Thunder names Linkenheld new coach

The Albert Lea Thunder has announced that Chuck Linkenheld has been named the team’s new head coach.

A graduate of Merrimack College, the former Warriors captain played under current Chicago Blackhawks director of player recruitment Ron Anderson and Washington Capitals assistant coach Jay Leach.  

“We’re proud to have Chuck join our staff,” said Thunder owner Barry Soskin.  “With the experience he brings to our program and his knowledge of college recruiters, he’ll for certain assist in helping our players advance.”

In his 20 years of coaching, Linkenheld has helped groom countless junior and college prospects, many of whom are currently playing in the Division I-III ranks at schools like Notre Dame, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Merrimack, Harvard, Princeton, Wisconsin and Michigan State.

“Chuck's relationship with the Tier I Elite League and in the East will be an asset to the recruiting and placement of our players,” Soskin added.   “His business experience, combined with over 1,000 games coached, will be a great addition to our staff.”