Attack Add Three Decades of Experience, Hire Mike LaZazzera as Associate Coach
OWEN SOUND, ON – The Owen Sound Attack announced today the hiring of American-born Mike LaZazzera as the team’s new Associate Coach and Director of Player Development.
LaZazzera previously held the title of Director of Player Development at Quinnipiac University for the men’s ice hockey team – a position he has held for the past two seasons. The Springfield, MA native brings to the Attack almost forty years of coaching and player development experience at the professional, junior and university level – including NHL, NCAA and OHL including as a Video Coach with the New York Islanders (NHL), Assistant Coaching roles with the Portland Pirates (AHL), University of Maine (NCAA | D1), and Plymouth Whalers (OHL) and Head Coaching & General Manager duties with the Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL). He has also been behind the bench for multiple Kelly Cup Finals appearances in the ECHL.
“I am incredibly grateful and honoured for the opportunity to join the Owen Sound Attack,” Said LaZazzera. “I would like to thank Tyler and Keenan for believing in me and entrusting me with the chance to be a part of such a respected organization. I’m excited to get to work, build strong relationships with our players and staff, contribute to a culture that our fans can be proud of, and do everything I can to help our team succeed.”
Along with diverse coaching experience,the veteran hockey coach also holds a Master’s degree in Athletic Counseling and has completed PhD’s (ABD) in both Sport & Exercise Psychology and Leadership.
Head Coach Keenan Reynolds believes that LaZazzera’s strong character and work ethic will be of value to the team’s culture.
“I am thrilled to be adding an individual with the character and pedigree that LaZazzera possesses to our coaching staff this season,” said Reynolds. “Mike is an incredibly experienced, passionate, and hard-working coach whose values align with our own, and who will help drive our team’s player development and culture building alongside fellow Associate Coach Brandon Shaw.”
LaZazzera’s unwavering dedication to the development of young hockey players will allow him to slot in easily between Reynolds and Shaw this upcoming season.
