Amarillo Wranglers Announce Coaching Change

The Amarillo Wranglers of the North American Hockey League are pleased to announce the hiring of Michael Hill as the organization’s fifth Head Coach. 

Michael Hill features strong ties to the NAHL. For the past three seasons, he has served as the Associate Coach for the Shreveport Mudbugs. Every year he was in Louisiana, he helped guide the Mudbugs to postseason appearances.

Before joining the South Division team, Hill served as an Assistant Coach of the Aberdeen Wings for three seasons under his former Head Coach, Scott Langer. He joined the Wings in the 2018-2019 season and got a taste of what a winning season and team looked like because Aberdeen took home the Robertson Cup Championship. Following that, the Wings returned to the Robertson Cup Championship for the 2020-2021 season and made it to the championship game against the Shreveport Mudbugs. Even if the team did not take home the title, his experience in coaching in the postseason gives him an edge heading into Amarillo.

The Fort Worth, Texas native got his coaching career started with the Texas Jr. Brahmas of the NA3HL. Hill served as the General Manager and Head Coach of the Texas Jr. Brahmas from 2016 to 2018. He guided the team to a 77-16-1 record, which included back-to-back South Division regular season titles. In the 2018 season, Hill coached his team to a South Division playoff title and an appearance in the 2018 Fraser Cup Championship.

Hill shares his excitement to join the Amarillo Wranglers.

“My family and I are incredibly excited to begin this new chapter in Amarillo. It’s an honor to accept the head coach position with the Wranglers, and we’re looking forward to becoming part of a community and organization with such passion, pride, and potential. I want to sincerely thank Austin Sutter and Harry Mahood for believing in me and giving me this opportunity—I’m truly grateful and ready to get to work.”

His connection to the NAHL dates back to his playing days as an athlete. Hill spent two and a half years playing in the league. He skated with the Topeka Roadrunners for two seasons and had Scott Langer as his Head Coach for both years. Alongside Langer on the bench was Harry Mahood, former Assistant Coach of the Roadrunners. Mahood now serves as the President of Hockey Operations and the General Manager of the Wranglers. 

He played in 101 games during his time in the NAHL. Hill produced 70 goals and 55 assists for 125 career points. The Texas native served as the team captain during the 2010-2011 season and was named to the All-NAHL 1st Team and NAHL All-South Division 1st Team.