Skalde to Return as Coach
June 11, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Bloomington PrairieThunder News Release
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Bloomington PrairieThunder officials announced Friday that Jarrod Skalde will return as head coach for the 2010-11 hockey season.
"We are excited and pleased that Coach Skalde will be returning for a third season behind the bench to continue to build on the groundwork he has laid in his first two years," said PrairieThunder president Tim Leighton.
Bloomington finished its second season under Skalde's leadership with a franchise record fourth-place finish in the International Hockey League. The team posted a record 72 points in the standings with its 31-34-5-6 record, while the 31 victories tied a club record.
The PrairieThunder also set franchise records for fewest losses in a season (34), victories at home (21), goals scored (241), assists (407), points scored (648), penalty minutes (1864) and hat tricks (7).
Skalde, who also will again be the Director of Hockey Operations, has compiled a 60-74-7-11 record in his first two seasons at the helm. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Leighton added that Skalde has done what he was asked to do when he accepted the job two years ago.
"We strongly believed we needed a person with a vision to lead this organization and put the groundwork in place for a championship caliber team," Leighton continued. "As he has done in his first two seasons, Jarrod is committed to improving our competitiveness on the ice to give our fans even better hockey.
"Jarrod has not only grown PrairieThunder hockey on the ice, but also in the community. He has reached out to the fans. He understands their passion for this team and the organization."
Skalde said he "is thankful for the support he has received from the ownership group and is excited and looking forward to helping the organization make the transition to the Central Hockey League for the upcoming season."
The PrairieThunder will compete in the 17-team CHL this season after spending the last three years in the IHL.
"Jarrod's knowledge, experience and contacts in professional hockey were integral in the ownership's decision-making," said Donna Wampler, the general manager of the PrairieThunder.
"He also provides continuity as we work hard to build a championship team. It's obvious by the numerous records set that the 2009-10 team was the best team a coach has assembled in our four seasons of existence."
The CHL season begins Oct. 15. The league hopes to announce team schedules in mid-July.
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