Rooney Promoted To Lone Star

Jun 21, 2016

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX – NYTEX Sports Co-Owner Frank Trazzera announced Wednesday that Texas Jr. Brahmas Head Coach Al Rooney has been promoted to full-time Assistant Coach of the North American Hockey League’s Lone Star Brahmas.

Rooney, who led the NA3HL affiliate to a 61-24-9 record and two playoff appearances in two seasons, additionally took the team to its first Silver Cup appearance this past spring.

“I’m very excited about this new position.  It's been nice to have served as goalie coach with the 'big' club these past two seasons, but this bigger role is something I've been anxious to get the opportunity to do,” Rooney expressed.  “Working alongside Dan will be an absolute pleasure and I know I have big shoes to fill, but I'm confident that we will succeed and have another outstanding team and season in Brahmaland.”

Head Coach Dan Wildfong is embracing the new face beside him on the bench, despite a highly successful 102-57-21 record with Jeff Potter as his assistant the past three years.

“Al’s done a great job with the NA3 program, and there’s so many reasons as to why I’m excited to be working with him.  He’s really knowledgeable with the game of hockey and I think he’s going to be great at the North American Hockey League level and even beyond that,” Wildfong said of the promotion.

The Texas Jr. Brahmas had four players called up to the NAHL last season, as a part of the NA3HL’s record advancement year.  On top of those four, Lone Star tendered Jr. Brahmas captain Brock Brown for the 2016-17 season.

“I'm looking forward to coaching in a tougher league with better players.  There are no 'nights off' in the NAHL schedule so I'm excited about this new challenge and rising to the occasion alongside Coach Wildfong to keep the Brahmas amongst the elite in the league,” Rooney continued on his new role.  “Recruiting and placements are in a whole different level as well, it's a much bigger and complicated picture but in a good way.  I feel confident and excited about everything, and I can't wait for the season to start.”

Rooney will still remain active among the NA3 program, however in a more of an assistant role.  He will assume his North American Hockey League coaching duties immediately, including with this weekend’s Open Camp.  For more information on the 16-17 season and the further coaching changes, be sure to stay tuned to the “Lone Star Brahmas” on Facebook and “@LoneStarBrahmas” on Twitter.