Another former NHL player coming to Bozeman

Published on August 29, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


The Valley Ice Garden and Gallatin Valley Hockey Club announced Monday the hiring of ex-NHLer Tim Tookey as Head Coach of the Bozeman Blackhawks Jr. B hockey team and the Youth Hockey Director. The announcement came after the Blackhawks training camp was completed, where candidates sat in on the camp and worked with Interim Head Coach Monty Trottier to select the roster.

"It was nice to have the candidates at the tryouts to help evaluate the players," Trottier said. "It gave us a lot of insight into how they would coach and what they would bring to the table. Tim and I are on the same page in philosophy and style so when he gets here to take over the team everything will be the same." Tookey comes to Bozeman from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where he served as the Hockey Director at Twin Ponds. While there, Tookey oversaw all aspect of youth hockey and implemented introduction to hockey programs, an adult rookie league, organized and ran hockey camps, skill development clinics and worked on coaching development, throughout the organization.

Valley Ice Garden General Manager Jason Martel said all of those made Tookey a standout candidate for the job. "Tim showed an eagerness and passion to do both jobs," Martel said. "He has worked with some interesting programs in Harrisburg, and he will come into an organization that is already running great and his ideas will only make it better. He is knowledgeable with half ice or small area games for the mites and younger which the Montana Amateur Hockey Association has mandated, so that should help make the adjustment run smoothly."

In addition to his youth hockey background, Tookey has an extensive playing background, which spanned 18 years. Selected in the 5th round in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, he spend time in the minors before being called up to the NHL in 1980 with the Washington Capitals. In addition to the Capitals, he played for the Quebec Nordiques, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, and along side the "Great One", Wayne Gretsky in Los Angeles. He also spent time in the AHL with the Hershey Bears and is one of three AHL players to record three 100-point seasons. Besides playing, Tookey spent last season as Head Coach of the Central Penn Panthers Jr. B team. He also served as a player/coach with the Providence Bruins Hockey Club in his last season of playing back in 1995.

"Playing along side some great players and coaches in the NHL has taught me a lot," Tookey said. "They each have a different style and you take a little from each. Teaching and development is a key to move these players up to the ICEDOGS next season and that will be my focus."

"Tim was a standout player everywhere he played and he has been exposed to many different coaches and styles and over the years he has combined them to develop his own," Martel added. "He's going to be a great addition to this organization and the development of the players.

Tookey will arrive in Bozeman on September 6th and says he is excited to get to work with the team and the youth hockey organization. "For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be involved in hockey. When I started it was as a player, but after my career I knew I had to stay involved," Tookey added. "I remember going home and seeing ex-professionals teaching and working with the youth association and decided that was what I wanted to do. This opportunity is a perfect fit, I get to do both, coach competitively and work with youth hockey. I can't wait to get started." Until Tookey arrives, Trottier will continue to serve as Interim Coach as Blackhawks training camp began on Monday evening. The Blackhawks open NOR-PAC play on September 9th on the road against the Butte Rough Riders. They will return to the Valley Ice Garden for the "BOZEMAN SHOWDOWN" when fans will get their first look at both teams as they compete against each other in an exhibition game which starts at 7:05 pm, Saturday September 10th. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students, and $5 for children.

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North American Hockey League Stories from August 29, 2005


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