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TEAM OWNER/HEAD COACH - Joe DibbleJoe established the Northwest Express to provide players a platform to develop and advance their hockey careers. When Joe stepped away from the bench as a coach it was important to continue his passion of player development and advancement. Taking everything he learned as a coach he developed a three-pillar formula for players to have the opportunity to receive elite on ice training, high level exposure camps and finally player advising. Joe has now been a Junior A Hockey owner for 8 years.
Joe brings a history of success as a Head Coach and General Manager in the North American Hockey League and NCAA Division 3. Joe was the Assistant Coach at Augsburg University in 2017-2018 season, where he helped guide the Auggies to a MIAC Championship and a NCAA tournament appearance. Joe was the Head Coach and General Manager of the Janesville Jets from 2012 to 2017, where the Jets compiled a record of 180-90-27 and two Division Titles and four straight playoff runs advancing to the Robertson Cup Finals in 2014 and 2016. He was also named Coach of the year in 2014 for the North Division and in 2016 for the Midwest Division. Joe was also named the Head Coach of the North Division Top Prospects team in 2014 and Head Coach of the 2016 Midwest Division Top Prospects team, and named the Assistant Coach of the NAHL Selects team in 2015.Prior to joining the Jets, Joe was with the Springfield Jr. Blues of the North American Hockey League for three season, starting as the Assistant in 2009. Joe took over as Head Coach and General Manager of the Jr. Blues midway through the 2010 season, where he remained Head Coach/GM until 2012 where he made the move to the Janesville Jets. Through his ten seasons as Head Coach and or GM in the North American Hockey League, Joe helped advance over 90 players to NCAA Division I and III college hockey, had over 25 players drafted in the USHL, and 2 players selected in the NHL Entry Draft. While coaching in the North American Hockey League, Joe has had a mission to develop not only good hockey players who can compete at the next level, but also to ensure they grow to be engaged and responsible members of their community. |
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ASSISTANT COACH / STRENGTH COACH
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TEAM ATHLETIC TRAINER - Erik LarsonErik Larson, DPT is committed to providing the best quality of care for his patients. As clinic owner, director and Northwest Athletic Trainer, his goal is for the team to not only meet their patients’ expectations but exceed them. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences in 2008 and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2011 from the College of St. Scholastica. Following his education, he worked in and managed a variety of settings including skilled nursing facilities, sub-acute rehab and outpatient physical therapy clinics.
Erik is a native of Washburn County, and he enjoys the challenge of exploring and learning new ways to better meet our community's needs. Erik hold experience in a vast amount of treatment specializations including specializes in sports medicine, orthopedics, pediatric rehabilitation, dry needling, spinal care and aquatic therapy. Stop in and see Erik at either the Spooner or Hayward location! |
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DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
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BILLET COORDINATOR - Samantha MillerSam has a long-standing connection to both the sport of hockey and the community surrounding the Northwest Express. As a first-year billet coordinator, she brings a wealth of personal experience and passion to her role, having been involved in billeting for nearly 20 years.
Her family’s journey into the world of hockey began when they billeted a player in 2002. That first experience left a lasting impression, and over the years, she and her family have continued to open their home to players, fostering the growth of young athletes both on and off the ice. This long-standing commitment to billeting has only strengthened her bond with the Northwest Express organization. In fact, it was during her very first years of billeting that she met the owner of the Northwest Express, that would later lead to her taking on the role of billet coordinator. Today, she is the proud mother of two boys: the eldest, who started playing hockey nearly 20 years ago, and her youngest, a current peewee player. Her deep love for the game, combined with her firsthand experience as both a parent and a billet, allows her to connect with families and players in a unique and meaningful way. As a local nursing supervisor and billet coordinator, Sam is known for her exceptional organizational skills and her unwavering dedication to creating the best possible experience for both the players and the billet families. She is passionate about fostering a supportive and welcoming environment, ensuring that each player feels at home while becoming an integral part of the community. Her commitment to the Northwest Express extends beyond just the hockey rink, she values the relationships built within the community and is driven to continue the tradition of excellence that the club represents. Phone: (715) 520-0796
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