Ruskowski named Rio Grande Valley coach

HIDALGO, Texas- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees introduced Terry Ruskowski as the team’s new head coach today.
Ruskowski becomes the fourth head coach in the history of the team, which began play in the Central Hockey League’s 2003-04 season. Ruskowski will also serve the team’s general manager.
“I am very honored and pleased to be coming to the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, Ruskowski said in an early afternoon press conference at the Stare Farm Center in Hidalgo.
Ruskowski, no stranger to Killer Bees fans, stood behind the bench of the rival Laredo Bucks for the past nine seasons. 
“This is a franchise and organization I have always respected. I know how to recruit quality players to South Texas and I look forward to a very successful season. I have always enjoyed my time in the Valley and am excited about this opportunity.”
Ruskowski was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round of the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft and the second round of the 1974 World Hockey Association Secret Amateur Draft by the Houston Aeros.

A veteran of over 1,000 professional games as a player, Ruskowski suited up for the Houston Aeros and Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association and the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota North Stars in the National Hockey League.
Following his retirement as a player, Ruskowski began his coaching career during the 1989-90 season with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League. He started coaching professionally during the 1991-92 campaign with the Columbus Chill (ECHL).
Ruskowski then moved onto the Houston Aeros of the International Hockey League where he compiled a 50-62-11 record. After a respite from the game, Ruskowski rejoined the coaching ranks during the 1999-00 season with the Knoxville Speed of the United Hockey League.
At the start of the 2002-03 season Ruskowski joined the Laredo Bucks where he registered a 343-175-56 record and led the team to two CHL Championships and numerous division and conference titles. He was named the CHL “Coach of the Year” following the 2005-2006 season.
Ruskowski left the Bucks organization after it became clear that changes within the Bucks organization this off-season would not be conducive to his remaining with the club. Ruskowski will now face one of his former players, Serge Dube, who has taken his place as head coach of the Bucks.
Contact the writer/photographer at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com