KEARNEY, Neb. – Tri-City Storm assistant coach JB Bittner has accepted a new position as the assistant coach with the University of Wisconsin men’s hockey team. In addition to his on-ice work, Bittner will also be an important part of the team’s scouting and recruiting.

Bittner becomes the first coach in Storm history to go straight from the USHL ranks to a Division I program.

The Pittsburgh native thanked the Storm organization on Twitter Thursday morning.

“I want to thank the whole Tri-City Storm organization for the opportunity to coach in the USHL,” Bittner said. I’ve worked with and met some great people.”

Since joining the staff in June of 2013, Bittner has played an instrumental role in the scouting and recruitment of players to Tri-City, along with overseeing the team’s defense and penalty killing unit.

 

Tri-City was first in team defense among USHL teams during the 2014-15, giving up just 158 goals in the 60-game regular season.

 

Bittner came to Kearney after spending two years in professional hockey as an assistant coach for the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL). Before that, the coach spent three seasons as an assistant coach and video coordinator with his alma mater, Ohio State.

The former Buckeye explained his decision to join the Badgers in the team’s official release.

“This is obviously a prestigious place and the hockey program is second to none,” Bittner said. It is one of the top five hockey programs in the country. The tradition is unbelievable. Walking around the building and seeing all the championships that have been won here, the coaches and players who have been here is awesome. Just to get a chance to be part of that is something that I’m really looking forward to.”

Tri-City is preparing for the team’s annual tryout camp, which will be held in Las Vegas next week from June 15-21.

Season tickets for the 2015-16 campaign are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Viaero Event Center Box Office at 308.338.8011.