Alexandria, MN (May. 31, 2024)
For more information, contact: Johnny Van Atta, Director of Hockey Operations and Media Relations (615) 830-1113, [email protected]
Northstar Knights 16U Coach, Mark Abalan, has been announced as the new Head Coach of the Tri City Storm of the USHL. The Storm are located in Kearney, NE and have made the playoffs for 7 consecutive seasons, winning the USHL’s Anderson Cup in 2019 & 2022 and the Clark Cup Championship in 2016. “I am excited for the opportunity that lies ahead to coach the Tri City Storm and I look forward to leading and developing young men to become better hockey players at the USHL level,” Abalan said. “I’m grateful for my time here at NorthStar and blessed by the many amazing friendships that my family and I have made.”
Abalan will take over a team that has a strong track record of producing collegiate and NHL talent, including Jaden Schwartz, Phoenix Copley, and Blake Coleman. Abalan will also inherit 2 Northstar Knights, Bode Laylin and Hunter Rudolph, who are in the Storm’s player system.
“Through the interview process, we had several quality options and strong candidates for the position,” Tri-City General Manager said in the team’s press release . “Ultimately, we were extremely impressed with Coach Abalan’s track record, experience, communication skills, and professionalism. We felt these attributes would make for an outstanding addition to our staff, and provide our players with a quality teacher and leader as we look to next season and the future. We are thrilled to bring in a coach with Mark’s experience and familiarity with the USHL. He has a passion for development, and player improvement, and a history of being able to communicate with elite athletes in this age range. We proudly welcome him to Kearney.”
The Duluth, MN native is no stranger to the USHL. Prior to coming to Northstar in 2021, Abalan coached 9 total seasons in the USHL with 8 seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Sioux City Musketeers and 1 season as the Head Coach with the Chicago Steel. Additionally, Abalan represented the United States as an Assistant Coach at the World Junior A Championships on 3 different occasions. His teams won the gold medal in 2013 and 2018 and a bronze medal in 2019.
“We are very happy for Mark to become the head coach for the Tri-city Storm in the USHL” said Northstar Interim Director, Dallas Steward. “Mark’s influence and leadership will greatly impact the Storm organization. We are thankful for Mark’s 3 years at Northstar, developing talented young men and serving the Lord.”
The 2024-25 USHL schedule has not been officially released yet but games will begin in late September.