Chad Culp named to Thunderbirds Coaching Staff

Oct 21, 2019

Halifax, Nova Scotia-The Thunderbirds have announced the addition of Chad Culp to the offensive side of the coaching staff for the Thunderbirds’ 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. Since returning, Chad has been a successful coach at all levels of lacrosse. I am excited to work with Chad and 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, Culp joined Team Israel as an assistant coach for their first ever appearance at the international stage, with the U-19 Men's indoor team.

Culp who is from Arthur, ON was drafted ninth overall in 2002 by the New York Saints. The former forward 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 National Lacrosse League.

In his career, Culp who has played for New York, Arizona, Minnesota, Colorado, Buffalo and New England. Culp finished his playing career with New England Black Wolves in 2017, when he announced his retirement.