MLN Newswire - Hoffman Estates, Ill. (October 5, 2006) – Coach Greg Puhalski and Chicagoland Sports President Brett Vickers announced Thursday morning the hiring of Steve Cromie as Assistant Coach. As a prominent fixture in Illinois hockey and a leader in hockey community, the Hounds are thrilled to bring Cromie aboard to guide this new team in its inaugural season. Cromie’s developmental style of coaching will serve as an asset to the entire team this season.
Most recently, as head coach for the Northern Illinois Huskies Men’s Hockey Team, Cromie has served as a driving force for amateur hockey in Illinois. From organizing and promotion of teams and tournaments to coaching, Steve Cromie has contributed to the popularity and growth of Illinois hockey. Cromie’s passion and reputation were recognized by the Hounds in their decision to name him Assistant Coach for this season.
“Steve brings enthusiasm and focus to the Hounds program,” said President Brett Vickers, adding, “he has done so much to bring awareness and opportunity to local hockey programs. His coaching style is exactly what the UHL seeks to achieve in developing players and teams. We are thrilled to have someone with Cromie’s integrity and reputation on board as a coach.”
Prior to coaching at NIU, Cromie served as head coach for Midget AA Red Wings Hockey in Barrington (IL) and as assistant coach for the North American Hockey League’s (NAHL) Chicago Freeze. With the Can/Am Hockey Group, Cromie supervised youth and adult hockey tournaments, as well as planned, organized, and promoted hockey camps.
Cromie’s enthusiasm for hockey developed from his own love of playing the sport. Professionally, he was an All-American in the East Coast and Pacific Coast Leagues. He played Senior A hockey with the Chicago Chargers for 5 years, where he also helped the team win a National Championship. And in college, Cromie played both football and hockey for the Iowa State Cyclones (Ames, IA).
“I am excited about the opportunity to coach at this level and work with the caliber of talent on this team,” said Cromie upon accepting the position as Assistant Coach with the Chicago Hounds. He added, “I’m looking forward to coaching with Greg Puhalski and bringing great hockey to a new state-of-the art venue. My goal is to help make this team as successful as it can be and bring a winning season to the Chicagoland area.”
Steve Cromie currently resides in Streamwood, IL with his wife Lori and two sons. Collin Cromie, 7, playes Mite AA hockey in Barrington and Brendan, 3, is a hockey star in the making.