Northern Michigan Predators Sign Head Coach

Published on October 7, 2003 under International Independent Hockey League (IIHL)
Northern Michigan Predators News Release


The Northern Michigan Predators are excited to announce the signing of Craig Coxe from Chula Vista California as their Head coach for the up-coming inaugural season.

"This is an absolute coup to get Craig into our organization. He brings us proven leadership, and a wealth of both playing and coaching experience." Said Predators General Manager Joe Kolodziej. "Craig is a players coach. He knows how to utilize the talent he has and he knows how to develop younger players so that they may reach the next level. His philosophy is directly in line with my own when it comes to player development and the types of players we are looking to have in our organization. He has a no nonsense approach to coaching that makes the players responsible for their play."

"I am very excited about making the Harbor Springs, Petoskey area my new home, and even more excited about working with Joe and the Predators organization." Said Coxe from his home in El Paso Texas. "We have been working on getting this done for a while now and I am glad to have the negotiations complete, and now I can get down to work with our players." "Petoskey and Harbor Springs are beautiful cities, Joe has done a great job on the rink and recruiting players and I cant wait to get them on the ice and the people in the stands!"

"Craig's experience as a coach in the Central Hockey League has shown he has the ability to develop young players and get them ready to take the next step. Because the Northern Michigan Predators are a development team for the Knoxville Ice Bears in the South East Hockey League, this experience is crucial." Said Kolodziej. "He is a former draft choice of the Detroit Red Wings and his professional playing career spanned sixteen years. Playing for sixteen years is an incredible accomplishment in this game, and it is a tribute to his skill, drive and determination."

Craig Coxe hockey playing history:

1982-1984 Belleville Bulls OHL 1984-1987 Vancouver Canucks NHL 1987-1988 Calgary Flames NHL 1988-1989 St. Louis Blues NHL 1989-1991 Vancouver Canucks NHL 1991-1992 San Jose Sharks NHL 1992-1993 Kalamazoo Wings IHL 1993-1995 Tulsa Oilers CHL 1995-1996 Huntsville Channel Cats SHL 1996-1998 Tulsa Oilers CHL 1998-1999 Corpus Christi Icerays WPHL 1999-2000 San Antonio Iguanas CHL

Craig Coxe professional coaching history: 1999-2000 Player Assistant Coach San Antonio 2000-2001 Huntsville Tornado CHL Head Coach 2001-2002 El Paso Buzzards CHL Head Coach"Craig will be here in a week or two to get started working with the players and staff. We are about six weeks away from opening night, so there is a lot of work to be done distributing season tickets, finishing locker rooms and other promotional activities." Said Kolodziej.

The Northern Michigan Predators are also announcing a meet the team party and dance squad tryouts to be held at The Upstairs Club in Petoskey on Friday October 10th at 10 p.m.

"Quite a few of our players are arriving in town over the next few days, and we want the community to come out, meet the guys and show their support." Said Kolodziej. "The dance squad tryouts are being organized by WKLT and it should be a lot of fun. We are hopping for a great turnout. We'll be giving away t-shirts and other Predators items."

The Northern Michigan Predators look forward to an exciting 2003-2004 IIHL season. Home schedules and season tickets are now available on a first come first served basis, with a home opener scheduled for November 26th at 5:30 p.m against the North Country Barnstormers.

Training camp and regular season home games will be played at Polar Bear Ice and Fitness in Harbor Springs Michigan, 611 Woodview Dr, Harbor Springs MI 49740. The Northern Michigan Predators are still accepting applications for all positions from players and game night personnel. Marketing and game night Internships are also now available.

Tickets are now on sale for all home games and are available at the Predators box office.For more information please call Joe Kolodziej 231-348-8480 Experience The Thrill Of The Kill

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International Independent Hockey League Stories from October 7, 2003


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