Nelson to return as Fury head coach

The all-time winningest franchise in UHL history, the Muskegon Fury, have agreed to terms with Todd Nelson and signed him to a new two-year contract to remain as director of hockey operations and head coach of the Fury.

Adhering to club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In inking his newest deal, Nelson officially becomes the longest tenured head coach in Fury club history as the upcoming 2006-07 season will mark his fourth campaign at the helm under its initial 14-years of operations under the Fury banner.

In his first three years behind the Fury bench, Nelson has guided Muskegon to 149 victories, two consecutive Colonial Cup championships and one Tarry Cup regular season crown as well as one Central Division title. His 29-playoff victories also rank No. 1 in the Fury record book.

"We feel both very pleased and especially fortunate to have a coach and individual the caliber of Todd Nelson returning for a fourth year to guide our Fury team," Muskegon president Tony Lisman said. "The achievements and the accomplishments of our team under Todd's guiding force have been unprecedented; not only in the 46-year history of Muskegon pro hockey, but also in the history of the UHL. Nelly's ability and talents in building a top-notch, contending team each season and welding it into a championship stature have been truly remarkable. He has helped bring tremendous excitement and consummate professionalism to our organization and our great community.”

"I’m thrilled to be staying on in Muskegon with the Fury," added Nelson. "My first three years here have been an absolutely outstanding experience. These have been experiences here that I would never trade. After winning the championship the first two years, we felt, that in this recently past season, we again had a very strong team, though we did come up a little short in the playoffs. However, Muskegon is a first-class, great organization that always provides outstanding support. It’s the kind of support which once again will be there as we put together another great on-ice product that will challenge to regain the Colonial Cup."

Fury press release