FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
STAMPEDE HIRE HEIMEL AS HEAD COACH
Mark Lantz, GM
Cheyenne Stampede Junior “A” Hockey
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CHEYENNE WYOMING-
Cheyenne Stampede Junior “A” Hockey, LLC has announced the hiring of new head coach Jeff Heimel to lead the Stampede during its inaugural season in the Western States Hockey League.
Heimel, a native of Saint Paul Minnesota, is happy to be a part of the newly formed Stampede organization. “When searching for a coaching position this spring I really wanted to find an ownership group that was committed not only to winning, but developing a strong community relationship and hockey culture with their fans and supporters. I believe I have found that with the Lantz family and the City of Cheyenne”.
Heimel became the youngest Head coach in the history of the WSHL last season at 24 years old when he took the helm of the 7 time Western States Hockey League champion Phoenix Polar Bears. Heimel, who won a league championship as a player and co-captain of the Polar Bears during the 2005-2006 season, is no stranger to winning in the WSHL.
In his first season as Head Coach, Heimel led the Polar Bears to a regular season record of 25-15-6 finishing 3rd in the highly competitive Western Division. He then led the Bears to the WSHL division finals where Phoenix was defeated by the eventual league champion Idaho Steelheads.
Heimel was also selected to represent the Western States Hockey League at the 2011 USA Hockey National Championships held in Rochester Minnesota as coach of the “best of the rest” team. The annual event features players whose teams did not qualify for the national tournament, who form together as a league all star team to compete against other junior league teams in the country. Heimel posted the first ever undefeated record for the WSHL with an impressive 3-0 record winning their division and helping several league players gain exposure at the collegiate and professional level in the process.
Heimel holds a level 4 coaching certificate from USA Hockey and in addition to coaching Junior A hockey he has been actively involved with teaching kids at the youth and high school level for the last 6 years.
With over 130 applicants applying for the position the Stampede General Manager, Mark Lantz is happy to have ended this exhaustive search for a head coach. “We are so excited to have Jeff joining our staff. The energy and excitement that he brings to the organization is contagious and I know that he will do a great job in helping us build a nationally recognized Junior Hockey Program”. - Added Lantz.
In addition to his coaching experience Heimel brings a unique business management element to the Stampede Organization. Jeff has a background in finance from Arizona State University and held a position as a banker with JPMorgan Chase for two years prior to his tenure in Phoenix. When Harry Mahood, the long time coach and owner of the polar bears, stepped down from the day to day operations of the team Heimel had no choice but to take on the financial and administrative responsibilities of the team. “It was difficult managing both the day to day business operations and the day to day hockey operations. I was fortunate that my background in business allowed me to learn and adapt quickly."
When asked about the adjustment in responsibilities from Phoenix to Cheyenne Heimel added “I’m just happy to focus on coaching hockey. Dedicating 100% of my time to the development of a winning hockey team will be a nice change”.
“Still, I wouldn’t take away my time in Phoenix for anything in the world. I have learned so much from all the people I met throughout the Polar Bears organization and it has given me an opportunity to accept this amazing opportunity given to me by the Cheyenne Stampede.”
The Cheyenne Stampede will play a 50 game schedule starting in Mid-September with 25 games being played at the Cheyenne Events and Ice Center.
For more information visit Wyoming Stampede on facebook or email Mark Lantz at gm@wyomingstampede.com