Storm Add Josh Hauge as Assistant Coach

Press Release

Less than two months after leading the Fairbanks Ice Dogs to the Robertson Cup Championship in the North American Hockey League, Fairbanks Head Coach Josh Hauge has been hired as an assistant coach for the Tri-City Storm. Storm General Manager/Head Coach Drew Schoneck announced the addition Friday morning.

"Josh brings a quality resume to the organization, and he has succeeded at every level in his career to date," said Schoneck. "We are excited that he has accepted our offer to be a part of the Tri-City Storm and look forward to what he brings to the organization next season."

Hauge, 32, was the head coach of the Ice Dogs for three seasons, compiling a regular-season record of 111-49-15 (.694 winning percentage) and was 20-9-0 in the post-season, including 10-1-0 in the playoffs last season winning the Robertson Cup. He spent three seasons prior to becoming the head coach as the assistant coach for Fairbanks, spending a total of six seasons in Alaska coaching the Ice Dogs.

"It's exciting to move up to the next level in my coaching career, and I'm looking forward to working with Coach Schoneck," said Hauge, who is planning to be married in August in Minnesota to his fiancée Allison.

"I really enjoyed my time in Fairbanks, but it was time for me to move on after winning the Robertson Cup this past season."

The native of Rosemount, Minnesota began his coaching career as the head coach of the Twin City Northern Lights (Minnesota Junior Hockey League) in 2002-03. In his only season behind the bench for the Northern Lights, Hauge led them to the league championship before leaving to go to league rival Dubuque Thunderbirds for two seasons.

In his first season with Dubuque, he captured his second league title in as many years as a head coach. Overall, he compiled a regular-season record of 93-27-7 in three seasons coaching in the MJHL.

Known for having solid offensive teams in his nine years of coaching, Hauge has the same goal for the Storm this season.

"I will bring an offensive dimension to the Storm coaching staff and team that will give us a boost on the ice," Hauge said. "I have a positive attitude and will try to make things positive for everyone at the rink on a daily basis."

With the addition of Hauge to the staff, Storm Assistant Coach Lenny Hofmann has been added to a dual role as Director of Recruiting/Assistant Coach. Hofmann will work with Director of Scouting Steve Lowe – who was recently promoted to the position – next season to strengthen the Storm's scouting efforts.

"With Steve and Lenny doing so well with the draft and camp this year, I felt that Lenny would be a huge part of the team's success in scouting and recruiting prospects with Steve," said Schoneck. "This facet of the job is critical in building a championship organization."

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)