Cody Campbell is just 29 years old but fast moving up the junior hockey coaching ranks.

Last week, the Colorado Springs native was named the head coach and general manager for the NAHL’s Minot Minotauros after two seasons with the EHL’s Walpole Express.

“Minot has been a top organization in the NAHL for a long time now,” Campbell said. “The combination of the support from the owner, Mr. Porter, the facilities, the support and passion of the Minot community and the reputation of the organization has made Minot a destination for players hoping to continue their development and pursuit of playing NCAA hockey. I cannot express how excited I am to have the opportunity to be a part of the Tauros.”

Previously, Campbell coached with the NAHL’s Odessa Jackalopes and Janesville Jets and USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and served as a scout with the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints. He was chosen EHL Coach of the Year in 2020 and in 2015-16, coached the Colorado Springs Tigers’ 16U AAA team.

During his playing days, Campbell was a goaltender in the USHL for the RoughRiders and Fargo Force before an NCAA Division I career at Niagara University.

Over his two seasons as Walpole’s coach, Campbell complied a 54-23-7 record. 

Outside of the impressive win mark that Campbell put together, the numbers that really stand out during his time in the EHL were his advancement totals. In just two seasons, Campbell helped 27 players make their NCAA commitments, and helped two other players earn their own opportunities in the NAHL.

Keeping with the Colorado connections, Campbell’s 2020-21 assistant coach, Josh Holmstrom, a Colorado Springs native himself, takes over as Walpole’s head coach.

Aside from his own hard work, Campbell attributes the head coaches he has worked with in the past for influencing his coaching style.

“Matt Cressman, Greg Gatto, Joe Dibble, and Mark Carlson all had huge impacts on my growth as a coach,” Campbell said. “I am grateful for the experience each of them allowed me to gain.”

Campbell becomes the third coach in EHL history to advance from the EHL to the NAHL, joining Rocky Russo (Philadelphia Little Flyers – Amarillo Bulls) and Craig Doremus (New York Bobcats – New Jersey Titans).

“I just want to thank the entire Express organization, Rob and Chrissy Barletta and Todd Stirling for giving me my first opportunity as a head coach at the junior level and support they gave me in coaching this team,” said Campbell. “Todd was an incredible mentor and friend over the last two and a half years and words cannot express how grateful I am that he was by my side during my time in Walpole. I must thank all the players that have played for us these last two seasons. Without their commitment to our culture and the trust they showed in my vision, this opportunity would not have come along for my family and I.

“Most importantly, I want to thank my wife Jessica for her unwavering support to allow me to continue to chase my dream while being an incredible mother to our daughter Keaton. We couldn’t be more excited to immerse ourselves in the Minot community.”

Photo/Minot Minotauros

(September 15, 2021)