AUSTIN, Minn. – The Austin Bruins of the North American Hockey League have announced the hiring of Kenny Orlando as the team’s new Assistant Coach.
Orlando, 26, arrives in Austin with three years of collegiate coaching experience beginning as an assistant coach in 2016-17 at Temple University (ACHA II). After a one year stint with Temple, he moved across town and took the head coaching job with Villanova University (ACHA) and served as bench-boss for the past two seasons. As Head Coach of the Villanova Icecats, Orlando accrued a 33-29-3 record with back-to-back postseason appearances including a trip to the ECHA Championship in his first year at the helm.
“We are excited to have Kenny join our staff,” said Bruins Head Coach and President of Hockey Operations Steve Howard. “He was recommended to me by a friend and he’s been doing a great job from the moment he got here.”
The Chalfont, PA, native played college hockey at SUNY-Canton (NCAA III) but only competed in a handful of games before a career-ending injury opened the door to coaching. The former-forward will add offensive insight to Howard’s coaching staff.
“Kenny brings a lot of things to the table with his video background, coaching skills, training, and work ethic. We plan to have him working with the Bruins forwards and power play units this season,” elaborated Howard.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Bruins organization and included in a community that’s so passionate about hockey,” said Orlando. “It’s exciting to work with quality hockey players who aspire to further their careers. My goal is to expand on the Bruins continued success of placing players in NCAA programs and into the pros.”
Orlando will join Bruins’ Head Coach Steve Howard in his third year as Austin begins their 10th Anniversary season in September. Up first for the black-and-gold is the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, MN, beginning on September 18. Following the Showcase and two games on the road in Aberdeen, SD, the Bruins host their first home game of the regular season on Friday, October 4 at 7:05 P.M when they welcome the Aberdeen Wings to Riverside Arena.
Season tickets are available now through the Bruins front office while 10-game ticket packs will be available in September. To get your season tickets or to reserve a 10-game pack, call the Bruins front office at 507-434-4978.
