Friday, July 10, 2009

Strand named Sioux City's GM and Coach

Press Release

The Sioux City Musketeers are proud to announce that Luke Strand has been hired as their General Manager/Head Coach. Strand, 36, a native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin succeeds Todd Knott who recently accepted a coaching position with Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Strand has experience with the USHL both as a player with the North Iowa Huskies (1991-93) and as an assistant coach with the Green Bay Gamblers (2003-05). He served as an assistant coach with Division III powerhouse St. Norbert's and was the Head Coach/Assistant Athletic Director for the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. In August 2007 Luke was hired by the Minnesota Wild and spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for their top farm team, the Houston Aeros.

"I can't tell you how happy I am to be back in the USHL and especially with the Sioux City Musketeers," said Strand. "I appreciate the opportunity afforded to me by the Musketeers management and look forward to leading them to success both on and off the ice. The USHL is undoubtedly the best junior hockey league in the country and I am thrilled to be a part of it; but even more excited about the chance to lead the 'tradition rich' Musketeers organization."

"I was inundated with applications for this job", said Musketeers President Jim Kronschnabel. "It was flattering to the organization but really speaks volumes about what the USHL has become. I had over 70 applications from the US, Canada, and even some from Europe. We are extremely happy to get a coach with the vast experience, drive, and desire Luke has. He has coached at all levels of hockey, has a history with the USHL, and spent the last two seasons coaching with one of the premier National Hockey League organizations".

The Musketeers are also proud to announce that assistant coaches Rick Comley, Jr and Cam Ellsworth will remain with the organization in their current positions.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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