Thompson Joins Hockey Staff as Assistant
Jul 12, 2016 | Hockey
OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha hockey head coach Dean Blais announced today that goaltender Kirk Thompson will join the staff this fall as a volunteer assistant coach.
“Kirk was a big part of our team during the last three years and had success both on the ice and in the classroom,” said Blais. “Kirk will begin work on his masters this fall, and we were fortunate to be able to add him as a student assistant.
“Kirk was well-liked by his teammates, and he will be a big help mentoring the three young goaltenders on our roster this season.”
Thompson was a three-year letter winner for the Mavericks, compiling a career record of 14-17-2 in 42 games. The native of Surrey, British Columbia was a three-time NCHC Academic All-Conference selection while majoring in criminology and criminal justice.
“I've very excited to move forward with the team in this new role,” said Thompson. “I've always been intrigued by coaching but never thought I'd get the chance to work at this level.
“I always knew that I'd have to step away from playing at some point but with this opportunity, I don't have to totally walk away from the game. I can't wait to get started.”
With the addition of Thompson, the Mavericks' coaching staff is set for the 2016-17 season. In addition to Blais, Thompson joins associate head coach Mike Gabinet and assistant coach Leigh Mendelson who will be in the first years in their current roles this season. Gabinet is a former UNO defenseman who joined the Mavericks this spring after four seasons at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, the last as its head coach. Mendelson has served as a volunteer assistant for the last two years, working primarily with the goaltenders.
The Mavericks begin the 2016-17 season with an exhibition game against Alberta on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Baxter Arena.
“Kirk was a big part of our team during the last three years and had success both on the ice and in the classroom,” said Blais. “Kirk will begin work on his masters this fall, and we were fortunate to be able to add him as a student assistant.
“Kirk was well-liked by his teammates, and he will be a big help mentoring the three young goaltenders on our roster this season.”
Thompson was a three-year letter winner for the Mavericks, compiling a career record of 14-17-2 in 42 games. The native of Surrey, British Columbia was a three-time NCHC Academic All-Conference selection while majoring in criminology and criminal justice.
“I've very excited to move forward with the team in this new role,” said Thompson. “I've always been intrigued by coaching but never thought I'd get the chance to work at this level.
“I always knew that I'd have to step away from playing at some point but with this opportunity, I don't have to totally walk away from the game. I can't wait to get started.”
With the addition of Thompson, the Mavericks' coaching staff is set for the 2016-17 season. In addition to Blais, Thompson joins associate head coach Mike Gabinet and assistant coach Leigh Mendelson who will be in the first years in their current roles this season. Gabinet is a former UNO defenseman who joined the Mavericks this spring after four seasons at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, the last as its head coach. Mendelson has served as a volunteer assistant for the last two years, working primarily with the goaltenders.
The Mavericks begin the 2016-17 season with an exhibition game against Alberta on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Baxter Arena.
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