Niec Suspended 6 Games
November 1, 2018 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Carolina Thunderbirds News Release
Winston-Salem, N.C. - The Federal Hockey League has announced this week that head coach Andre Niec has been suspended six games due to his actions in Saturday night's 6-0 win over Port Huron. With Niec suspended, the Carolina Thunderbirds are announcing team trainer Karolina Huvarova as interim head coach in his absence.
Karolina Huvarova becomes the first European woman to serve as head coach in professional hockey history, second overall to Nicole Kirnan 1000 Islands Privateers (FHL).
"They say that the best things seem to come when you are least expecting them, and I'll be honest this was not expected but it is still very exciting" Huvarova said. "The team is very strong this year and I look forward to keeping that strong start going. This team is tough and even with Andre suspended we will still be tough to play against."
Huvarova comes immensely qualified to coach the Thunderbirds team. She carries a Master's Degree from the University of Ostrava and she has been involved in the personal training field for the last 15 years. She has served as the team trainer for Niec for the last four years going back to his time as the coach of the now-defunct Berlin River Drivers.
"I'm not just going to be some Barbie doll on the bench" Huvarova said. "I'm smart when it comes to hockey and fitness being around it as long as I have, and fans should know that the team is in good hands for these few weeks."
Huvarova also possesses communication skills that any other interim head coach would lack with Niec being out. She can speak multiple languages fluently and that will come in handy for a team that rosters players from upwards of seven different countries.
"I think it's a great selection for the team" team President and GM Scott Brand said. "She's watched Andre and his teams play for a number of years, and just as important as her experience with the team is her ability to communicate with our very diverse locker room."
Huvarova will man the bench for the remainder of this home stand with games against Elmira this weekend and Danville on Nov. 9-10. The Thunderbirds first road trip will also have Huvaorva as the head coach when the team travels to Elmira to play the Enforcers Nov. 16-17. Coach Niec's suspension ends after the November 17 game.
Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from November 1, 2018
- Niec Suspended 6 Games - Carolina Thunderbirds
- Enforcers Weekly - Elmira Enforcers
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