Providence College alum Derek Army is the new assistant coach for the Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL, the organization announced Friday. Army played for the Friars from 2010-14 before embarking on a four-year minor pro career that included stints with the Nailers as well as a couple of organizations in the AHL. The North Kingston,...
Providence College alum Derek Army is the new assistant coach for the Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL, the organization announced Friday.
Army played for the Friars from 2010-14 before embarking on a four-year minor pro career that included stints with the Nailers as well as a couple of organizations in the AHL. The North Kingston, R.I., native played high school hockey for Moses Brown and prep school hockey for Gunnery.
After retiring from his playing career following the 2017-18 season, Army spent parts of the past two seasons as an assistant coach for the ECHL’s Worcester Railers.
Army, 29, comes from quite a hockey family. His father, Tim Army, is head coach of the Iowa Wild in the AHL. His father, also a Providence alum, was head coach of the Friars from 2005 through 2011.
His grandfather, Tom Army, played for the Friars and his uncle, Bill Army, was a standout player at Boston College. His brother, Travis Army, played at Stonehill and is currently an assistant coach at Lawrence Academy.
Bad news for Merrimack?
Merrimack College could be close to losing a top recruit after news came out that ’03 Steven LaForme’s rights were traded in the Ontario Hockey League.
Laforme, who verbally committed to Merrimack in January, was drafted by the North Bay Battalion in the fifth round of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. On Tuesday, his rights were traded from North Bay to the Ottawa 67’s.
Why is this bad news for Merrimack? The 67’s are a far more desirable franchise than the Battalion. It’s not definitive that LaForme will choose the major junior route now that his rights have been traded. However, a source with knowledge of the situation said it’s a concerning development for the Warriors.
LaForme and Dexter Southfield center Matt Copponi are considered two very good recruits for Merrimack’s 2003-born recruiting class. Also committed in the age group is New Jersey Rockets 16-U defenseman Michael Rubin.
