Russo returning to Texas as Amarillo head coach

Staff report

AMARILLO, TEXAS

Canfield High School graduate Rocky Russo is returning to the Lone Star State’s Amarillo Bulls of the North American Hockey League, this time as head coach.

From 2010-13, Russo was an assistant coach for the Bulls under Head Coach Dennis Williams. The team in those three seasons had a record of 153-41-20. The Bulls made three consecutive trips to the Robertson Cup National Tournament, winning in 2013.

“It’s a humbling feeling to have the opportunity to be the head coach of such as prestigious organization,” Russo said Friday. “With the ties that I have to the organization and the Amarillo community I thought it was a great fit.

“We are looking forward to do our best to getting Amarillo back to the level of prominence that is expected to our fans, community and CSH Organization.”

During the past four years, Russo was the head coach of the Philly Little Flyers of the Eastern Hockey League. His teams went 159-34-14-3 and advanced to two consecutive league finals.

The Little Flyers were back-to-back-to-back regular season champions, and four-time EHL South Division Champions. This past season the Little Flyers won a record 30 games in a row and had a 33-game point streak. Russo was selected twice as EHL Coach of the Year.

“Obviously anytime you have the opportunity get extended head coaching experience that it helps to build character and decision making skills,” Russo said of his four years in Philadelphia. “It allowed me to take control of the organization from all parts.

“The Eastern Hockey League is extremely well run and that I was able to improve my necessary skill sets.”

Russo played his college hockey at Kent State University, where he graduated from in 2005 with a degree in business management. His junior hockey coaching career began as an assistant with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms.

He also waa an assistant with the NAHL’s St. Louis Bandits.

Rick Matchett, Bulls vice-president and general manager, called Friday an exciting day for the Bulls.

“Rocky did an amazing job when he was here before and he’s had great success with the Flyers that we believe will continue in Amarillo for the ‘17-18 season.”