AUSTIN, Minn. – The Austin Bruins are proud to announce that Goaltending Coach and former Bruins player Nick Lehr has accepted the position of Goalie Director with the Beijing Junior Kings in Beijing, China.
Lehr, 26, spent last season behind the bench for the Bruins working with and developing the team’s goaltenders. During his single year, both primary goaltenders Kyle McClellan and Brett Miller committed to playing collegiate hockey at an NCAA Division-I school. During the 2018-19 season, the Bruins goaltenders averaged a 2.66 Goals Against Average, with a .896 save percentage, and five shutouts.
Prior to joining the Bruins in a coaching capacity, Lehr played four seasons at the University of Minnesota where he graduated in 2018 with a degree in Business and Marketing Education. The Roseville, MN, native is the most decorated goaltender in Austin Bruins history having played three years in a Bruins uniform between 2012 and 2014. He currently holds team records in appearances, minutes, fewest goals allowed and wins in a season. He was also awarded to the NAHL All Central team for his efforts during the 2013-14 campaign.
“We are all very thankful for having Nick Lehr as our goalie coach,” said Bruins Head Coach Steve Howard. “He did a wonderful job and we wish him even more success with his new job in China.”
In his new role of Goalie Director, Lehr will help develop goaltender talent in China as part of a global initiative set forth by the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings. The program is the first of any kind for an NHL team in China and aims to create interest and excitement about the sport of hockey to China’s youth.
“It is an opportunity I felt I couldn’t pass up.,” said Lehr. “Obviously, I want to thank the town of Austin and the Bruins organization for supporting me and I will definitely be keeping tabs on the B’s as this year goes on! Good luck and Go Bruins.”
The Bruins have already identified and found a goaltending coach to replace Lehr and an announcement is expected in the near future.
The 10th Anniversary Bruins season gets underway in September and the Bruins want you along for the ride. The first preseason game of the season is on Friday, September 6 at Riverside Arena against the Aberdeen Wings with tickets as low as $5. Austin will host their second preseason game on Friday, September 13 against the Minnesota Magicians. Season tickets and 10-game packs are still available and can be had by calling the Bruins front office at 507-434-4978.
