DANVILLE, Ill. — The Vermilion County Bobcats are proud to announce that T.J. Sarcona has been named the head coach of the organization. Sarcona brings extensive hockey experience as both as a player and a coach to the Bobcats.
“Hockey has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember as both a competitive player and a passionate coach. I am extremely excited and honored by the opportunity to continue my journey as head coach of the Bobcats,” Sarcona said. “I look forward to getting to know our players, optimizing the team’s potential, and continuing to build this great program towards a successful season.”
Sarcona most recently served as head coach of the Westchester Express U16 AAA team, and as an assistant coach of the U15 and U18 teams. That opportunity came on the heels of playing two-plus seasons as a pro hockey player for the Rapid City Rush (ECHL) and the Pensacola Ice Flyers (SPHL).
“T.J. possesses all of the qualities we’ve looked for in a head coach. He’s dedicated, determined and driven to have the Bobcats be successful both on and off the ice. He is committed to player development and keeping the team active in the community,” said Ellen Tully, Bobcats owner. “It’s his locker room, his team to build, I know he will lead it to success.”
The 30-year-old native of West Islip, NY turned a strong junior career with the Amarillo Bulls into four years at Niagara University. He graduated from Niagara with a degree in marketing in 2017. Sarcona was a point scoring machine on the 2013 Robertson Cup champion Bulls before joining the Purple Eagles for the 2013–14 season.
