A.J. McCloud Names Todd Rossouw Head Coach of the Crestmont Valkyries
By Kali Cruz, lead Valkyrie beat reporter of the Crestmont Sports Report
Kali Cruz, lead Valkyrie beat reporter, Crestmont Sports Report
The buzz around Crestmont just got a whole lot louder. A.J. McCloud, the visionary behind Crestmont's rise as a sports utopia, announced the hiring of Todd Rossouw as the first-ever head coach of the Crestmont Valkyries, the NHL's newest expansion team. The Valkyries, set to take the ice for their inaugural season in 2024-2025, are already generating palpable excitement throughout the hockey world and beyond.
"Todd Rossouw is the perfect leader to usher in this new era of hockey," McCloud said at the press conference. "His ability to connect with players, his tactical brilliance, and his dedication to building a winning culture make him the ideal choice for the Valkyries."
McCloud also highlighted the instrumental role played by Rusty Ramon, the recently appointed General Manager of the Valkyries, in bringing Rossouw to the team. Ramon, known for his keen eye for talent and his strategic approach to team building, worked closely with McCloud during the selection process.
"Rusty’s leadership and vision are key to this franchise’s future," McCloud said. "He has a deep understanding of the game, and his influence was pivotal in securing Todd Rossouw as our head coach."
Rossouw, 45, comes with an impressive resume. A former NHL player with over 700 games under his belt, he transitioned into coaching with a passion for player development. Most recently, Rossouw served as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken, where he played a pivotal role in crafting one of the league's most disciplined defensive units. His appointment as the head coach of an expansion team feels like a natural progression for a man who thrives on building something from the ground up.
"It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of this historic journey," Rossouw said. "The Crestmont Valkyries represent a fresh start, not just for me, but for every fan, player, and staff member who will be part of this team. I can’t wait to get started."
A preview of the home sweaters that the Crestmont Valkyries will sport in their inaugural season, courtesy of A.J. McCloud
A Foundation of Excellence
The excitement doesn’t end with the NHL team. McCloud also announced the creation of an AHL feeder team, the Fresno Renegades, who will play their home games at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. The Renegades will serve as a development pipeline for the Valkyries, ensuring a steady flow of talent and fostering a hockey culture throughout Central California.
“Building a strong foundation is key,” McCloud said. “The Renegades will be integral to our success, both in developing players and in connecting with fans across the state."
The addition of the Renegades marks a strategic move to expand hockey’s reach, bringing the sport to new audiences in a region not traditionally associated with the game. Early ticket sales for the Renegades' debut season indicate a strong appetite for hockey in Fresno.
A sneak peak of the AHL Fresno Renegades, courtesy of A.J. McCloud
Expansion Draft Looming
The next major milestone for the Valkyries is the NHL Expansion Draft, set to take place in the coming weeks. The draft will allow the team to select players from existing franchises, providing the core for what Rossouw envisions as a fast, physical, and cohesive squad.
"We’re looking for players who are hungry to prove themselves and eager to be part of something bigger than hockey," Rossouw said. "The expansion draft is an opportunity to bring together a group of players who can set the tone for what the Valkyries will stand for: grit, determination, and community."
Fans in Crestmont are already speculating about potential draft picks and envisioning the team’s first steps onto the ice at Crestmont Arena. The state-of-the-art facility, designed with fan experience in mind, is nearing completion and will host not just hockey games but a variety of community events aimed at uniting the city through sports.
A City Ready to Rally
The hiring of Rossouw and the announcement of the Fresno Renegades have electrified the city. Social media is abuzz with hashtags like #ValkyrieVision and #RenegadeRising, as fans count down the days to the first puck drop. Local businesses are already jumping on board, with sponsorship deals and special promotions tied to the Valkyries' debut season.
For McCloud, the goal isn’t just to build a hockey team; it’s to create a legacy.
"This is about more than wins and losses," McCloud said. "It’s about bringing people together and creating something that everyone in Crestmont can be proud of."
If the energy surrounding the Valkyries and Renegades is any indication, McCloud is well on his way to achieving that goal. And with Rossouw at the helm, the Crestmont Valkyries are poised to take the NHL by storm.
