Skalde to return as coach
Published on March 3, 2009 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Bloomington PrairieThunder News Release
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Bloomington PrairieThunder officials announced Tuesday that Jarrod Skalde has agreed to return as the team's head coach for the 2009-20010 International Hockey League season.
The 38-year-old Skalde is in his first year we head coach in the team's three-year history. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"When PrairieThunder hockey began its search for a new coach last year, the new local ownership group defined three priority characteristics -- skill, will and passion," said PrairieThunder lead owner Tim Leighton at a team news conference.
"We strongly believed that we needed a person with a vision to lead this organization to a championship-caliber level, both for this current third season, and for years to come, and I emphasize years to come.
"We needed an individual committed to providing PrairieThunder hockey with a strong and solid base and committed to growing PrairieThunder hockey, of course on the ice, and also in the community, in the International Hockey League, and on the professional level," Leighton continued. "And, again, I emphasize the word professional
"We eventually gave that charge to Jarrod Skalde."
Leighton said despite the fact that Skalde had never served as a head coach, he demonstrated from the beginning of the search process that he had the skill, the will and the passion we were looking for.
"Jarrod has proven in his short tenure that he is not afraid to make tough decisions that are in the best interest of the organization, but just as important, for the players," Leighton continued.
"He has demonstrated his passion on and off the ice.
"He has reached out to the fans as well. He understands their passion for this team and organization. He is so committed that he moved his family here, and left an unsold house in the process. The Skalde family has become a part of this community of Bloomington-Normal."
Leighton added that Skalde's family demonstrated he wanted his family to be an important fiber in the community.
"His wife, Erin, has set up business in downtown Bloomington and his children are enrolled in school here," added Leighton.
"While the team did not get off to the fast start we all had hoped for, Jarrod stayed the course and held true in his beliefs and convictions. He continued to tinker with personnel, all the while looking toward the future, yet determined to win this season.
"Where this season will end is an unknown at this point. One thing is for certain. Jarrod Skalde has laid the ground work with a strong core of talented, skilled players for this team and organization to grow in the future.
"Players who share his love of hockey and passion for excellence. Players who came in with their own skills and their own will. Players who have improved their skills and their will to be champions in response to the coaching of Jarrod Skalde."
Leighton said Skalde is determined to build a champion team.
"At the start of this season, we discussed that concept with the players," added Leighton. "We believe Jarrod Skalde has the skill and the will. We believe that Jarrod Skalde inspires his players to build their skill and intensify their will.
"This local ownership group of PrairieThunder hockey is making the statement today that we are committed to moving professional hockey forward in this community at U.S. Cellular Coliseum for the good of the City of Bloomington and its loyal fans.
"Therefore, we are proud to announce that Jarrod Skalde has agreed to return as our head coach next season and continue to pursue our mission of championship."
International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 3, 2009
- Countdown to Face-Off - Kalamazoo Wings
- Skalde to return as coach - Bloomington PrairieThunder
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
