Answering the Bell
April 16, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
IceHogs bench boss returns for a second season
Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs Tuesday announced Head Coach Scott Bell will be returning for a second season in Rockford. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Bell, 30, orchestrated one of the most amazing turnarounds in United Hockey League history, leading his squad to a 20-14-3 second half finish. Under his leadership, the Rockford IceHogs set franchise records for most wins in a month (nine games), longest unbeaten streak (nine games), longest winning streak (six games), and longest road winning streak (four games). The fan support for Bell and his team was also evident as a franchise record crowd of 7,420 fans packed the Rockford MetroCentre on Fri., Mar. 29 for the IceHogs home finale.
"We are extremely excited to have Scott returning with the IceHogs," said General Manager Kevin Cummings. "Scott showed us a lot down the stretch. His willingness to adjust, adapt and react to the ebb and flow of the season are all attributes of a successful coach. Now, we'll be looking for Scott to maintain the energy and excitement that the team generated at the end of the season."
"It's satisfying to know that you have an owner and a front office that believes in you," said Bell. "Getting this done so soon after the season allows our organization to focus on bringing back several key players from the 2001-02 team."
Bell, a native of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., served two seasons as an assistant coach in the UHL prior to being hired by the IceHogs in June of last year. While with the New Haven Knights and Head Coach Paul Gillis during the 2000-01 season, he also served as the team's Director of Player Personnel. The Knights finished second in the Southeast Division and fifth overall in the UHL, and were not eliminated from playoff competition until the Eastern Conference Finals. The 2000-01 Knights set a UHL record for wins by an expansion team.
During the 1999-00 season, Bell assisted Missouri River Otters Head Coach Mark Reeds. The former University of Minnesota Golden Gopher held the same capacity with the Fargo-Moorhead Sharks of the United States Hockey League in 1998-99.
On the ice, Bell played four seasons for the Gophers, who are affectionately known as "Minnesota's Pride on Ice." During his collegiate career, the 5-10, 195-pound Bell amassed 41 goals and 81 points while totaling 268 penalty minutes in 146 games. As a professional, Bell appeared in 105 games, registering 35 goals and 66 points while accumulating 132 PIM. Bell's professional career included stints with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League, the Indianapolis Ice and the Minnesota Moose of the International Hockey League, the Columbus Chill of the East Coast Hockey League, and the Quad City Mallards and the Missouri River Otters of the UHL. His UHL tenure with the Mallards earned him a Colonial Cup championship following the 1996-97 season.
Season ticket packages for the 2002-03 IceHogs are now available, starting at just $98. Contact the IceHogs office at (815) 986-6465 for more details.
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