Charles Thuss is a Canadian public speaker and former ice hockey owner,

coach Coach may refer to: Guidance/instruction * Coach (sport), a director of athletes' training and activities * Coaching, the practice of guiding an individual through a process ** Acting coach, a teacher who trains performers Transportation * Co ...

and goaltender who was an All-American for Miami.

Career

Thuss began attending Miami University in 1991 and was slotted in as the team's 4th goaltender. He remained in that position for three seasons, not playing a single minute in the Redskins' goal until his senior season. It wasn't until the graduation of

Richard Shulmistra Richard Shulmistra (born April 1, 1971) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played two games in the National Hockey League with the New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers between 1998 and 2000, while the rest of his career, ...

and the departure of head coach

George Gwozdecky George Gwozdecky (born July 17, 1953) is a Canadian ice hockey coach. He resigned as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL) in June 2015. He has recently accepted a job as the head hockey coach at Valo ...

that Thuss got his turn in net. In 1994, under new bench boss Mark Mazzoleni, Thuss got his chance to play and made the most of his opportunity. He became the team's starter, playing 34 of 39 games and keeping the team on the winning side more often than not. While his numbers weren't eye-popping, Thuss' performance for an undermanned Miami squad were appreciated by not only the team but most observers as well. He was named as the top goaltender for the CCHA and was a First-Team All-American, the first player in program history to receive that honor. He also received the

Terry Flanagan Memorial Award The Terry Flanagan Memorial Award was an annual award given out at the conclusion of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association regular season to the player who best demonstrates perseverance, dedication and courage while overcoming severe adversi ...

for his perseverance in staying with the sport despite the lack of playing time. Thuss was able to convert his brief college hockey experience into a professional career. He spent most of his time in the ECHL and served as a capable goaltender for several years. While playing with the Mobile Mysticks, Thuss founded his own sports equipment company, Southern Sports Supply, and operated the business for 14 years. After finishing his playing career with the Mississippi Sea Wolves, Thuss remained with the club as a coach until 2004. Since he remained in the area with his company, Thuss was able to found his own team in the wake of

Hurricane Katrina Hurricane Katrina was a destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that caused over 1,800 fatalities and $125 billion in damage in late August 2005, especially in the city of New Orleans and the surrounding areas. It was at the time the cost ...

with the

Southern Professional Hockey League The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) is a professional ice hockey independent minor league based in Huntersville, North Carolina, with teams located primarily in the southeastern United States as well as Illinois and Indiana in the mid ...

, a single-A league. The Mississippi Surge were announced in 2008 and began play the following year with Thuss remaining part owner until the end of their first season. In 2010, Thuss returned to coaching with the US inline hockey team. He worked with the team for four years as he transitioned from sporting goods into being an investment advisor. In 2017 Thuss began his most recent venture, public speaking. Leaning on his early struggles as a goaltender, Thuss wanted to help others in the same situation get through difficult times in their lives. He continues to advocate for mental health as of 2021.

Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Awards and honors

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Thuss, Chuck 1972 births Living people AHCA Division I men's ice hockey All-Americans Canadian ice hockey goaltenders Ice hockey people from Ontario People from Lambton County Miami RedHawks men's ice hockey players Los Angeles Ice Dogs players Louisiana IceGators (ECHL) players Birmingham Bulls (ECHL) players Mobile Mysticks players Houston Aeros (1994–2013) players Mississippi Sea Wolves players