Kurt Kleinendorst Named Assistant Coach Of 2008 U.S. Men's National Team

Published on April 4, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


LOWELL, Mass. - The Lowell Devils, in conjunction with USA Hockey, announced that head coach Kurt Kleinendorst has been named an assistant coach for the 2008 U.S. Men's National Team. He will join head coach John Tortorella and assistant coach Mike Sullivan in leading Team USA in the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship May 2-18 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

Kleinendorst, 47, was a member of the 1981 U.S. Men's National Team and also played for Team USA during its 1984 pre-Olympic tour. He will be making his first USA coaching appearance.

Kleinendorst is currently completing his second season with New Jersey's top developmental team and is in his eighth season overall with the Devils organization. He had served as a member of the team's scouting staff for five seasons, including the last four as special assignment scout, and the 2001-02 season as a pro scout. Kleinendorst joined New Jersey as an assistant coach to Larry Robinson for the 2000-01 season after being named to the post August 22, 2000.

Prior to joining the Devils, he spent three seasons from 1997-00 as general manager/coach of the Manchester (U.K.) Storm, leading the team to the Super League Championship, while also receiving coach of the year honors during his second season. Kleinendorst served two terms spanning five seasons as head coach/director of hockey operations for the Raleigh Ice Caps (ECHL), 1991-94 and 1995-97, and was named the league's top coach in 1992-93. He spent the 1994-95 campaign as assistant coach/assistant general manager of the IHL's San Diego Gulls.

Kleinendorst began his coaching career in 1989 as president/founder of the Salt Lake City, UT-based North American Sports, Inc., where he was responsible for teams of select college and professional players that participated in a series of tours throughout Europe.

He played two seasons in Europe with the Rotterdam Pandas (Netherlands) in 1987-88, and Iserlohn (Germany) and Peliitat (Finland) in 1986-87. Kleinendorst played professional hockey in North America for parts of five seasons between 1983-1990 in the CHL, AHL and IHL, including a nine-game stint in 1987-88 with the AHL's Utica Devils. His international experience includes time spent with the 1984 United States Olympic hockey team during its pre-Olympic tour, as well as the 1981 World Championships. Kleinendorst played four seasons at Providence College from 1979-1983, and was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997. As a senior, he was selected to the NCAA All-American Team, named ECAC Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. Kurt and his wife, Deon, have four children:&! nbsp; Ryan (22), Kollin (19), Kaitlyn (15) and Jake (10).

The Lowell Devils play two games at home this weekend. Tonight is Lowell Night when the Devils take the ice against the Manchester Monarchs at 7:05 p.m. All Lowell residents get in for just $10. Tomorrow is Fan Appreication Night when the Providence Bruins visit at 7:05 p.m. The first 1,000 in attendance will receive a Stephen Gionta bobblehead courtesy of Trinity EMS. There will be over 50 giveaways during the game including a full-size Lowell Devils Pepsi Machine, a Jeep Wrangler courtesy of 1400 Motors and Lowell and New Jersey Devils memor! abilia. Tickets start at just $10; Call the Devils office at (978) 458-PUCK for more information or visit www.lowelldevilshockey.com.

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