Pat Mikesch named coach, GM of USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers

By Michael Caples – 

Hancock, Mich., native Pat Mikesch is taking another step in his coaching career.

The Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League announced today that they are promoting Mikesch to fill their vacancy at the head coach and general manager role for the Junior A club.

Mikesch, who was the team’s associate head coach and director of player personnel, replaces Derek Lalonde, who is the new Toledo Walleye (ECHL) head coach.

Mikesch, who played for Michigan Tech from 1992-96 and then served as an assistant coach for the Huskies from 2004-2011, impressed as head coach of the United States U17 team that won three straight golds at the Five Nations Cup (2011, 2012 and 2013). Mikesch coached them to a perfect 15-0-0 record during the timeframe.

“After developing for 10 years as an assistant coach, I feel I am ready for this challenge and excited for the opportunity to represent this outstanding organization as its head coach,” Mikesch said in a release from the Gamblers. “I’ve worked toward this goal and for it to happen in a great sports community like Green Bay makes it all the more rewarding.”

Green Bay has competed in the USHL since 1994. Notable alumni include Michigan natives Austin Czarnik, Scott Czarnowczan, Sheldon Dries, Matt Greene and Nicholas Schilkey, among others.

“Pat has all of the key attributes that we’ve defined as necessary for the continued success of the hockey team,” said Gamblers President Brendan Bruss in the release. “The fact that he’s been here for the past three seasons as associate head coach makes him all the more ready to lead the team.”

Mikesch played eight years of professional hockey after his time with the Huskies (he is ranked seventh all-time in MTU scoring with 169 points). He competed in the AHL, IHL, ECHL and in Germany during his professional career.