WHS BOYS' HOCKEY: Grimmius named Trojan hockey coach

WORTHINGTON — Nate Grimmius responded to the question regarding the word around the ice being he received the head coaching job for the Worthington High School boys’ hockey team in the way he coaches; calm, cool and collected.

“Yeah, that’s what I heard too,” Grimmius said with a laugh.

After four years of coaching at the Bantam level in Worthington, including a head coaching gig for the last two seasons, Grimmius is back at his alma mater.

“I grew up in town and was born and raised here, so it’s exciting” Grimmius said. “I’m looking forward to the season to start already.”

Ironically, this will technically be Grimmius’ first year with varsity hockey, but that’s only because he never had the opportunity.

“I’ve been playing hockey since first grade, so for 12 plus years,” Grimmius said. “I graduated in 1998, so it was the last year we had junior gold through the hockey association.

“In 1999, they went to varsity at the high school.”

Grimmius will take over for Pat Christopherson, who coached the Trojans to a 6-36-1 record and one playoff victory in the past two seasons.

“I just want to see the hockey association in general get stronger,” Grimmius said. “We need to get more involvement with our youth in town and I think hockey is a good place to start.”

For the last eight years, Grimmius has worked at the Worthington Police Department, serving as a detective for the past five.

Dealing in pressure situations each day, coaching hockey is Grimmius’ time to relax.

“I’m pretty laid back,” Grimmius said. “I just get down to the basics, which is hard work and teamwork. I try to express that to the kids as best I can.

“When you put in the work, good things happen.”

Grimmius has experience playing right wing, defense and even a little goalie when he was very young.

“I can definitely relate to playing forward and defense and it just makes it easier for me to understand both positions,” Grimmius said.

The Grimmius way of coaching is nothing new to the current Trojan squad, as many have already played for Grimmius.

“I’m familiar with the group of kids at the varsity level,” Grimmius said. “These kids are a good group of kids.

“I had a lot of fun coaching them.”

If it were up to 32-year-old Grimmius, he’ll be coaching future groups as well.

“I’d like this to be a long-term deal,” Grimmius.

Daily Globe Sports Editor Chris Murphy may be reached at 376-7328.

Tags: sports, prep, hockey, trojans