GENEVA, ILLINOIS — The Carolina Hurricanes today announced the signing of Brock Sheahan to lead their American Hockey League affiliate as Chicago Wolves Head Coach. Steel General Manager Mike Garman has been named Head Coach for the 2022-2023 season and assumes the dual role of Head Coach and General Manager, effective immediately.
Sheahan leaves the Steel as the winningest head coach in the history of the organization, compiling a career record of 108-30-12-3 including the postseason. Under his direction, the Steel captured the Anderson Cup (regular season title) in back-to-back seasons in 2020 and 2021 before Sheahan led the team to the second Clark Cup championship in team history in 2021.
Sheahan, a native of Lethbridge, Alberta, was hired by the Steel prior to the 2018-2019 season as an assistant coach before being elevated to Associate Head Coach before the 2019-2020 campaign. Following former Steel head coach Greg Moore's ascension to the AHL as Toronto Marlies Head Coach on Dec. 1, 2019, Sheahan took over as Head Coach of the Steel, promptly winning his first 12 games and finishing the shortened season with a 26-3-0-0 mark (.897 win percentage).
"Brock Sheahan brought passion, purpose, joy and professionalism to the rink each day, driving the success of our franchise and elevating the capabilities of our players," said Steel owner Larry Robbins. "While we are sad to see him depart, we celebrate his ascension to become an AHL head coach and congratulate the Carolina Hurricanes organization on hiring a coach of enormous skill, impeccable character and boundless energy."
During his four total seasons behind the Steel bench, Sheahan coached a total of 26 NHL Draft picks to date with four first round selections, most notably Owen Power, the 2021 #1 overall selection by the Buffalo Sabres. Among his additional accolades, the University of Notre Dame alum served as a head coach in the 2022 BioSteel All-American Game, a showcase of top American-born prospects eligible for the 2022 NHL Draft.
"I want to thank Larry Robbins and the entire Steel Family for the last four years," said Sheahan. "It has been a privilege to coach the premier junior hockey organization in the world, and I am so grateful to have worked with such amazing players and staff. The Steel will always be a special place for me and my family, and has had a profoundly positive impact on our lives. Leaving such a special place is not easy, but knowing the strength of character and talent in the staff and management, I am certain that the Steel will have continued success this coming season and beyond."
Mike Garman becomes the 14th head coach in Steel history. From 2017-2021, Garman served as an Assistant Coach and was named Associate Head Coach prior to the 2020-2021 season. He helped lead the team to Eastern Conference titles in 2019 and 2021, Anderson Cup titles in 2020 and 2021 and a Clark Cup championship in 2021. Garman was promoted to the role of General Manager after former Steel GM Ryan Hardy was hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs following the 2020-2021 season.
"Mike Garman is a brilliant hockey mind and has meaningfully contributed to our style of play that emphasizes possession, skill development and creativity," said Robbins. "His five years with us as bench coach, goalie coach, strategist, general manager, mentor and culture carrier provide an unmatched foundation for Mike to lead this group of very talented young players in their accelerated individual development and their relentless pursuit of a championship season in 2022-23."
A native of Vail, Colo., Garman began his tenure with Chicago prior to the 2017-2018 season assisting in all aspects of coaching, including working with the team's goaltenders. The former netminder played college hockey for Cornell University (ECAC) before embarking on a three-year professional career, including stops in the ECHL, CHL, Get Ligan (Norway), Division I (Sweden), and Magnus League (France). He played junior hockey for the Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL) and Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL).
"We're thrilled for Brock and his family and can't wait to watch his continued success with the Hurricanes organization," said Garman. "I'm excited to return to coaching and feel so fortunate to have such a great staff in place to make this a seamless transition."
Garman will maintain his responsibilities as General Manager while taking on the head coaching duties for the 2022-2023 season. He will be joined behind the bench by Matt Deschamps, Derek Whitmore, and Karel Popper, all of whom return to the Steel after helping guide last year's team to a regular season conference championship. During the offseason, the Steel added Mike Fazio as Associate Director of Player Enhancement who will work under the guidance of Director of Player Enhancement Adam Nicholas, leading player skill development.
"We are a developmental organization from top to bottom," said Steel President Dan Lehv. "With that in mind, we recognize the importance of building a deep bench to prepare for days like today. As we celebrate Brock's ascension to the AHL, we're proud to be able to ensure continuity for our players based on the strength of our 2022-2023 staff and the foundation that Brock, Mike and many others have helped lay."
The Steel begin the 2022-2023 season on Thursday, September 22 at the Dick's Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic in Cranberry Township, PA. Prior to the Fall Classic, the Steel will play four preseason games including three at Fox Valley Ice Arena, September 10, 16 and 17.
Single game tickets are on sale now by calling 855-51-STEEL, purchasing at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com or visiting the Steel box office at Fox Valley Ice Arena during business hours. Starting this season, all Steel tickets are now digital. To learn more, visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
Season ticket plans starting at 5 games for just $50 and group tickets and experiences are on sale now by calling 855-51-STEEL or emailing info@ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
Chicago Steel Preseason Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Friday, September 9 at Muskegon Lumberjacks (PRESEASON) (6:10 pm CT)
Saturday, September 10 vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks (PRESEASON) (7:05 pm CT)
Friday, September 16 vs. Youngstown Phantoms (PRESEASON) (7:05 pm CT)
Saturday, September 17 vs. Youngstown Phantoms (PRESEASON) (7:05 pm CT)
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