USHL Chicago Steel

Steel Announce Coaching Staff Additions

Published on July 18, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release


GENEVA, ILLINOIS - The Chicago Steel have rounded out their coaching staff for the 2023-2024 season, the team announced Tuesday. Tyler Haskins was named Associate Head Coach and Michael Gurska has been promoted to Assistant Coach.

"We're incredibly fortunate to have such high character, passionate hockey minds leading our organization," said Steel Head Coach and General Manager Mike Garman. "Tyler Haskins brings invaluable experience as both a player and coach and will be a tremendous asset for our players. Having Michael Gurska transition into a full-time coaching role was an obvious choice since he was a key piece of our hockey staff last year."

Haskins joins the Steel from Grizzlys Wolfsburg of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), Germany's top professional league, where he was an assistant coach for the past three seasons.

Originally from Madison, Ohio, Haskins played in the USHL in 2001-2002 for the Sioux City before a standout career in the OHL from 2002-2007. A fifth round selection of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2004 NHL Draft, Haskins played three seasons in the American Hockey League before joining Wolfsburg in 2010. He played eight seasons in the DEL, five as captain.

After retiring from his successful playing career, Haskins led Wolfsburg's scouting for two seasons, then became assistant coach of the club in 2019. As a coach, Haskins primarily worked with the team's forwards, ran the power play, and spearheaded the development of their young players.

"I'm extremely excited to join the Chicago Steel organization," said Haskins. "It's an honor to be a part of an organization with such a strong reputation for developing elite players and pursuing excellence every day. I look forward to helping our players and team achieve their best."

As assistant coach, Michael Gurska will primarily work with the team's defensemen. Originally from Revere, Mass., Gurska was a three-year captain at Wilkes University and holds the school record for games played and points by a defenseman. Gurska was the Steel's Director of Hockey Operations during the 2022-2023 season and contributed on all coaching fronts.

"I am beyond excited and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Chicago Steel and to work with this group of talented and dedicated athletes," said Gurska. "I'm grateful for the chance to enhance the organizational culture centered around player development on and off the ice. I look forward to working with these players, Coach Garman and the rest of the staff to bring a Clark Cup back to Geneva."

The Steel also announced Tuesday that Derek Whitmore, who served as an assistant coach the past two seasons and ran Chicago's league-leading power play, will not return to the Steel as he pursues opportunities closer to his family and home. Noelle Needham, who served as the team's Associate General Manager, will not return for the 2023-2024 season.

The 2023-2024 Steel schedule was announced in June. Season ticket plans for the 2023-2024 season are on sale now starting at just 5 games for $50. Season ticket plans are built on flexibility as fans have the option of choosing their own games throughout the season with multiple benefits including season ticket gifts and special events.

Group tickets and experiences, suites and other premium areas are also on sale now.

Single-game tickets will go on sale in August, and a full promotional schedule for the 2023-2024 season will be released prior to single-game tickets being made available for purchase.

For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from July 18, 2023


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