RoughRiders rehire Francis Anzalone to be associate head coach

CEDAR RAPIDS — Francis Anzalone will return to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders as an associate head coach, the USHL club announced Thursday.

Anzalone, 29, spent four seasons with the RoughRiders as a scout and assistant coach. He spent three seasons with the Aberdeen Wings of the lower-level North American Hockey League, including a stint as head coach.

This past season, he was associate head coach for the NAHL's Shreveport Mudbugs.

'We are excited to welcome Francis back to the RoughRiders,' said Riders Head Coach/General Manager Mark Carlson. 'Over the last several years, he has gained valuable experience as as a scout and coach.'

The Riders also announced assistant coach Ben Kinne has added the title of Director of Scouting to his ledger. Kinne recently completed his first season with the RoughRiders.

'I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Ben and Francis,' Carlson said. 'I'm excited about the days ahead, new ideas and the fact that we as a staff will motivate each other on a daily basis to be the best we can be in all areas of our operation.'

l Comments: (319) 398-8259; jeff.johnson@thegazette.com