The new year is a season of change, and the Holland River Bandits are beginning their changes early!

As most of you know, Coach Jason McCrimmon has separated from the team to devote more time to his Detroit-based hockey program for inner-city youth. He leaves the team in capable hands, as Scout Matt Wiedenhoeft has stepped in as head coach. From Muskegon, Wiedenhoeft brings coaching experience in the AAHL (All American Hockey League) with professional experience in the UHL (United Hockey League), the SPHL (Southern Pro Hockey League), and the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association). He currently is the academic coach for Davenport  University’s Division I hockey team.

After playing five years of pro inline hockey, Wiedenhoeft switched to ice as a freshman at Muskegon Community College. As a defenseman, he was instrumental in MCC’s National Championship in 2003, making the all-star team that year as well.

Wiedenhoeft is excited about the talent on the team and is looking forward to developing the off-ice training program, under the auspices of Hope College. 

As Wiedenhoeft says, “I've been scouting and watching for months and recognize the talent we have collectively.   We will be a powerhouse in this league--‘smart’  tough and ‘scary’ good!  Our team will be the one that no one wants to face because they know it's not going to be a good time losing.  I'm very confident in the ability each of the boys has shown thus far, as well as the drastic improvements in passing in the first week of practice. The resiliency that the team showed on Sunday’s win shows the quality of the team.”