addition to his current role of General Manager.

Boitz has been with the Wilderness organization for the past eight seasons. He takes over for Jon Vaillancourt who was recently named the Head Coach of the Hampton Roads Whalers USPHL Team, were he had previously spent four seasons as an Assistant Coach.

In addition, the Wilderness have announced that Brendan Phelps who has been a Wilderness Assistant Coach for the past two seasons will become the new Associate Head Coach. ...

Read more at: Wilderness announce coaching change

 

[mk80]

Without any fanfare or press release the Amarillo Wranglers logo appeared on the NAHL team page and website today
Amarillo Wranglers | North American Hockey League | NAHL

 

[JMCx4]

Without any fanfare or press release the Amarillo Wranglers logo appeared on the NAHL team page and website today
Amarillo Wranglers | North American Hockey League | NAHL

That graphic looks like a spoof. My usual: "It looks like a second grade art project" retort would be a slap in the face to Mrs. Ledbetter & her class of 7 year-olds.

 

[JMCx4]

Brown Bears name Keenan Kelly as new Head Coach

Formerly WF Warriors assistant GM & associate head coach.

 

[mk80]

Brown Bears name Keenan Kelly as new Head Coach

Formerly WF Warriors assistant GM & associate head coach.

Big opportunity for him after being an assistant with New Mexico when they started and now the Warriors

 

[JMCx4]

Black Bears make history with hiring of Weiss as Assistant Coach

JUNE 21, 2021

Kimberly Weiss becomes the first female Assistant Coach in USA junior hockey history as she joins the Maryland bench for the 2021-22 season.

The Maryland Black Bears of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce the immediate hiring of Kimberly Weiss as Assistant Bench Coach.

Ms. Weiss joins the Black Bears’ coaching staff following the highly successful 2020-21 season which saw the Black Bears advance to the Eastern Conference Finals in their first ever playoff appearance. Kim joins the Black Bears following almost 10 years coaching with the nationally dominant Washington Pride Girls Hockey Program. Previously, Kim was an All American four-year starter at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Kim is also a Maryland native. ...

Read more at: Black Bears make history with hiring of Weiss as Assistant Coach

 

[JMCx4]

Magicians head coach Bickel takes NCAA DI position

JUNE 24, 2021

The Minnesota Magicians of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) have announced that head coach Stu Bickel has accepted the position of Assistant Coach for the University of St. Thomas Men’s NCAA Division I team. ...

In Coach Bickel’s only season with the Magicians in 2020-21, he guided the team to the Midwest Division Playoff Championship and a trip to the Robertson Cup Championships. The team finished the season with a 24-21-3 record and had 16 NCAA commitments. ...

Prior to coaching in the NAHL, the Chanhassen, Minn., native was a graduate assistant coach with the Minnesota Gophers from 2018-20.

Bickel played in all 45 games and scored seven points in his lone season with the Minnesota Gophers in 2007-08. The defenseman later had a 10-year pro playing career, including 85 total games over two seasons with the New York Rangers, and nine games logged in 2014-15 with the Minnesota Wild. He also played for AHL teams in Hartford, Des Moines, San Antonio, Syracuse, Bakersfield and San Diego during his pro career. ...

Read more at: Magicians head coach Bickel takes NCAA DI position

 

[JMCx4]

^^^^ Out with the old ... in with the new ...

Magicians name Nick Bydal as new Head Coach

JUNE 28, 2021

The Minnesota Magicians, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have announced that they have named Nick Bydal the new Head Coach for the organization. ...

Bydal is a graduate of UW-Stevens Point and continued his hockey career for two seasons in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). Prior to joining UW-Stevens Point, he played in the NAHL with the Bismarck Bobcats.

Bydal is a Minnesota native and most recently served as the Assistant Coach at the University of St. Thomas Men’s Hockey team from 2017-2021. He also served as the Assistant Coach for the Minnesota Magicians from 2014-2016 before taking his first Head Coaching position with College Station in the NA3HL. ...

Read more at: Magicians name Nick Bydal as new Head Coach

 

[JMCx4]

NAHL releases 2021-22 regular season schedule

JUNE 29, 2021

... "It’s a landmark day for the NAHL because not only do we get to announce a regular season schedule on time, but we are also looking forward to the upcoming season being our busiest and most exciting to date with a record number of 29 teams. This year, our owners worked extra hard with a shortened timeline to make the schedule happen and a big part of our continued success is the direct result of their leadership and commitment,” stated NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld. ...

Click here for the complete 2021-22 NAHL Schedule

Each of the 29 teams in the league's four divisions (Central, East, Midwest and South) will play 60 regular season games. The regular season will commence on September 8, 2021 and end on April 17, 2022. ...

2021-22 NAHL Divisional Alignment:

Central Division (6): Aberdeen Wings, Austin Bruins, Bismarck Bobcats, Minot Minotauros, North Iowa Bulls, St. Cloud Norsemen

East Division (7): Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks, Jamestown Rebels, Johnstown Tomahawks, Maine Nordiques, Maryland Black Bears, New Jersey Titans, Northeast Generals

Midwest Division (8): Anchorage Wolverines, Chippewa Steel, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, Janesville Jets, Kenai River Brown Bears, Minnesota Magicians, Minnesota Wilderness, Springfield Jr. Blues

South Division (8): Amarillo Wranglers, Corpus Christi IceRays, El Paso Rhinos, Lone Star Brahmas, New Mexico Ice Wolves, Odessa Jackalopes, Shreveport Mudbugs, Wichita Falls Warriors


Read more at: NAHL releases 2021-22 regular season schedule

 

[PipeDream]

Out of curiosity, I wonder why they didn't move another MN based team to the Central (Wilderness probably makes the most sense geographically) to even the Central and Midwest out at 7 teams each instead of 6 and 8?

 

[JMCx4]

Out of curiosity, I wonder why they didn't move another MN based team to the Central (Wilderness probably makes the most sense geographically) to even the Central and Midwest out at 7 teams each instead of 6 and 8?

IMO, the NAHL (and all other hockey leagues) need to move forward into the 2021-22 season with as little organizational perturbation as possible. Leaving the NAHL Divisions as they are gives the member teams one less factor to deal with, especially in the Midwest which was probably the most widely affected by the pandemic scheduling tumult (including one team sitting out & two teams who had to relocate to continue play). The League may also be hoping for future regional expansion to Midwest states (Missouri and Indiana still look promising, with Ohio & Michigan possible but seemingly less likely), which makes leaving room in the Central Division a good idea for out-years in the Central U.S. Northern Tier. Refer to the current NAHL footprint map to make your own judgments.

 

[JMCx4]

More coaching news ...

Wranglers name Mahood as first Head Coach and GM
July 1, 2021

The Amarillo Wranglers of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that Harry Mahood has signed a three-year deal to become the team’s first Head Coach and General Manager beginning with the 2021-22 season. ...

Mahood enters his first season as Wranglers Head Coach and GM with 20+ years of experience behind the bench, most recently with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League. Prior to that, he was an assistant coach for the Bloomington Thunder (USHL) in 2014-15 when he was an assistant under current Silvertips head coach and former Amarillo Bulls head coach Dennis Williams. As an assistant coach, he also worked with Williams to lead the Amarillo Bulls to a Robertson Cup title in 2012-13 and additionally has 13 seasons as a head coach in the United States and in Europe. ...

Read more at: Wranglers name Mahood as first Head Coach and GM

 

[PipeDream]

IMO, the NAHL (and all other hockey leagues) need to move forward into the 2021-22 season with as little organizational perturbation as possible. Leaving the NAHL Divisions as they are gives the member teams one less factor to deal with, especially in the Midwest which was probably the most widely affected by the pandemic scheduling tumult (including one team sitting out & two teams who had to relocate to continue play). The League may also be hoping for future regional expansion to Midwest states (Missouri and Indiana still look promising, with Ohio & Michigan possible but seemingly less likely), which makes leaving room in the Central Division a good idea for out-years in the Central U.S. Northern Tier. Refer to the current NAHL footprint map to make your own judgments.

Got it, was just thinking about it from a bus hours perspective and several ways to shift a couple of teams from each division (Wilderness/Magicians & North Iowa/Austin) to shave a few miles off the road trips for all 4 teams, but I'm sure there's something I'm missing (like the flights to Alaska that North Iowa/Austin would need to make).

 

[JMCx4]

From: The Jamestown (NY) Post-Journal > LOCAL SPORTS

Tough Assignment: Rebels’ GM Tasked With Finding Entirely New Roster

JUL 22, 2021
MATT SPIELMAN
Sports Writer

Sitting in a conference room adjacent to the Jamestown Rebels locker room in the basement of Northwest Arena last week, Joe Coombs stared at a list of hundreds, if not thousands, of junior hockey-eligible teenagers on a monitor.

As the general manager of the Rebels, Coombs has been tasked with the nearly impossible this summer.

When COVID-19 forced Jamestown to be one of four teams to go dormant for last year’s North American Hockey League season, players who the Rebels held the rights to were dispersed throughout the rest of the league.

Now, more than 15 months after playing its final game of the 2019-20 season, Jamestown is ready to return to competition.

One big problem.

When the Rebels announced they were back, the league said their former players would stay with the teams they played with during the 2020-21 season. ...

While there are two actual expansion teams in the league — the El Paso Rhinos and Anchorage Wolverines — the Rebels, Amarillo Wranglers, Springfield Jr. Blues and Corpus Christi IceRays are essentially in that same boat with no returning players for the 2021-22 season. ...

Read more at: Tough Assignment

 

[PipeDream]

From: The Jamestown (NY) Post-Journal > LOCAL SPORTS

What would those that have more experience with this put the odds on an either an expansion team/team returning from a hiatus of having a successful season (above .500 record, making playoffs, etc.)? Seems like the odds would be long and it's a little odd that USA Hockey took this stance on returning players, since you'd think they'd want to encourage league parity. I assume that there probably would have only have been a handful for each team returning from hiatus anyway after 1.5 years, but even a few would have been helpful.