ALBUQUERQUE – Recently, the NAHL New Mexico Ice Wolves announced that the only coach the team has known, Phil Fox, had taken an Assistant Coach position at his alma mater, Northern Michigan University.
There is no doubt that Coach Fox has left a mark on not only the Ice Wolves organization, but the community. This past weekend they opened up the Outpost so fans could say goodbye. There were some who knew Coach Fox from his time coaching the youth program, Kara Fichtner, the current Ice Wolves Ticket Manager, is just one example, “Coach Fox means a lot to us. He coached our son in youth hockey.” She said, “Getting the opportunity to work with him was amazing. He’s got the biggest heart, it’s been great.”
Coach Fox started out coaching the Youth Program 7 years ago. Ice Wolves owner Stan Hubbard says that was a key factor in the NAHL granting him an expansion team, “Phil was instrumental in building the Ice Wolves organization. He had already moved to Albuquerque to help build the youth program where he coached the bantam team and started the first Ice Wolves Academy.” Stan continued, “When we applied to the NAHL for membership, one of the questions we had to answer was who our first Head Coach was going to he. Phil’s name gave us a lot of credibility, and that helped us secure our membership.”
Dan Webster, who has been around the sport for decades and was an original member of the broadcast team explained further why Fox was such a vital piece of the puzzle. “Stan had to overcome the league’s reticence. We had an NAHL team here earlier that didn’t fair too well, the New Mexico Mustangs..” Dan continued, “He had to convince them that there was a youth hockey program that was in place building hockey in Albuquerque. That was the vision that Stan had and it wouldn’t happen without Phil Fox. He has been the catalyst for the youth hockey program that is here now.”
During that time with the youth program, Coach Fox mentored several kids who would play for the NA3HL and NAHL Ice Wolves, one being Stanley Hubbard. He’s not just the owner’s son, Stanley is an original member of the 3HL team, last season he got to suit up for the NAHL squad. He credits Coach Fox for helping him develop, “He was my Bantam Coach, he was the first coach to push me to skate out. Being around the games I would get to watch him, but getting to play a game with him last season was awesome.” Stanley continued, “He was here from day one to build the program. He was even here to help upgrade the rink. It’s going to leave a huge hole, I think everybody is ready. Obviously it’s bittersweet, nobody wants to see him leave but everyone knows it’s for the best and we’re excited for him.”
Coach Fox leaves with a 137-123–16-12 record including a South Division Championship and a trip to the Robertson Cup tournament in 2021-22. Coach Fox said Getting to hang that banner was definitely a highlight, “It’s nice to see that banner, the players I had that year were 2 and 3 year guys. They developed and every single day wanted to come to the rink.” While that year was special, Coach Fox knows there’s still something missing, “Obviously not winning it all, I wanted to get that done. But in sports, sometimes you know that’s how it is, you never know. The timing was right to take this opportunity at the next level.” He also feels this is just the beginning , “There will be more banners hung here, I can tell you that. We built a solid foundation here. They’re not done.”
Use CodePHN15 Imagine this chair with an Ice Wolves’ logo
Stan Hubbard knows that replacing Coach Fox won’t be easy, “Phil is leaving big shoes to fill, but the NAHL is a league of opportunity and that’s true for coaches as well as players. We built the organization to allow for coach movement to the NCAA as well as players. The Ice Wolves will not miss a beat as we set out to replace Phil Fox. Stan said, “Kevin Hartzell, the winningest coach in USHL history has agreed to serve as interim Head Coach and General Manager while we create and implement a plan to find a permit replacement, which could include structural changes as well. Players, staff and fans are our continuing priorities in New Mexico, as we work together to grow the game.”
Fox and the author
For myself, on a personal note. Last season I was the PA Announcer for the 3HL Ice Wolves and the backup announcer for the NAHL Ice Wolves. For the final stretch and playoffs, I did PA for all of the NAHL games. I had many conversations with Coach Fox during the season and he gave me advice and tips that made me better at my job. I will be forever grateful for those tips and the time I got to spend with him. I am proud and honored to call Phil Fox a friend. I think I can speak for every fan when I say good luck and thank you Coach.
Credit Lee Marion/Pro Hockey News