Forest Lake, MN — The Minnesota Mallards have named Terry Watt as the first Head Coach in Mallards franchise history.
Watt, 38, has spent the past six seasons behind the bench of junior teams on the East coast, most recently as the 2023-24 Head Coach of the Wilkes/Barre Scranton Knights in the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC). Prior to the Knights, Terry helped build the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) Protec Jr Ducks from the ground up, serving as Head Coach and General Manager for three seasons.
Terry’s coaching road to the NAHL began with a stint in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) where he served as coach of the Metropolitan Riveters.
Prior to his coaching career, Terry’s professional playing career began after attending Buffalo State. He would spend 2010 to 2013 playing minor pro in both the USA and Canada before leaving to gain valuable experience and knowledge playing professionally overseas for some years.
Terry would conclude his professional playing career having played for teams on four continents and suiting up for 14 different teams. He also served as a player-coach during some seasons in Europe. During Terry’s pro career he won four championships — three as a player and one as a coach.
“It gives me great pleasure to introduce Mr. Terry Watt as our new Head Coach and newest member of the Mallards family,” said Team Owner Charles Bailey Jr.
Charles believes Watt will be an asset towards building a successful NAHL franchise.
“As we embark on this inaugural season together, Coach Watt’s knowledge and passion for the game will be invaluable in shaping our team’s identity and charting a course for success,” added Charles.
Coach Watt isn’t a stranger to the NAHL, as he has served as a scout for the Minnesota Magicians, and most recently, the Maine Nordiques.
“I would like to first thank Charles Bailey and AJ Bucchino for this opportunity to be a part of the Mallards family and for the trust they have instilled in me,” said Watt. “I am beyond excited to get to work right away with our ownership group and staff to assemble a team that will make the residents of Forest Lake, MN proud”.
Assistant Coaches for Terry Watt’s staff will be announced at a later date.
The Minnesota Mallards offer a fantastic environment where junior hockey players can refine their skills, chase their dreams and prepare for collegiate/professional careers. Tthe Mallards will take to the ice for their inaugural season in the fall of 2024 at the Forest Lake Sports Center, where the Mallards will compete in the eight team Central division. Ticket and sponsorship information can be found on the official team website, MNMallards.com.
