Mannino moves from Steel to Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks

GENEVA, ILLINOIS (Courtesy Chicago Steel) — The Chicago Steel announced Thursday that Assistant Coach Peter Mannino has accepted an assistant coaching position with the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks. Mannino heads to the NCAA Division I ranks after helping lead the Steel to its first Clark Cup Championship last week.

“The USHL is not only the preeminent development league for players in their journey to college and professional hockey but for coaches as well,” said Steel Owner Larry Robbins. “We are grateful for Peter’s contributions to the team and culture these past two seasons and are proud that the Chicago Steel could accelerate his transition from an elite hockey player to a high-level coach.”

Mannino, 33, joined the Steel in 2015 following a seven-year professional goaltending career, including time with the New York Islanders and Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets of the NHL, as well as various teams in the American Hockey League, including the Chicago Wolves, and in the ECHL. The Farmington Hills, Mich., native backstopped the University of Denver to an NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship in 2004-2005 and was named tournament MVP.

“I am thrilled for Peter and his family in his being named as an assistant coach at University of Nebraska Omaha,” said Steel Head Coach Dan Muse. “Peter did amazing work for us over the past two seasons. He was a tremendous mentor and coach to our players and helped this organization in many different areas.
“Nebraska Omaha is getting a great coach and recruiter,” continued Muse. “Peter and his family will be missed but we are thrilled that he has earned this opportunity to coach at the NCAA Division I level.”
Mannino now returns to the Cornhusker State, where he played in the USHL for the Tri-City Storm (2003-2004).

The Mavericks compete in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. Mannino will be behind the bench alongside Head Coach Mike Gabinet and Assistant Coach Dave Noel-Bernier.

The Chicago Steel will return to the ice in October as the defending Clark Cup Champions. For more information on the Chicago Steel, visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com or call 855-51-STEEL.