Mason City, IA The North Iowa Outlaws of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) have announced that Jeff Crouse has assumed the Head Coach duties of the organization, effective immediately.  The promotion of Crouse is part of a restructuring of personnel behind the Outlaws’ bench, with the imminent departure of Dave Boitz from the club. 

Crouse is enthusiastic about becoming the Outlaws’ second Head Coach in club history.  He joined the Outlaws midway through the team’s inaugural season, 2005-06, becoming an Assistant Coach.  This will be his first tenure as Head Coach of a North American Hockey League squad, but has extensive knowledge of the NAHL, having assisted previously in the Santa Fe (now Topeka) Roadrunners and Alexandria Blizzard organizations.  That knowledge of the league, along with his expertise in developing the defensive corps and the ability to spot hockey talent at many levels, are indicators that the Outlaws will continue to compete at the highest level in the NAHL.  Crouse helped to guide the Outlaws to their first ever NAHL Central Division Championship in 2007-08, due in part to a defensive unit, backed by goalie Robby Moss, that allowed the second fewest goals in the league during the regular season.    

Crouse, his wife, Tracie, and daughter, Jacey, will continue to reside in the Mason City area.

Boitz and his family will leave the North Iowa region, relocating to Alaska later this year.  The move is triggered by Boitz’s acceptance of the position of Head Coach of the Alaska Avalanche, a North American Hockey League franchise based in Wasilla.  Boitz will become the third Head Coach of the Avalanche, since the franchise relocated from Springfield, MO to Wasilla, AK three years ago.  The decision to depart North Iowa was not easy for Boitz to make.  “It has been an amazing period, watching the Outlaws grow into perennial contenders for a Championship, which was the goal all along,” indicated Boitz.  The move to Alaska is as much a desire to enjoy a change in lifestyle as it is a job-related shift.  “My wife (Kim) and I have so enjoyed our visits in recent years to Alaska and all that it offers that, after much discussion, we are looking forward to calling Alaska our home,” according to Boitz.  The Boitz family fully enjoys activities suited to the outdoors, including fishing, camping, and hiking, all of which they will be able to do in Alaska.  His duties with the Avalanche franchise commence later this summer.

Prior to relocating to Alaska, Boitz will assist in a transition period with the Outlaws.  He is extremely thankful for the support he has been given, not only within the organization, but also from the North Iowa region.  “Words cannot completely express my appreciation to so many in the communities of North Iowa, including the players, billet families, sponsors, volunteers, and the great fans that have all contributed to the success of the Outlaws,” noted Boitz.  He also realizes that the team’s success reflects strongly on the Outlaws’ management.  “(General Manager) Rick Wesp and I go back a long way, and I appreciate the faith he and the Motz brothers (Craig and Mark) placed in me, to build the team into a yearly contender for the Robertson Cup,” said Boitz.  He also feels that Crouse’s promotion to Head Coach is a positive for the organization.  “Jeff (Crouse) and I have partnered in coaching for nearly a decade.  I have seen, firsthand, the rapport he develops with players.  That strong relationship, along with his ability to recruit outstanding hockey talent and building a team, will ensure that the Outlaws will continue to play at a high level, and give the fans of North Iowa plenty to cheer about,” continued Boitz.            

Outlaws’ General Manager, Rick Wesp appreciates the effort and energy that Boitz has given to the club during the first three years.  “I understand that opportunities arise, and I, along with the Motzes, wish Dave all the best,” commented Wesp.  “Dave is a class act, and has always put the team first.  We had a three-year plan to play for the Robertson Cup.  While we didn’t fully achieve that after this past season, we are on the right track, and Dave was instrumental in that progression,” concluded Wesp.      

To accommodate Crouse’s promotion, the Outlaws are pleased to announce that Garrett Strot is joining the organization, as an Assistant Coach.  Strot has been active in the sport of hockey for nearly three decades, as a player or coach.  Most recently, he was the Head Coach at his alma mater, Osseo (MN) High School for 14 years.  His impressive resume includes playing on the collegiate level at Bethel (MN) University.  As the mentor of the Osseo Orioles, he coached Matt Morin, before Morin became a standout defenseman with the Outlaws.  Wesp is excited about Strot’s addition.  “Garrett is a person I have known for a long time.  He is well respected among his peers, and is looking forward to this opportunity of coaching on the Junior Hockey level, in the NAHL,” commented Wesp.  Strot is actively working with the Outlaws, helping Crouse prepare for the upcoming season, and is looking forward to becoming part of the North Iowa region.      

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