Brad Zangs, the former head coach and general manager of the Albert Lea Thunder of the North American Hockey League and Sioux Lookout Thunder of the Superior International Junior Hockey League, has agreed to a two-year contract to serve as head coach of the Yellowstone Quake. The team announced the hiring via a statement on its website.

“We are excited to have Coach Zangs join our organization,” Quake president Bob Bole said in that statement. “His background and enthusiasm will help our program to continue building quality hockey players.”

The Quake advanced to the semifinal round of the NORPAC playoffs this past season, compiling a 22-20 mark in the process. The team is exploring a move into the America West Hockey League for next season. If approved, the move would reunite the Quake with longtime opponents Bozeman, Missoula, Billings and Helena, as well as teams in Great Falls and Gillette.

A native of Rosemount, Minn., Zangs comes to the Quake with more than 20 years of coaching experience, including time spent with the Butte Irish junior program. He has also served on the coaching staff at Iowa state University when the Cyclones earned an ACHA national championship, and at Hamline University and Northland College.

“I want to thank the board of the Yellowstone Quake for giving me this opportunity,” Zangs was quoted in the team’s announcement. “I’m excited to be part of the Cody community this coming winter.”

The team noted Zangs will spend a good deal of time in the upcoming months on the road attending hockey showcases and prospect camps looking for players to bring to the Quake program. The team will also hold tryout camps in Littleton, Colo., Fargo, N.D., and in Cody over the summer in preparation for a September start to the season.