AS a hockey lifer, Thunder Bay’s Billy Pugliese remains actively involved in the game.
Serving as director of scouting for the United States Hockey League’s Lincoln Stars, he was promoted earlier this month, earning the additional title of assistant general manager.
Despite the added role, little was altered.
“Honestly, not that much has changed,” Pugliese provided modestly. “I’ve dealt with many of the day-to-day hockey operations the past two years.”
With the Stars recently bringing new coaches on board, he played a part there.
“I did have an opportunity to be involved in the hiring process for our coaching staff. I learned lots about the process of becoming a head coach in one of the premier Jr. hockey leagues.”
Growing up in the Lakehead, he played his minor hockey locally, culminating with the 1993-94 campaign as a member of the Thunder Bay Kings midget side under coaches David Bragnalo and Kelly Sundell.
That Kings’ squad featured a plethora of talent, including the likes of Trevor Letowski, who went on to a lengthy NHL career, won gold medals for Canada as both a player and coach at the World Junior Hockey Championship and just last week was named an assistant coach with the Montreal Canadiens.
Pugliese fondly recalls those early days and some he took to the ice with.
“From my era, two that stand out are Trevor Letowski and Ryan Johnson. Both had great skill and skating ability and put-up lots of points early in their careers. However, they both had the ability to adapt and become everyday players at the highest level. It’s not easy to do and it’s something I respected about them.”
Despite now residing in the U.S., Pugliese hasn’t forgotten his roots or the contributions of those who helped him achieve his goals in the game.
“I was fortunate enough to have great coaches at a young age that helped prepare me for higher levels. All the coaches out there, doing it for the love of the game and giving back, deserve a lot of credit.”
As for himself, after the Kings, he headed west and earned a spot on the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s All-Rookie Team as a member of the Portage Terriers where he put up 70 points at forward in 55 outings.
From there, he was recruited by the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers and was well over a point-per-game performer over two seasons.
In his time there, that Gamblers’ squad won back-to-back Anderson Cup regular season crowns as well as a USHL Clark Cup championship in 1997.
His success resulted in a NCAA Division-I scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Omaha where he spent four years skating with the Mavericks.
This included leading UNO in goals as a freshman and sharing the team-lead in points with fellow Thunder Bay native Jason Cupp, who he also skated with on the Kings and in Green Bay.
Pugliese then went on to play a couple of seasons professionally, winning a United Hockey League title with the Muskegon Fury in 2004 before retiring as a player.
Settling down in the Omaha area, he remained active in the game, in coaching and player development.
After a couple of campaigns eyeing talent for NAHL clubs, Pugliese was hired by Lincoln in 2018 to serve as their director of scouting before adding the assistant GM title a few weeks back.
Actively involved in recruiting, he’s routinely queried by players and families on what route to choose.
His advice to them is: “No one person, or path, is the same. Gather all the information you can and make the decision that you feel is right for you long term. As a player, don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to fail or get knocked down. Enjoy the process of development and don’t try to rush it.”
Savouring his opportunity in Lincoln, Pugliese relishes the accomplishments the league has achieved across the board.
“The best part is seeing our players have so much success,” he offered, referring in part to the abundance of NCAA scholarships collected by players in Lincoln.
“The USHL too had 50 NHL draft picks this past weekend and the numbers continue to grow each year.”
The daily involvement with the team is also something he appreciates.
“I enjoy working and building relationships with our players. Seeing them succeed and live out their hockey dreams is something I’m extremely fortunate to be involved with.”
Over the years, the passion remains for Pugliese being involved in a team sport.
“I was fortunate enough to win championships in the USHL and UHL. Nothing is better than winning with your teammates. You never forget those moments, or those teams.”