Apr 23, 2018
The Rochester Grizzlies have their head man.
New Head Coach – Casey Mignone
Casey Mignone has college and professional playing experience and college coaching experience.
Now he’ll lead the Grizzlies into their first season in the North American 3 Hockey League — and their first under the ownership of Austin Bruins owners Craig Patrick and Mike Cooper.
“Also, having an ownership group with a proven track record of running a first-class organization is something that will greatly help our players.”
The Bruins, who play in the Tier II North American Hockey League, will open play in the Central Division Finals this weekend. But starting in the 2018-19 season, the Grizzlies and Bruins will work hand-in-hand.
Mignone (pronounced Migg-noan) comes to the Grizzlies after two seasons as an assistant coach at NCAA Division III Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I.
He is a native of Ramsey, N.J., and was the captain of the Ramsey High School team for two seasons. Mignone played Division III college hockey at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pa., and at Westfield State University in Westfield, Mass. He also played golf at Westfield State.
“We’re excited to have Casey on board as our head coach,” Cooper said. “We love his work ethic and NCAA connections, and with his playing experience, we think he brings a lot to the table with the ability to teach the game.”
He also played part of the 2011-12 season in Australia, with the Sydney IceDogs.
Mignone began his coaching career as the head coach at Montclair Kimberley Academy in Montclair, N.J., in the 2015-16 season, prior to accepting the job at Johnson & Wales.
He joins Rochester native Mike Aikens on the Grizzlies coaching staff. Aikens was introduced as the team’s assistant coach last week.
“We look forward to putting together a hard-nosed, fast-paced team that plays physical and hounds pucks all over the ice,” Mignone said. “Although the game has evolved to the point where speed and pace is essential, we will still take pride in playing a physical brand of hockey. We have a great model to build on in watching the Bruins.”
The Grizzlies have announced five tenders so far, all with local ties. They are Waseca’s Jackson Priebe and Peter Meyer, and Austin High’s Dylan Svoboda, Bryar Flanders and Kory Potach. All five of the tendered players are forwards.