Canton native Joe Bonnett named new USA Hockey ADM regional manager

September 2, 2014 MiHockey Staff

From the Colorado College official website

By @MichaelCaples –

USA Hockey announced today a new addition to their American Development Model regional manager staff, and he’s a product of Michigan.

Canton native Joe Bonnett, a longtime assistant coach for Colorado College, will bring more than 20 years of hockey coaching experience to his new role with USA Hockey.

“Player development has always been a passion for me, going back to my first experiences as a coach, and I’m excited for the opportunity to have a positive impact on American hockey as a whole with USA Hockey,” Bonnett said in a press release. “I’m not only a firm believer in age-appropriate skill-development from a philosophical standpoint, I’ve seen the benefits of it as kids make their way into the higher levels of hockey.”

Bonnett spent 14 seasons with the CC Tigers, helping lead them to three Western Collegiate Hockey Association titles, seven NCAA tournament appearances, and one trip to the Frozen Four. During his time in Colorado, the Tigers produced 16 All-American selections and two Hobey Baker winners.

“Joe has a tremendous amount of experience, knowledge and passion for player development, and he’ll be a major asset to our staff and to youth hockey associations throughout the country,” said Kevin McLaughlin, senior director of hockey development for USA Hockey, in the release.

Prior to coaching at CC, Bonnett spent four seasons with the Miami RedHawks program, serving as an assistant coach. He coached peewee and midget teams in Kalamazoo before making the jump to the NCAA level, while also serving as a middle school teacher and girls volleyball coach in Galesburg, Mich. He also spent one season as an associate head coach of the Kalamazoo K-Wings in the NAHL, guiding them to a national tournament appearance.

As a player, Bonnett was a four-year letterwinner at Western Michigan, playing forward and serving as an assistant captain his senior season. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. He also earned a master’s degree in sport studies at Miami.