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Watt Becomes Thunder Assistant Coach

July 24, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington, IL - Friday afternoon, the Bloomington Thunder announced, in collaboration with the North American Hockey League's Amarillo Bulls, that former National Hockey League forward Mike Watt has been named the new assistant coach of the Thunder. Coach Watt fills the position of former Assistant Coach Harry Mahood who stepped down from the position one week ago due to family medical developments.

Watt, 39, remains inside of the CSH International family after the 2014-15 season in Amarillo. Prior to joining the Bulls, Watt spent five seasons as a high school hockey coach with Arrowhead High in Wisconsin and scouted for the United States Hockey League's Muskegon Lumberjacks during the '12-13 season.

"My wife and kids have been through this before and are fantastic. Making the adjustment and a quick turnaround is something we have done on a few occasions," said Watt who will make his first appearance on an USHL bench at the Thunder's Home Opener on Friday, Sept. 25. "I'm excited and thankful to be joining the Bloomington Thunder with Coach Williams. It's a great opportunity for me and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to continue working within CSH International. I'm the type of person that enjoys challenges and moving on. Within CSH there is some mobility to move upward, so I'm really looking forward to joining the Thunder."

The Seaforth, Ontario native was drafted 32nd overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. Over parts of five seasons with the Oilers, New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, and Carolina Hurricanes, Watt played in 157 NHL games.

Watt appeared at the Thunder's main camp and was able to man a bench for some of the game action. Although unaware at the time, he was meeting some of his new players for the first time. "Having that familiarity to their game and style of play is very important for me. My main goal when I got into coaching was to develop the players and I love being on the ice and showing them little things they may not have been taught before that I've learned at the pro level. With my experience as a player, I'll be able to give them some insight and perspective on what to expect at the next level."

After playing junior hockey for the Stratford Cullitons and the '94 Draft, he spent three seasons with the Michigan State University Spartans in the CCHA. Over 115 games, Watt scored 98 points (53g, 45a), ranking second and third on the team in points during the '95-96 and '96-97 seasons respectively. He also served as an assistant captain in his final season with the Spartans.

Head Coach and General Manager of the Thunder Dennis Williams has a lasting heritage with Watt and now is been reconnected with Watt after decades apart. "I've known Mike for about 25 years, we're from the same neck of the woods. He played with my older brother Dave and we both played on the same junior team for a few games," commented Williams. The Stratford, Ontario native went on to play at Bowling Green State University, who also play in the CCHA conference.

"When he joined Amarillo we talked quite a bit last summer and with the opening here in Bloomington, to get a coach of Mike's caliber, knowledge, and wealth of experience is fantastic. He will know how to best service our players because he is a guy who has been to Division-I and the National Hockey League, which is where all our guys want to play."

Overall, Watt has played in over 650 professional hockey games and was a member of the Canadian World Junior team on two separate occasions, winning gold in '95-96. All three seasons of his attendance at Michigan State, the Spartans earned a bid into the NCAA national tournament.

"It just goes to show the strength of CSH International that we are able to bring someone up from within," continued Williams. "That is what our business is all about, promoting our members to higher levels. In this case it worked out great that Mike is able to make the jump from Amarillo up to Bloomington."

The newest addition to the Thunder coaching staff will report to Bloomington and begin preparation for the organizations training camp at the end of August. Joining Watt on the coaching staff will be Goaltending Consultant Corey Wogtech who has re-signed with the team for the '15-16 season. The additions round out the hockey operations staff including current Assistant Coach and Director of Scouting Dan Jewell who signs on for his second season with the Thunder.

Record NHL Draft: A record 37 USHL players were selected in the 2015 NHL draft. 29 of those selected played against Bloomington at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in 2014-15 over 25 of the Thunder's 30 games at home. Ten others drafted were USHL alumni. Of the 32 first-round picks, the USHL saw four selected in the top ten and eight overall.

Season and Partial Ticket Plans: The 2015-16 season will be here before you know it and for just $50 we can reserve your season or partial tickets for the Bloomington Thunder at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Season Tickets start at just $240 and youth season tickets are $150 including all of the same benefits. You'll also have a chance to win a pair of Chicago Blackhawks regular season game tickets during the 2015-16 season.

Can't make it to every game? Check out 20 and 10-game ticket plans starting at only $100. Make it a voucher pack and get all the same benefits with more flexibility.

Reserve your tickets for the 2015-16 season by calling (309) 434-2980.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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