The Decatur Blaze is excited to add Kurt Maki to their coaching staff for the 2015-2016 season as an assistant coach and assistant GM.

Maki coached with head coach/GM Zac Pearson two years ago in Bloomington where they had a successful last season there before Pearson bought the team from the previous owner, David Holt, and moved the team to Decatur where they are now the highest level of hockey in town.  

Maki was the head coach of the Ironwood Fighting Yoopers last year in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League, where it was their inaugural season as a franchise in the MNJHL. 

"I brought Kurt on for a number of reasons to be a part of the Decatur Blaze," said Pearson. "Kurt and I have a great realtionship and have become really good friends the past few years, I know Kurt had a great opportunity last year to be a head coach with Ironwood Yoopers and I was excited for him, as he was advancing in his coaching career.  Not only do I want my players to advance, but also my staff that works with me as well.  Things didn't turn out like the way he imagined, but I do believe Kurt gained some great experience in coaching, recruiting, and just the day-to-day operations. I am bringing Kurt in too really help me with recruiting and the day-to-day operations of running the program."

Maki will also be responsible for coaching the Blaze goaltenders and is a former professional goalie himself. 

"In naming Kurt assistant GM, I believe this title is important as Kurt needs to have the power to make decisons on behalf of the Blaze, but also allows him to grow as a coach as he can see what goes on behind the scenes and be a part in the decision making, a situation he was lacking in Ironwood," said Pearson.

"I am excited to be in the Decatur Blaze organization," added Maki. "I feel Zac and I have a great hockey chemistry on and off the ice. I feel with my background, I will be an asset to Decatur.  Being a Tier III team, we are looking for players who we can coach and help develop into better hockey players who we can move up to a higher level of hockey."

The Blaze are in its first season in the USPHL Midwest Division.

Tune in for player signings and Decaur Blaze news. 

GO BLAZE!!!!!!!!