The Buffalo Stampede ownership group announced this week that Brian Thompson has been hired to take over the helm as the new Head Coach and General Manager as the team heads into the 2022-23 USPHL season.

Thompson, who is entering his fourth season of coaching in the USPHL, is a native of Westerville, OH. Prior to joining the Stampede coaching staff, he spent the last three seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Columbus Mavericks in the USPHL's Great Lakes division. During his most recent season with the Mavericks, Thompson helped to lead the team to a program-best 32-13-2-1 record and third place finish in their division.

Coach Thompson is no stranger to the Stampede’s ownership group, as Stampede President & Co-Owner, Joey Recktenwald, noted earlier this week: “Brian has been a key part of building the Columbus Mavericks into a 30 win hockey club in just their 3rd season, and he has earned the opportunity to duplicate that success as the head coach of the Buffalo Stampede. In addition to a wealth of coaching experience, knowledge, and collegiate connections, Coach Thompson will bring stability and structured systems to the Stampede as we position ourselves to build a team that the Buffalo and Lockport hockey communities can be proud to support.” Stampede CEO & Co-Owner, Joe Gillespie, echoed this sentiment, noting Thompson’s passion for the sport: “Coach Thompson is extremely passionate when it comes to working with junior hockey players. He has paid his dues at the assistant level, and I’m looking forward to working with him and helping him to succeed as our Head Coach & GM here in Lockport.“

In addition to over 15 years of coaching experience, Thompson played ACHA Division 1 hockey for the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos, leading the team to their first ever ACHA Final Four appearance. Prior to his collegiate career, he played three years of junior hockey in the Central States Hockey League for the Columbus Stars and Columbus Jr. Blue Jackets.

Ahead of his move to Lockport, Coach Thompson commented on his excitement for the new opportunity: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Buffalo Stampede. I can’t wait to get started and look forward to helping our guys become the best players and young men they can be. It’s going to be a lot of fun turning this program into one that the players and the community can be proud of.”

Away from the rink, Thompson resides in Lockport with his dog, Jack, after recently relocating from central Ohio.