Former NHL Star Curtis Brown Joins Stars Coaching Staff
July 25, 2021 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - The Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League announced today that former NHL star Curtis Brown has been named the team's Hockey Strategy and Player Development Coach.
"Curtis brings his wealth of hockey knowledge and expertise to our coaching staff and all our players," said Tyler Shaffar, Stars Chief Operating Officer. "We couldn't be more thrilled to have someone of his experience join our hockey leadership group."
"It's truly an honor to be a part of the Stars organization," Brown said. "The USHL is the premier junior hockey league in the United States, and I can't wait to get started with the goal of helping these players reach their full potential both on and off the ice."
A native of Unity, Saskatchewan, Brown played his junior hockey with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League. A second-round selection in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, Brown went on to play 13 NHL seasons as a forward for the Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks.
Heralded for his defensive acumen, Brown also registered 300 points (129 goals, 171 assists) in 736 NHL games. Following retirement, Brown has dedicated his time to coaching and developing young players while serving as Hockey Director of the San Jose Jr. Sharks and as a USA Hockey development camp coach, duties which he will continue while working with Lincoln.
"I don't think I realized how much I would love coaching and the joy it brings me until I got into it," Brown said. "Now, it's my passion."
Curtis and his wife Ami have three sons: Gage, Garrett and Griffin. His experience as a father has played a pivotal role in his coaching progression.
"You figure out what works and what doesn't work; I discovered that with my boys with their development," Brown remarked. "You can't teach every player the same way; they start at different points and have different skill sets. Once you figure out how each player learns, that's when it really gets fun."
To add further depth to the team's player development staff, the Lincoln Stars also announced the hiring of Phil Huynh as Skills Coach. Huynh, who has coached numerous players currently playing in the NCAA and professional hockey ranks, previously served in the same role for the NAHL's Amarillo Bulls.
Fans are invited to watch future Stars compete at the team's Main Camp on July 26-29 at John Breslow Ice Hockey Center in downtown Lincoln. Admission is free and team merchandise will be available for purchase.
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United States Hockey League Stories from July 25, 2021
- Former NHL Star Curtis Brown Joins Stars Coaching Staff - Lincoln Stars
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