Dashers Hire New Head Coach/GM
August 6, 2013 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Danville Dashers News Release
Danville, IL; August 7, 2013, The Danville Dashers have hired Mike Chighisola as Head Coach/ General Manager going into the 2013-14 season. This is an announcement comes just in time for Chighisola to make his first appearance as Head Coach of the Dashers at the FHL Free Agent Camp in Syracuse, New York this weekend. When asked about the hiring Dashers owner Barry Soskin said "I remembered Mike from his years playing in the Coast (ECHL) when I owned the Toledo Storm. He was a great player, stood out as a good goal scorer. My decision to hire Mike wasn't just based on his playing career. He has a great passion for the sport of hockey, and developing players for the next level. I think he will be a great fit for Danville and the team."
Dashers' new coach Chighisola, a native of Whitman, Massachusetts, attended Ferris State to play NCAA Division 1 ice hockey. Chighisola turned pro in 1987, and during his rookie season in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), Chighisola led his Virginia Lancers in scoring and led the ECHL in Goals. He finished his playing career with over 340 games played, 399 points, and over 800 Penalty Minutes, also Chighisola was the captain of four of his sixteen teams over the years. He had the honor of attending three NHL Training Camps during his playing days: Two with the New York Rangers and one with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
When Chighisola was asked about joining the Dashers he said "I'm very pumped and excited! I can't wait to get to work in town." We also asked Chighisola what is going to be the team's goal this winter and he replied "To put a winning team on the ice also I want to keep getting the players involved in the community." Chighisola got back into hockey through the FHL just over a year and half ago, when he laced up the skates again at age 45 to play one game with the Danbury Whalers and two games with the Dashers. He was a part of the first regulation win for the Dashers on New Year's Eve.
Mike Chighisola is also the father of Dashers' 2013 1st overall draft pick, Anthony Chighisola, from Franklin Pierce University. Mike's Dad is also no stranger to the inside of a rink; Dennis Chighisola, or "Coach Chic," is known in hockey circles around the northeast. Coach Chic has sent over 40 players on to the NHL through his various camps and skills programs.
Coach Chighisola will be at the FHL's Free Agent Camp coaching and evaluating players this weekend before heading to Danville to start work.
Please for Season Ticket or Tryout information contact Mike or staff by e-mail at: danvilledashershockey@gmail.com or (217) 474-2511.
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Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from August 6, 2013
- Dashers Hire New Head Coach/GM - Danville Dashers
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