Former Rockford IceHogs coach Steve Martinson returning to the ECHL's Allen Americans
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Former Rockford IceHogs coach Steve Martinson isn't finished coaching hockey. Not by a long shot. Monday he was named the head coach and general manager of the ECHL's Allen Americans in Allen, Texas.This will be Martinson's second stint there. The first time around he guided the Americans to four championships. Overall, in his coaching career, Martinson has coached professional teams to ten championships in various leagues. One of those teams was the 2006-07 IceHogs team that won the UHL (United Hockey League) championship.Just last year, Martinson was inducted into the IceHogs' Ring of Honor. In a statement on the Americans' website Martinson said the following:
'I'm super excited to get to work rebuilding this team. The first thing I will do is tell players to watch the Florida Panthers. If that's your style, you've found your place to play. Fast, skilled, and heavy. If you can't play that way, then Allen is not for you. Everyone knows my style and now we have an owner committed to creating the best environment for players to develop and the team to win. Myles Jack lived the importance of team, culture, and identity. As a player, you know when management and ownership give you all the tools you need to succeed.Wake up, Kick Ass, Repeat. Let's Go.'Martinson spent this past season coaching in Georgia in the Federal Prospects Hockey League. He was named the Coach of the Year there after guiding his team the Athens Rock Lobsters to the playoffs
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