Former RoughRider McConnell quits Bucs post

Scott McConnell has resigned as associate head coach of the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers. McConnell played the inaugural 1999-2000 season with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

He was in his first season in Des Moines after spending time as an assistant with the USHL's Indiana Ice. He is the grandson of hockey coaching legend Bob Johnson.

He has been replaced by former Buccaneers player Marty Mjelleli.

Here's the press release:

URBANDALE, IA - The Des Moines Buccaneers announced Tuesday that Associate Head Coach Scott McConnell has tendered his resignation with the team for personal reasons. His resignation will take effect immediately.

McConnell was hired as the Buccaneers associate head coach on April 23rd, 2008, when he and current head coach and general manager J.P. Parisé were introduced to take over the team from the previous coaching staff. McConnell came to the Buccaneers from the Indiana Ice of the USHL where he also served as the associate head coach.

Parisé wished McConnell well by saying, "We sincerely want to thank Scott for his work with the Buccaneers during his time here. We appreciate what he did for this organization, and we wish him all the best."

On behalf of the Buccaneers ownership, staff, players, fans and supporters, we wish the very best for Scott in his future endeavors.