RALSTON, NE – The Omaha Lancers have named Chadd Cassidy as its new Head Coach and General Manager replacing David Wilkie, who stepped down earlier to pursue other opportunities.
For the past 5 years, Cassidy coached the Northwood School in Lake Placid, NY to a 211-56-19 record, including a New York State championship and a bronze medal at the national tournament. Prior to Northwood, Cassidy was the head coach of the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League for 3 years and an assistant for one year. Cassidy led the Americans to the AHL playoffs three times during his tenure. Prior to the Americans, Cassidy served as an assistant coach for the United States National Development Team Program for five years, during which time the team won 2 gold medals and a silver medal. A native of Lake Placid, NY, and the youngest ever inductee to the New York State Coaches Hall of Fame, Cassidy will relocate to Omaha with his wife Tara, son Sheldon and daughter Ireland.
“I am honored and excited to be the next Head Coach and General Manager of the Omaha Lancers. The rich history and tradition of the Lancers organization speaks for itself. My family and I can’t wait to get started and are looking forward to becoming part of the Lancer family”, said Cassidy.
“Chadd Cassidy is the right person to lead our storied franchise on the ice. His consistent success at the professional level, with younger players, and with the U.S. National program in our league is the perfect fit”, said David DeLuca, president of the Omaha Lancers. “We are thankful for Coach Wilkie’s tireless work ethic and his many contributions to the Omaha Lancers over the past 4 years, but at the same time we are extremely grateful and honored to welcome Coach Cassidy”.
During Coach Wilkie’s 4 years with the Omaha Lancers, he posted a record of 123 wins, 78 losses and 24 post-regulation losses, for a winning percentage of .600. After finishing in second place in the Western Conference of the USHL for 2020-21, the Omaha Lancers will open their 2021-22 season in Pittsburgh at the USHL Fall Classic on September 23.
