Bullies Tab Assistant Matt Thomas As New Head Coach

June 15, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies News Release


ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies of the ECHL have named Matt Thomas as their second head coach and the 10th overall in team history. The announcement was made this afternoon at a press conference at Boardwalk Hall.

"I'm thrilled for the chance to have this kind of opportunity at this stage of my career," said Thomas. "I know the fans in Atlantic City are passionate about a winning team, and I'm ready to meet that challenge and provide them with another one this season and beyond."

Thomas, 28, will make his professional debut as a head coach when the Bullies commence the 2004-05 season on October 22 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Toronto, ON native is well known to Bullies fans, having served as an assistant to former Atlantic City Head Coach Mike Haviland for the past two years. In that time, Thomas was instrumental in the recruiting of top flight prospects to Atlantic City such as Josh Prudden, Dave Reid, and current Washington Capitals goaltender Matt Yeats, in addition to helping lead the Bullies capture the 2003 ECHL Kelly Cup.

With his appointment, Thomas becomes the youngest active head coach in the ECHL, surpassing 29-year old Derek Wilkinson of the Charlotte Checkers. He is the second youngest bench boss in the history of the ECHL behind Ray Edwards who was also 28 when he was named the head coach of the Huntington Blizzard in 1998.

"As an organization, we had two goals in mind during our search for a new head coach," said Bullies Vice President and General Manager Dan Belisle. "We wanted to find someone who can continue with our winning philosophy, and someone who our fans can identify with. I think the selection of Matt Thomas achieves both of those goals."

Belisle added, "I've been very impressed watching Matt work under Mike (Haviland) over the past two seasons. He's a skilled recruiter and a good teacher of the game. In my opinion, he is more than deserving of this opportunity."

A winner at every stop in his young coaching career, Thomas came to Atlantic City from the University of Maine where he worked as an assistant to both the late Shawn Walsh and current Black Bears Head Coach Tim Whitehead from 2000-02.

During the 2001-02 season, Thomas and the Maine hockey staff were honored as the Spencer Penrose NCAA Division I Staff of the Year leading the Black Bears to a 26-11-7 record and a spot in the NCAA Championship Game.

Prior to his tenure at the University of Maine, Thomas served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, the Rochester Institute of Technology, in 1999 where he helped the Tigers to an impressive 27-1-2 record and a berth in the NCAA Division III Frozen Four.

A former center and team captain at RIT, Thomas led the Tigers to a No. 1 national ranking and a trip to the NCAA Tournament during his Senior season. He capped off his collegiate career by being selected to the College Division West All-Star team. Thomas played his junior hockey at storied Toronto St. Michaels of the Ontario Hockey League.

Thomas replaces Haviland who resigned on May 28.

The Bullies Sales Department is currently accepting orders for season tickets and 12-ticket FLEX plans, and deposits for all group ticket orders beginning with Opening Night 2004 on October 29 against Trenton. For more information, call a Bullies Sales Representative at (609) 348-7825.

Take a chance and win with the Bullies Blackjack Special. For a period of 21 days from June 1-June 21, fans who purchase season tickets paid for in full will receive a $21 discount off each seat.

Operation: 1,700 is now underway. The Bullies have set a goal to secure 1,700 season tickets between now and Opening Night 2004. It's time for action! Season tickets start as low as $324 and are on sale now by calling (609) 348-PUCK.

For more information on the naming of Matt Thomas as head coach, contact Dan Weiss at (609) 348-7809. For more information on South Jersey's only professional hockey team, visit www.boardwalkbullies.com.



ECHL Stories from June 15, 2004


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