HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — After training camp on Saturday, October 15, the Huntsville Havoc and the Southern Professional Hockey League join the rest of the hockey world to begin their seasons. But in advance of the new year, they had a major announcement to make at their media day.
Head coach Glenn Detulleo announced he will retire from coaching at the end of this season and move into the front office as the team's new executive general manager.
Detulleo, in his 11th year at the helm, is the longest-tenured and winningest coach in franchise history. He’s been the face of the program since his playing days, when he was the team’s player-coach. He even took over as the team’s head coach after a six-game stint as an interim coach in the 2012 season.
Under his direction, the Havoc have won two SPHL titles
Current assistant coach Stuart Stefan is the coach-in-waiting and will take over starting next season. Detulleo is excited about retirement but he also understands that there's work to be done on the ice this season.
"I'm really excited to get my toes in some of that and learn a whole different part of the business and, you know, running an organization and those kinds of things,” he said at the team’s media day. “It's not like I'm going to forget how to coach. But that being said, you know, Stu's coming in and I mean, he's ready right now. So he's got somebody coming in that is going to be phenomenal.”
“I have learned so much from Glenn and I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity.” Stefan said in a team release. “I’m excited to get to work and continue the winning tradition here in Huntsville.”
Like his current boss, Stefan moved behind the bench to coaching after time sitting on it as a player.
During his seven-year playing career with the Havoc, Stefan scored 84 goals and accrued 164 assists (248 total points) with a career plus-minus of +12 for Huntsville. He was also a part of the team’s two most recent championships as a player as well as a coach.
The team begins a four-day training camp this Saturday from 3:30-5:15 at the Huntsville Ice Sports Center. Sessions are free and open to the public.
Key Dates
October 15 - 1st day of training camp
Oct. 20 - Opening day @ Pensacola Ice Flyers (Pensacola Bay Center) @ 7:05 pm CDT
Oct. 25 - Meet the Team Day (Von Braun Center)
Oct. 28 - Home Opener vs Birmingham Bulls (Roto-Rooter Ice at Propst Arena) @ 7 pm CDT