KRTV (CBS Affiliate): Americans Assistant Walsh: An American On and Off the Ice
By Brenna Greene, brenna@krtv.com (MTN/KRTV Sports Reporter)
February 2, 2016
"He disappears into the ground for a couple day at a time here and there," said Great Falls Americans Head Coach Jeff Heimel. "But he does a good job and he's able to manage his schedule well."
Mike Walsh is not exactly your typical hockey coach.
"Surprisingly there wasn't much push back," said Walsh. "Luckily the people I work with have done a great job of being able to help with my schedule so I can make it to games and practices."
Walsh is a member of the Air Force, but he's a lot more than that, as he played for Air Force's hockey team.
Having a coach that participated in Division I hockey is a huge help for the current Great Falls Americans players who all want to achieve that goal.
"It helps a lot because he knows exactly what he's talking about since he's been there, so he kind of gives you an idea of what the next level is like," said forward Wade Wylie. Watch Video/Read More>
About the Coach:
Assistant Coach/Defensive Coach
Assistant Coach/Defensive Coach
Mike Walsh
Mike Walsh will be entering his first season with the Great Falls Americans.
Mike grew up playing the game of hockey and is now transitioning that into a coaching career. Mike grew up in Chicago, Illinois playing hockey for Team Illinois AAA Hockey Team. From there he spent three seasons with the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League where he was the captain for two seasons.
After a successful junior hockey career, Mike moved on to playing Division I at the United States Air Force Academy. While at the Academy, Mike was a pivotal member of two AHA conference championship teams making the NCAA tournament multiple times.
Now serving in the United States Air Force at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Mike looks to be a fundamental member of the Americans coaching staff.
