Sports stats

Thunder name coaches and staff

May 14, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Albert Lea Thunder News Release


(Albert Lea, MN) The Albert Lea Thunder announced today that the North American Hockey League (NAHL) club has named Paul Willett as the team's first head coach and Brian Murphy as the assistant coach. The announcement was made today at a press conference at the City Arena in Albert Lea by Thunder director of hockey operations Jim Perkins. Both Willett and Murphy will be relocating to Albert Lea and begin their new positions with the Thunder immediately.

"We are very excited to have Paul and Brian as part of our inaugural team here with the Thunder," Perkins said. "They will be heavily involved in the success of the team on the ice, developing our players to one day play at the collegiate level. They both have a wealth of experience and are a perfect fit for what we want to accomplish here with the Thunder."

Willett brings 16 yrs of coaching experience to the Thunder, having spent most of that time developing players in Minnesota. In addition, he also operated Paul Willett International Hockey Training, offering training to players, coaches, teams and associations; having helped develop several thousand players and coaches over the last seven years.

"I am thrilled to have this opportunity" said Willett, "I look forward to the challenge of putting together a competitive first year team, but more importantly helping develop those young men in hopes of moving them on in their hockey careers."

Paul has also been a featured speaker at many USA Hockey clinics and seminars on the topics of skating, skill development, small-area games and coaching philosophy. His coaching experience extends past Minnesota where he is slated to coach the National select 17 camp this summer.

Assistant coach Brian Murphy also brings an experience loaded hockey resume'. As a player Murphy was a member of the Cretin-Derham Hall High School varsity hockey team for 3 years, earning all conferences honors and was a participant of the Great Eight Festival. Post high school, Brian skated for the Danville Wings (NAHL), later going on to play college hockey at Saint Mary's University.

As a coach, Brian has spent most of his career in his hometown of St. Paul, MN, most recently, coaching the Wisconsin Fire. His accomplishments have not gone un-noticed as he was selected as one of the Minnesota/USA Hockey's Select 15 & under coaches and was a selected as one of the coaches for this year's 1990/89 USHL Central Scouting Showcase held in Chicago.

Brian also has several years experience developing players during the off season through various summer individual skills developmental programs that include being an instructor for Mike Foley's St. Paul Academy's Summer Camp and as a director/instructor.For the past 2 years Murphy has also worked as a scout for the Washington Capitals (NHL) and also for Sioux City Musketeers (USHL).

Finally the Thunder also announced Steve Strasheim as Sales Manager for the franchise. Prior to joining the Thunder Strasheim spent five seasons with the Fargo-Moorhead JETS (NAHL) the last of which as general manager. Steve brings a strong knowledge of operations and management, and will oversee the front office of the Thunder. "I am very excited to be a part of this organization" said Steve, "The support the community has already shown makes me confident we are going to be a premier team in this league."

Many more announcements will be made in the upcoming weeks, including information on season tickets, player housing, tryouts, sponsorships and schedule.

The Albert Lea Thunder Junior A Hockey Club is in its first season as members of the North American Hockey League. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 33nd year of operation. For more information, visit albertleathunder.com or call (701) 866-0817 (temp).

Thunder home games are played at the City Arena in Albert Lea, MN. All games will be broadcasted on albertleathunder.com and video broadcast through B/2 Network.



North American Hockey League Stories from May 14, 2008


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.

Other Recent Albert Lea Thunder Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central