Tuesday, July 30, 2013

LANCERS TAB MICHAEL AS ASSISTANT COACH

Press Release

RALSTON, NE – Former Chicago Mission U16 Head Coach and former USHL and NCAA Division 1 player Chris Michael has been named the Omaha Lancers’ new Assistant Coach, the team announced Monday. Michael joins the staff of first-year Lancers Head Coach and General Manager Brian Kaufman, a former teammate of Michael’s at Miami University (Ohio).

“I’m extremely excited to welcome Chris to the Lancers family,” said Kaufman Monday, “Having played with Chris, there’s an inherent trust and familiarity there that I think will really help us gel as a coaching staff right off the bat.”

Michael, a former Green Bay Gambler from 2000 to 2002, claimed four consecutive U16 Illinois state championships (2010-2013) and one U16 national championship (2013) during his six years as Mission’s Head Coach. The Skokie, Illinois native also helped to develop nine USHL Phase 1 and Phase 2 draft picks, five NCAA Division 1 college commitments and three NHL Draft picks throughout his six-season tenure in Chicago.

“I’m honored to become a part of this great organization,” said Michael, “The Lancers have accomplished so much and have such a rich tradition of winning…I look forward to being a part of that here in Omaha this season and beyond.”

According to Kaufman, Michael’s track-record at the U16 level will benefit the Lancers both on the ice and in terms of recruiting. “Chris has spent the last six years relating to younger players and helping them take the next step in their development,” said Kaufman, “His experience will no doubt help us in identifying and evaluating younger talent.”


(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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