Zack Stortini had just barely celebrated his 17th birthday when he was named captain of the Sudbury Wolves in September of 2002. Part of a very young and clearly rebuilding team in 2002-2003, Stortini was tapped for his inherent and obvious leadership qualities, expected to help groom a team that would grow during his tenure.

Many of these same elements remain in play as the now 40 year-old long-time resident of Sudbury tackles his first head coaching gig, named as the first head coach ever in the franchise history of the New Mexico Goatheads of the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) last month.

“That ability to help build something special, right from the beginning, really intrigued me,” said Stortini, attending one of his wife’s (Desiree) soccer games at Queen’s Athletic Field last week, days before leaving for Albuquerque. The man who went on to become the longest tenured captain ever in Wolves history, serving for three full seasons, has spent the past four years as an Assistant Coach with the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League.

Beyond the obvious move from assistant to head coach, Stortini shared a couple of other clear influencers in his decision to accept an offer that will see him reunited with former Wolves’ defenceman Emmett Serentsis. “The partnership with the Colorado Avalance (New Mexico is an affiliate of the Avs), a premier organization and the resources they provide, is incredible.”

“And the amount of passion the state, the ownership group has for hockey is exciting. They care about hockey and want to grow the game. Being able to work in that environment every day is exciting.”

While his ability to take charge of the room has never been doubted, the delivery style of the man who would go on to suit up in 257 NHL games, amassing 725 penalty minutes along the way has undoubtedly become more refined since his playing days in Sudbury.

“One of the main pillars I have found most valuable is communication, making sure the message is clear, it’s concise and it’s meaningful, said Stortini. “When that is a truthful message, you earn the trust of the people around you and you are able to build something special.”

Like most coaches, Stortini has drawn on the experience of his playing days and the men who most helped shape those years, including his earliest of connections. “My dad (Tim) is definitely one of my mentors – and you’re always learning from your mentors,” said Zack. “My father was hard on me, always wanted the best from me.”

“I think for me, it is similar in that I want the best for my players – and sometimes that can be a hard conversation. Sometimes that’s required to push them beyond what they think they are capable of. If I can help my players the way my father helped me and others get where they wanted to be, that would be a massive goal accomplished.”

Heading to a city more than half a million strong, Stortini is stoked to embrace an opportunity that furthers his development behind the bench and also offers an abundance of perks for he and his family. “When you’re immersed in these other communities, you get a chance to really dive into the culture there,” he said.

“You meet people and make friends in those communities. You get a chance to experience everything they have to offer, not only on the sports side, but the food and entertainment and music. It expands you as a person.”