Steel names Garman as new Assistant Coach

GENEVA, ILLINOIS (Courtesy Chicago Steel) — The 2016-2017 Clark Cup Champion Chicago Steel announced Thursday (June 8, 2017) the hiring of Mike Garman as an Assistant Coach, joining Head Coach Dan Muse behind the bench.

Garman is a former collegiate and professional goaltender, and will begin his role with the Steel starting with the team’s Main Camp and Futures Camp this weekend at Fox Valley Ice Arena.

“I am thrilled that Mike has decided to join our staff as an assistant coach,” said Muse. “Mike brings extremely strong character, work ethic, and understanding of the game. As a former goaltender and current goaltending coach, he will accelerate the development of Steel goalies while also assisting our coaching efforts through video analysis, on-ice practice, and guidance behind the bench. I believe his teaching and mentorship will be a benefit to all the players in the Steel organization.”

Garman, 29, brings a variety of coaching experience to the Steel. As Owner of GoalieByGarman, LLC, Garman has worked as an elite level goalie coach and consultant. He has hosted Elite Camps in Colorado alongside NHL goaltender Ben Scrivens, his goaltending partner from Cornell University (ECAC), as well as provided private coaching and consulting for current pro, NCAA Division I, junior, and AAA goaltenders.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to join the Chicago Steel as an assistant and goalie coach,” said Garman. “Winning the Clark Cup this year is evidence of the Steel’s commitment to being the leading development program for juniors in the world. I’m humbled to have the opportunity to help the goalies and players work toward that standard of excellence every day.”

Garman retired from playing in 2014 after three seasons in professional hockey, including the ECHL, CHL, Get Ligan (Norway), Division I (Sweden), and Magnus League (France). He played junior hockey for the Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL) and Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) before recording the second-highest save percentage in NCAA DI Hockey with the Cornell Big Red.

Garman has worked as a Goalie Evaluator for USA Hockey, and as a Goalie Consultant for junior and college teams, as well as with youth teams including Deerfield (Mass.) Academy, Colorado Thunderbirds AAA, Valor Christian High School, Aspen Junior Hockey, Vail Junior Hockey, Wyoming Amateur Hockey Association, and more.
The Vail, Colo., native graduated from Cornell in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Interpersonal Communication.

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.