HALIFAX, NS – The Halifax Thunderbirds of the National Lacrosse League have announced the hiring of Arthur native Chad Culp to the offensive side of their coaching staff for the team’s inaugural season.
“Chad had a long and successful career in the NLL,” said head coach Mike Accursi.
“He is a fierce competitor and extremely knowledgeable.
“Chad has been a successful coach at all levels of lacrosse. I know our players will benefit from his vast experience and intensity.”
With a Thunderbirds team that has taken a youthful route, Culp is no stranger to developing younger players.
The Orangeville alum returned to his alma mater, coaching the Jr B Northmen in 2018 alongside Halifax native and NLL veteran, Chet Koneczny.
The Northmen finished with a 13-7 regular season record, falling short of the finals to the Six Nations Rebels in the playoffs.
Culp spent parts of the 2018 and 2019 seasons behind the bench for the Whitby Steelhawks of the Arena Lacrosse League.
In 2015, he joined Team Israel as an assistant coach for their first ever appearance on the international stage, with the U-19 Men’s indoor team.
Culp was drafted ninth overall in 2002 by the New York Saints.
As a forward he accumulated 193 goals and 312 assists to equal 505 points in 209 games, while also collecting 863 loose balls over his 15 seasons in the NLL.
In his career, Culp played for New York, Arizona, Minnesota, Colorado, Buffalo and New England.
He finished his playing career with New England Black Wolves in 2017, when he announced his retirement.
