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Williams Named First Head Coach of Bloomington USHL Team

April 9, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington, IL: CSH International, Inc. is proud to announce Dennis Williams as the first head coach for the expansion United States Hockey League (USHL) Bloomington Thunder hockey team.

CSH, who owns the Amarillo Bulls, believes Williams earned this opportunity. "Our principal goal is in helping to develop people and move them on to the next level, and this move is no different. Dennis comes with a wealth of collegiate hockey experience that includes Division I head coaching experience and as an assistant coach in Division I, head coach in Division III and of course his junior record in Amarillo speaks for itself, "stated Gary Gelinas, President of CSH.

In four short years Coach Williams has established the Amarillo Bulls as one of the top junior programs in the United States leading the North American Hockey League (NAHL) in college placements, winning the national championship in 2012-2013, three straight appearances in the national finals, (2011, 2012, 2013) and capturing three straight south division titles, (2011, 2012, 2013) as well as capturing two NAHL regular season titles. From 2010 to 2014 the Bulls hold a winning percentage of .754 and have become a staple in the community, with players winning NAHL community service awards and being involved in local charities.

Williams, who hails from Stratford, Ontario, Canada, obtained a NCAA Division I scholarship to Bowling Green State University, a school that has produced many NHL hockey leaders.

"This is a great opportunity for my family and I from a career standpoint," said Williams. "I can't thank Mr. Yuill and Mr. Gelinas (CSH) enough for this chance to stay a part of the family. Obviously, Amarillo will always be a special place to me. Four years ago when I arrived here I did not know what to expect, but I can assure you my time in Amarillo has been a great pleasure. I can't say enough about our fans and the community and the support we have received towards the hockey program. It has been a great four years with still one major accomplishment on our mind, defending the Robertson Cup. My focus and commitment is 100 percent towards my players and the city of Amarillo. On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank everyone for four special years. I would also like to thank the players and staff for their commitment to the Amarillo Bulls."

"The relationship Dennis has in the NCAA and in junior hockey along with his ability to perform made him a perfect fit in Bloomington," said Gelinas. "It was a key for us to keep Dennis in the family, since he is the kind of coach and equally important a person we wanted to work with long term. We knew eventually we would lose him to a higher level, so the fact he still works with us is tremendous and he will continue to support moving players on to the next level."

Bloomington will begin play in the USHL, the only Tier One league in the United States, for the 2014-2015 season. The USHL is a premier league for player development with over 200 former players in the NHL and currently over 300 college commitments.

"Like Amarillo, we want to establish the program right away and create the environment that leads to success on and off the ice. Coach Williams is the right person who can do that for Bloomington and we are excited to launch the USHL in Bloomington with him," said Gelinas.

A press conference to introduce coach Williams, ownership and the USHL will be held in Bloomington in the very near future.



United States Hockey League Stories from April 9, 2014


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.

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