7/30/2010
Written By: Brian Werger, USHL
Category: Minor But Major  

CHICAGO, IL – The Des Moines Buccaneers today announced that Regg Simon has been named head coach and general manager of the team.  Simon is a familiar face to the organization, having previously both played and coached in the USHL for the Bucs.  He has spent the past two seasons at his alma mater in the role of assistant coach at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
 
“We’re welcoming back to the USHL, and the Des Moines Buccaneers, both a truly class individual and a storied player and coach,” said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince.  “Regg Simon brings to Des Moines extraordinary coaching, mentoring, and leadership qualities.  The players and fans of the Bucs, and all of us here, look forward to his return to the USHL.”
 
The first stint for Simon behind the bench in Des Moines began in the role of assistant coach with the organization.  He took over head coaching duties midway through the 2004-05 season.  The following year, he served as both head coach and general manager of the team, leading the Bucs to a 33-21-6 record – a 16-win improvement over the prior year.  His efforts earned him recognition as the USHL General Manager of the Year for the 2005-06 campaign.  Simon followed up with a second straight winning season (29-21-10) in 2006-07.
 
“I’ve had success in Des Moines as a player, and as a coach, and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring the Buccaneers organization back to a level that the fans expect and deserve,” said Simon.  “There’s always been a special place in my heart for not only the Bucs, but for Des Moines and that community.  The fans in Des Moines are some of the best and I’m looking forward to getting back there.”
 
Simon’s first coaching experience in the USHL came as an assistant coach with the Tri-City Storm during the 2002-03 season.  He took the reins of the team midway through the season and guided the club to a playoff berth.  His career coaching record in the USHL stands at 105-112-24.
 
The native of Elk River, Minnesota also played two seasons (1994-96) in the USHL as a defenseman for the Bucs.  He was a part of the Des Moines team during the 1994-95 season that won the USHL Anderson Cup and USHL Clark Cup before going on to win the Gold Cup as junior hockey’s national champion.  Simon went on to a four-year collegiate hockey career at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, competing in 133 games at the school, and served as team captain during both his junior and senior seasons.
 
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrated eighth season as the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league in 2009-10.  With over 240 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 35 NHL Entry Draft picks on League rosters this past season, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent.  For more information, visit us on the web at www.USHL.com.