The Minnesota Magicians of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) have announced that Tom Upton has been named Head Coach and General Manager. Upton served as an assistant coach with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) during the 2013-2104 season.
“The Minnesota Magicians are excited to have Coach Upton leading our team into the franchise’s second season in the NAHL”, said Minnesota Magicians President Scott Meyer. “We believe Tom brings great experience and excitement to our players and community.”
Prior to coaching in Cedar Rapids Upton was an assistant coach at his alma-mater, UW-Stevens Point. “I am very excited and honored to be the Head Coach and General Manager of the Magicians. I would like to thank the Magicians for giving me this great opportunity. We want this organization to be one of the premiere programs in not only the North American Hockey League, but in junior hockey. Our focus will be to bring in great people who strive to get better every single day and develop young men into not only great hockey players but great people as well. Our goal is to provide our players, fans and everyone involved with the Magicians a great experience, and we have the resources in the Twin Cities to do just that.”
In addition to his coaching experience at the junior and collegiate levels, Upton played in the NAHL with the Central Texas Blackhawks, Helena Bighorns, and Mahoning Valley Phantoms. Upton played more than 130 games over the course of a three year junior hockey career. After his time in the NAHL, Upton played collegiately and was captain at UW-Stevens Point. He also played professionally with the Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern professional Hockey League (SPHL).
A native of Austin Texas, Upton graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and Wellness. Most recently, he earned a Master’s Degree in Education of Athletes while serving as Assistant Coach/Strength and Conditioning Coach at the university.
