Billings Bulls name Thorson as new head coach

June 7, 2017

The Billings Bulls of the NA3HL have announced that Cory Thorson has been named the team’s new head coach and general manager.

 

Thorson takes over for previous head coach Jimmy Jensen, who was recently named as an assistant coach for the Concordia University-Wisconsin NCAA Division III Men's Hockey program.

 

“We are happy for the opportunity that Jimmy has received at the NCAA level and we are extremely excited to have Cory on board as our new head coach and general manager. We feel very fortunate to get the caliber of coach that Cory is. Everyone we talked to about Cory said that he will do great things for our organization,” said Bulls owner Joe Robillard.

 

Before arriving to Billings, Thorson's coaching career began at Saint John's University (NCAA Division III) located in Collegeville, Minnesota where he served two seasons as an Assistant Coach. His main job duties entailed running the defenseman, recruiting and penalty kill. 

 

Thorson's playing career began at the Robbinsdale Armstrong High School in Plymouth, Minnesota where he played four seasons, graduating in 2008. 

 

After high school, Thorson was recruited to play in the NAHL for the Owatonna Express. During his time with the Express, he played two seasons, while being named captain for his second season with the team. He was also named a nominee for Player of the Year as well as being named to the All-Central Division Team. 

 

While in the NAHL, Thorson was then recruited to play for St. Cloud State University, and became a four-year letter winner for the Huskies. In his Junior season, he helped lead the team to a WCHA conference championship and the teams first ever appearance to the Frozen Four, where he was also named to the Midwest Regional Team. In his senior season, he was a part of the inaugural NCHC Conference Championship team. 

 

During the offseason, Thorson maintains his recruiting base in his home state of Minnesota. He also is the Head Counselor for the Next Level Hockey Camp based out of the Schwans Super Rink in Blaine. He also coaches a 08' birth year AAA team for his free time.