New Bench Bosses Prepare for Head Coaching Roles Ahead of the 2026-27 NAHL Season

Starting in the South Division, the Odessa Jackalopes named Brian Sherry as their next bench boss. Sherry brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Jackalopes organization. He was once a player in the League of Opportunity, playing two years with the Springfield Jr. Blues. Before being named Odessa’s head coach, Sherry spent 11 years as the head coach of the Biggby Coffee AAA 18U program in the T1ER. He has helped develop and advance athletes to the next step in their hockey careers.

“I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity to make the next step in my coaching career,” stated Sherry. “I look forward to working with the hockey staff to bring a championship pedigree to this great organization.”

Before serving as the head coach of the Biggby Coffee AAA program, Sherry worked with the United States National Team Development Program as the Director of Player Personnel. He was responsible for recruiting the 1997 and 1998 classes. Sherry has coached teams that have won state championships in the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) as well as the T1ER’s prestigious Dixon Cup.

Staying in the South Division, another veteran of the League of Opportunity that is making his return is Eric Ballard, the recently named head coach of the Oklahoma Warriors. Ballard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Warriors program. He has served in a multitude of roles at multiple levels of hockey. He brings a background of coaching, player development, and leadership to the South Division team.

Ballard has over two decades of coaching experience, previously serving as a general manager and head coach of NAHL teams in 183 games. His knowledge and experience coaching youth, junior, and college hockey allow him to step into the role ready to compete.

Taking charge of the newest South Division team, Nathan Oystrick joins the Houston Bulls as the bench boss. Oystrick is a former player himself, logging 10 years of professional hockey across the NHL, AHL, KHL, and ECHL. Before his pro career, Oystrick had a four-year college career with the Northern Michigan Wildcats, serving as the captain in his junior and senior seasons. He has played 489 pro games, recording 246 points in that span. Oystrick spent time with Atlanta (2008-09), the Ducks (2009-10) and St. Louis (2010-11) during his time in the NHL.

From lacing up to coaching behind the bench, Oystrick brings 10 years of coaching experience to the Bulls. He served as the head coach of the Wausau Cyclones in the NA3HL, taking home the title of Coach of the Year for the 2023-24 season.

Moving to the Midwest Division, Andrew Howard takes over the title of head coach and general manager of the Wisconsin Windigo. Howard was born and raised in Michigan and played college hockey at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Upon completing his playing career, Howard was an on-ice referee for twelve seasons, with six of them being in the AHL. After retiring from officiating, Howard started his coaching journey with the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL as a Video Coach and Scout and then made his transition to behind the bench.

“My family and I are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a great culture and atmosphere with the Windigo. I am thankful for Coach Mitchell and the ground work he has laid with the organization; additionally, I would like to thank Greg Copeland, Tan Lo, and Matt Roadhouse for the opportunity to lead the Windigo on its continued path of success with the development and advancement of the players."

Staying in the Midwest Division, a familiar face returns to the NAHL with Sam Graham taking over as bench boss for the Minnesota Wilderness. Graham comes to the team after spending one season as an assistant coach with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL. Before that, he was on the coaching staff for the Anchorage Wolverines of the NAHL over the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.

With Anchorage, Graham led the defense and penalty kill, and it resulted in the 2023-24 team advancing to the Robertson Cup semifinals and the 2024-25 team to the Midwest Division final. In year two with the Wolverines, Graham was promoted to the associate head coach title.

General manager of the Wilderness, Brandon Ferns, shares more on the decision.

“He’s had success with two elite organizations, and that has shaped him to be an impressive candidate, and he’ll be an impressive coach for us.

A native of Los Angeles, California, Graham began his coaching career at the AAA level on the staff of the Los Angeles Jr. Kings for three seasons.

During his playing career, Graham was a forward and spent a year of junior hockey for Weyburn of the SJHL. In college, he skated two seasons in the NCAA with Wisconsin-Stevens Point before playing one campaign in the ACHA with California State – Long Beach.

Moving to the East Division, the Danbury Hat Tricks named Adam Dauda as the head coach and Director of Hockey Operations. A former Hat Tricks player, Dauda concluded his playing career in Danbury following a standout collegiate career at Colgate University and professional stops throughout the ECHL. He returns to the organization after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach in the ECHL, where he played a key role in recruiting Division I talent and developing players at the professional level.

Known for his integrity, passion, and relentless work ethic, Dauda has quickly earned a reputation as one of hockey’s rising young coaches. His strong communication skills, attention to detail, and commitment to player development make him an outstanding leader for the next chapter of Hat Tricks hockey.

As head coach and director of hockey operations, Dauda will oversee all aspects of the team’s on-ice performance, player recruitment, roster construction, and development while leading the organization in its pursuit of championships and advancement opportunities for its players.