Twin City Thunderbirds name Jon Buttitta as their next head coach

Jon Buttitta, one of the most popular players for the Twin City Thunderbirds over the last few years, has been named the next head coach.

Buttitta takes over for Steve Harrison, who was fired after three seasons.

Over the last three seasons, Buttitta was the team's player assistant coach and team captain.

Also, forward Zach White has been named the team's new player assistant coach and former Thunderbirds defenseman Tucker Firth has also been named a scout for the team.

This coming season will be the 10th in franchise history.

Buttitta, 33, is from Middleburg Heights, Ohio, and has been with the Thunderbirds for the last six seasons.

He's one of the most popular players and one of their most productive on the ice. He ranks in the top five in goals (102), assists (201), Points (303), and games played (308) in franchise history. He appeared in 336 games over eight seasons in the FPHL. Buttitta netted 126 goals, notched 227 assists and recorded 353 points during his career.

Buttitta made his professional hockey debut in the spring of 2019 for the Mentor Ice Breakers following a prolific collegiate career at Kent State.

He scored 121 goals, collected 121 assists and recorded 271 points in 175 career games played for the Golden Flashes. Buttitta's 271 total points are the 10th most ever recorded by a player in the history of the American Collegiate Hockey Association's top division.

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