THUNDER BAY -- Thunder Bay’s Colin Zulianello is one step away from the National Hockey League.
Zulianello, an assistant coach with the Lakehead Thunderwolves, has been named the goaltending coach of the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat, the primary farm team of the Calgary Flames.
"I'm very excited for the opportunity with the Calgary Flames/Stockton Heat,” Zulianello said in a release issued by the Lakehead Thunderwolves. “I feel honoured to be part of such a great organization.”
“I also want to thank the Thunderwolves hockey program and the many coaches and players that I've had an opportunity to work with. My time with the organization, and the individuals within it, has helped in my growth and development as a coach. I wish them all the best this season and beyond."
After back-stopping the Thunder Bay Midget AAA Kings to a national title in 1995, Zulianello spent four years at Colorado College, before spending four years in the professional ranks, including a pair of stints with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons between 2001 and 2003.
Zulianello, who turns 38 on Friday, has also spent time locally as an assistant under Jeremy Adduono with the Thunder Bay North Stars and was the goaltending coach for the Ontario Hockey League’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
According to his goalie academy website, he sits on Canada’s national goaltending advisory board and the OHL’s goaltending advisory board.
He’s also travelled to Europe with Hockey Canada for goaltending development camps.
His protégés include Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Matt Murray, recent St. Louis Blues signee Carter Hutton and 2015 New Jersey draft pick Mackenzie Blackwood, who started for Canada at the most recent World Junior Hockey Championship.
Wolves coach Bill McDonald wished his former assistant well in his new endeavour.
“I’m very happy that Colin has been given an opportunity to bring his talents to another level with the Calgary Flames organization,” McDonald said. “He was outstanding working with our goaltenders and brought a great deal of hockey knowledge and positive energy into our dressing room. We wish him all the best with his new position.”
