Brian Gratz, 33, has been promoted to head coach for the Greenville Road Warriors.He is the second head coach in franchise history.
Gratz served as the club’s assistant coach during the 2014-15 seasons and has been the interim director of hockey operations since April 16.
Gratz replaces Dean Stork the only head coach the Warriors had until he was dismissed after five years last April.
The Warriors are affiliated with the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack.
“Being a part of this organization is very special and I am honored to have this opportunity,” Gratz said. “I am truly humbled by the faith the entire organization has bestowed upon me. This is a great city with a very passionate fan base that expects excellence. I look forward to continuing its high level of success.”
“Brian has a tireless work ethic and has demonstrated that he can cultivate and maintain the relationships that will be critical to our roster-building process,” Executive Vice President and General Manager Chris Lewis said. “He also has a tremendous vision. He has a strong plan for our systems, our player development and for building our locker room culture.”
“Coach Gratz has a no-quit attitude and he has already earned the respect of the organization,” owner Fred Festa said. “When I think of a great coach, there are three things that come to mind. I want a coach that will put the team ahead of his own personal gain, a coach that can integrate and be part of the community, and a coach that can develop young men and be a leader.”
Gratz, a Fort Wayne, Ind., native has six years of head coaching experience at the professional level – ECHL, Central Hockey League (CHL), Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL).