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United States Hockey League (USHL)

USHL Preview: Five New Head Coaches To Know

USHL Preview: Five New Head Coaches To Know

With a number of head coaches moving from the USHL to college and pro jobs this offseason, there's been some shakeups behind the bench. Here's what to know.

Sep 12, 2024 by Ryan Sikes
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With the USHL regular season rapidly approaching, starting with the DICK'S Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic next week near Pittsburgh, there will be a number of new faces behind the benches of a number of teams. 

The league saw a number of coaches jump into new jobs at the collegiate and pro levels over the offseason, creating openings that have been filled largely by first-year head coaches in the league.

To help get you ready for the Fall Classic and the season ahead, FloHockey’s USHL writer Ryan Sikes is here to share five thoughts on key topics to monitor as the season gets underway. After taking a look at top tender signings of the offseason, as well as some of the key additions teams made over the summer and recent NHL draftees to track, here's a look at the rookie bench bosses across the league.

USHL Coaching Carousel

Lennie Childs, Omaha Lancers

After two years in the bottom of the standings, David Wilkie stepped down in favor of Lennie Childs, who is expected to bring a youthful and energetic presence to the Omaha Lancers. Childs spent the last two years as an assistant coach at Union College. Before that, he served in the same capacity with the Des Moines Buccaneers. Childs will make history this year as the USHL's first Black head coach.

2024 Omaha Lancers vs Madison Capitols


Mark Abalan, Tri-City Storm

With Anthony Noreen taking the head coaching job at Miami University (Ohio), the Tri-City Storm tabbed Mark Abalan as the ninth head coach in franchise history. The 48-year-old spent the last three seasons as associate head coach and head coach of the Northstar Christian Academy 16U AAA team. However, Abalan brings a wealth of USHL coaching experience, serving in various capacities with the Sioux City Musketeers and Chicago Steel.

Pat McCadden, Green Bay Gamblers

After Mike Leone moved on to the AHL’s Rochester Americans, Pat McCadden earned a well-deserved promotion to head coach and general manager after serving as an assistant coach/associate head coach for Green Bay over the last two seasons. The 35-year-old helped guide Green Bay to a Clark Cup championship as a player during the 2009-10 season.

Evan Dixon, Dubuque Fighting Saints

Similar to Leone, Kirk MacDonald earned a promotion to the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins after guiding Dubuque to the Clark Cup Finals. Evan Dixon takes over bench boss duties after serving as an assistant coach/associate head coach with the Fighting Saints over the previous five seasons.

2024 Sioux City Musketeers vs Dubuque Fighting Saints


Ryan Cruthers, Sioux Falls Stampede

Cruthers returned to the Herd after one year away from the team, where he guided the SPHL’s Fayetteville Marksmen to a playoff berth. The 40-year-old was an assistant coach for Sioux Falls in 2022-23 and served in various coaching capacities with the Chicago Steel and several ECHL clubs.

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