Windigo Promote Casey Kirley to Associate Head Coach
The Wisconsin Windigo, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are pleased to announce the promotion of Assistant Coach Casey Kirley to the position of Associate Head Coach.
Kirley, a native of Hayward, WI, is in his second season as assistant coach of the Windigo. He has served as the team’s assistant coach since its inception when the Copper Island Hockey Club acquired the Minnesota Magicians on March 16, 2022. Kirley had just concluded his first season as the assistant coach of the Magicians when he joined the Windigo. Kirley was instrumental in the successful transition of the team from Richfield, MN, to their new home in Eagle River, WI. Prior to his tenure with the Magicians, Casey served as an assistant coach for two seasons with the NAHL Shreveport Mudbugs. He was a vital contributor to the coaching staff of their Robertson Cup championship team in 2018. He was an assistant coach for Trine University in 2019-2020 and coached for three seasons as an assistant in the NA3HL. As a player, Kirley spent parts of two seasons in the NAHL and concluded his playing career after four seasons at the University of Wisconsin – Stout.
“Casey has been an invaluable partner in contributing to the success we’ve realized to date with the Windigo. His influence in navigating the transition from Minesota to Eagle River was invaluable. He assumed many responsibilities and has been an exceptional leader. His coaching skills were key to our winning the Midwest Division regular season championship last season. Casey’s knowledge of the players and the NAHL, coupled with his ability to get the best out of young players, will continue to benefit our team and the athletes he coaches,” offered Windigo Head Coach Blake Hietala.
About the Wisconsin Windigo: The Wisconsin Windigo is a Tier 2 Junior A hockey team committed to excellence in junior hockey player development. The Windigo are in the midst of their second season in the NAHL, calling the Dome in Eagle River, WI, their home. The mission of the team is to help hockey players and coaches realize their full potential and advance in their careers. For more information regarding the Wisconsin Windigo contact: info@wisconsinjuniorhockey.com or visit www.wisconsinjuniorhockey.com.
About the North American Hockey League: The NAHL, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 32 teams from across the United States, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey. During the 2022-23 season, the NAHL recorded 380 NCAA commitments, which also included 260 (69%) NCAA Division I commitments. It marked the seventh straight year the NAHL has had over 300+ commitments in a season. In addition, 38% of all NCAA Division I freshmen played in the NAHL and seven players with NAHL ties were selected in the 2023 NHL Draft. For more information, visit www.nahl.com.