Zangs tabbed head coach in Albert Lea

The Albert Lea Thunder has announced that Brad Zangs has been named the team’s new head coach.

“We’re excited to have a person of Brad’s character, experience and strong track record of development lead our team in its inaugural season,” said Thunder president Barry Soskin.  “He’ll be a tremendous asset to our organization, both in terms of leading our team on the ice and in the community.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Zangs.  “Albert Lea is a tremendous hockey community and I’m looking forward to developing every one of our student-athletes into first-class athletes, as well as first-class citizens.”

Zangs last served as an assistant coach at Simley High School (Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) during the 2007-08 season.

He has also coached at Iowa State University, where he guided the Cyclones to an American Collegiate Hockey Association national championship, as well as Hamline University and Northland College.

Zangs, who has coached more than 40 Division I players and 15 players who were taken in the NHL Entry Draft, also coached the Butte Irish in the American West Hockey League.

Zangs also led the Northwest Wisconsin Knights of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League as the team’s head coach and general manager.

Brian Murphy will remain the Thunder’s assistant coach.