Steve Howard to Nashville
The North American 3 Hockey League coach-of-the-year for the 2013-2014 season has a new gig.
Steve Howard, who piloted the erstwhile Flint Jr. Generals to a 42-4-2 record and the NA3HL East Division regular-season and playoff crowns, is off to Nashville.
The yet-be-named Nashville entry will make its debut in the NA3HL’s South Division effective the 2014-2015 campaign.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity in Nashville. The community has really grown to appreciate the game behind the success and hard work of the Nashville Predators (of the National Hockey League) and we hope to be an extension of that, exposing them to a entirely new level of hockey,” said Howard.
“The club is under some great leadership with Tim McAllister and JP Dumont who are committed to making this new venture a success,” Howard continued. “I love the challenge of starting from scratch and going to a new spot, and I think that will be a vision that is shared by the type of players we are looking for to fill a roster.”
The new NA3HL team in Nashville is owned by the aforementioned McAllister and Dumont along with Brad Guzda.
To be sure, Dumont does not need much of an introduction.
Playoffs included, the Montreal-born Dumont played in close to 900 NHL games as a productive forward with Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres and Nashville.
The now 36-year old Dumont left the Predators franchise in 2011 as their fifth all-time scoring leader with 267 points in 388 games.
Dumont, the retired NHLer and now NA3HL part-owner, is impressed with his coach, the 35-year old Howard, who hails from Burton, Michigan.
“I was really impressed with Steve’s passion for the game and for the league. He brings a track record of experience and success to the organization, he understands how to recruit and we feel confident that he can do some great things here in Nashville with our club,” said Dumont. “This is an exciting new venture for all of us who have been in Nashville and watch the sport grow. It will be a team and a level that our youth hockey players can look up and aspire to and I think people will be excited to see a level of hockey they haven’t seen before.”
The NA3HL South Division, which featured the Dallas Jr. Stars, Sugar Land Imperials and Topeka Capitals in 2013-2014 has been expanded to six teams for the 2014-2015 campaign with the addition of Nashville, the Point Mallard Ducks and the Texas Brahmas.
When do you expect tryouts to begin.
Playing for Steve Howard has been the best experience I have had as a player. His knowledge for the game is unbelieveable he taught me more in two years about the game more than anybody else has In 18 years of hockey. He is a total professional who works with his players and his dedication to the game is unexplainable. He makes you look forward coming to the rink everyday and practicing. Best of luck Next year I hope you guys destroy the south.
Coach Howard did a great job with the Junior Gens and also with helping out with the Warriors on a occasion.
I know a few of the players on the Flint Junior Gens and they loved playing for Steve.
Sad that there are no more Junior Gens but best of Luck to Coach Howie.
Best of luck to you in Nashville Coach Steve Howard! You are # 1 in my Books as Coach and a person.
Best of Luck Coach from Tony fan of the Warriors and the Generals.