Tapper, 39, brings eight years of coaching experience at the AHL, ECHL and junior levels to Glens Falls, having previously spent time as an assistant coach with the Rochester Americans, Chicago Wolves, Orlando Solar Bears and Florida Everblades, as well as Head Coach of the North York Rangers of the CCHL. The Scarborough, ONT native qualified for post-season play in five of his seven seasons in the professional ranks and was a part of the Kelly Cup Championship Florida Everblades in 2012 as the team's top assistant.
"We're proud to add a coach with Brad's experience and pedigree to our coaching staff as we enter the 2017-18 season," Adirondack Thunder Governor Ed Moore said. "Brad brings a Kelly Cup winning background to our organization, as well as three years of AHL coaching experience and NHL playing experience. We're confident that Brad is the right choice to lead the Thunder on our path towards a successful third season in the ECHL."
Prior to beginning his coaching career, Tapper was a veteran of 435 games as a player, including 71 with the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers from 2000 - 2003. Tapper was one of eight Thrashers players with double digit goals in the 2002 - 2003 season, as he recorded a career high 14 points (10-4-14). Tapper also appeared in 132 AHL games with the Chicago Wolves, Binghamton Senators and Philadelphia Phantoms, winning the Calder Cup with the Wolves in 2002. The 5-10 forward also appeared in 187 games in Germany in the DEL and 45 games in the IHL with the Orlando Solar Bears.
"I'm extremely excited to join the Adirondack Thunder organization," Tapper said. "The Thunder have proven to be a great organization with a winning tradition and a focus on community. I'd like to thank the Coalition for giving me the opportunity to become a part of an area with such storied hockey tradition and I can't wait to get started."
Tapper also brings experience in the Capital District to the Thunder, having spent three seasons playing at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. Tapper collected 116 points (65-51-116) in 106 career games with the Engineers, including a team leading 51 points (31-20-51) as a junior during the 1999 - 2000 season. Tapper's 31 goals that season are the most by an RPI player since the 1985 - 1986 season.
Brad is married to his wife, Alison, and they have three children - Hudson, Blake and Addison.
The Thunder will also retain Alex Loh on the hockey operations staff. Loh will be promoted to Associate Coach, helping Tapper with the day-to-day operation of running the team. Loh's responsibilities will include player signings, salary cap management and video work, in addition to his coaching duties on the ice.
The Thunder will hit the ice again in October as they kick off the 2017-18 ECHL season, their third as a member of the league. Season tickets are on sale now at $13 per ticket and now include a complimentary ticket to a New Jersey Devils game during the 2017-18 season. Call 518-480-3355 x1 or visit ECHLThunder.com for more information.
