Cody Campbell is returning to Colorado Springs where it all started for him.

The newly-hired head coach of the Colorado Springs Amateur Hockey 16U AAA team, Campbell grew up playing goal in the organization and eventually, wound up playing NCAA Division I hockey at Niagara University after a solid junior career in the United States Hockey League (USHL).

In 2015-16, Campbell served as an assistant coach with the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and the season prior, was in the same role with the NAHL’s Odessa Jackalopes.

“I learned a ton under both Joe Dibble in Janesville and Greg Gatto in Odessa,” explained Campbell. “Greg gave me my start in this business and I learned how to be a professional from him. Joe taught me the importance of trust within the organization between the staff, between the players, and between the players and the staff. I can’t thank those two guys enough for their mentorship.”

“I’m personally proud of the job he’s done this year,” added Dibble. “Wins and losses aside, with Cody’s help, we’ve been able to land nine kids Division I deals. Cody’s capacity for mentorship will translate out in Colorado, and I know he’ll do great things.”

The 24-year-old Campbell is now back home and ready to get started.

“Building upon the rich tradition of success and player advancement is what I look forward to the most,” Campbell said. “I am honored to be able to come back and coach a program that put me on the map as a player. I had such an incredible experience as a Miner and I want our players to be able to say the same thing when they move on from our program to junior hockey.”

— Matt Mackinder