Steel adds Abalan as Associate Head Coach

GENEVA, ILLINOIS (Courtesy Chicago Steel)  — The Chicago Steel announced recently the hiring of Mark Abalan as Associate Head Coach, joining Head Coach Dan Muse and Assistant Coach Mike Garman behind the bench.

Abalan joins the Steel from the prestigious Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep school in Faribault, Minn., where he served as head coach of the Sabres’ Boys U16 team.

“My family is very excited to start this new chapter in our lives,” said Abalan. “This is a terrific opportunity to join a great organization and a huge opportunity for my growth as a coach.”

Abalan led Shattuck-St. Mary’s to a 41-10-4 record in 2016-2017 and an appearance in the USA Hockey U16 National Championship Game. Notable alumni from Shattuck-St. Mary’s include NHL superstars Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews, as well as 2017 Steel tender signee Robert Mastrosimone, whom Abalan coached this past season.

“I am thrilled to have a coach of Mark’s caliber joining our coaching staff,” said Muse. “He will bring a wealth of experience and success to our staff. He has done an incredible job developing players and teams in Sioux City and at Shattuck-St. Mary’s. He is a great teacher of the game and will bring a great deal of passion and new ideas to our coaching staff. I am very much looking forward to working with Mark and Mike Garman this upcoming season.”

Prior to last season, Abalan spent five seasons on the bench with the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, including serving as Associate Head Coach from 2014-2016. Abalan played in the USHL in 1994-1995 with the Musketeers and Madison Capitols.

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.