NLL Head Coach of the Year Nomination: Mike Accursi
Jun 8, 2020
Thunderbirds Head Coach Mike Accursi has been nominated for the National Lacrosse League’s Head Coach of the Year Award. The nomination comes after completing his rookie campaign as the bench boss, compiling an 8-4 record in the shortened season. With an 11-9 victory over the Buffalo Bandits on March 8, the Thunderbirds closed out the 2019-20 season atop the NLL East Division. After taking over the head coaching position in Halifax's Inaugural Season, Accursi made an instant impact behind the bench, transforming a roster mixed with young talent and veteran leadership.
In April of 2018, Accursi completed his second season as an assistant coach with the Rochester Knighthawks after serving as the team’s lacrosse operations assistant for three seasons. In his time in Rochester, Accursi helped energize one of the league’s most potent offenses, earning an NLL Finals appearance in 2018.
When Owner/General Manager, Curt Styres, called Accursi, there was no doubt in his mind that taking over as Head Coach was the right decision.
“To become the first coach of the Halifax Thunderbirds is a tremendous honour and I am grateful to Curt Styres for giving me that opportunity. We are lucky to have a talented group of players and I’m excited for the future of this franchise,” said Accursi.
Accompanying Accursi behind the bench were first year assistants Roger Chrysler, Billy Dee Smith, and Chad Culp, as well as returning assistant coach, Jason Johnson. To have a staff that truly believed in the foundation of Accursi’s beliefs is held in high regard when it comes to a Coach of the Year nomination.
In his NLL career, Accursi played for Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Hamilton, and Edmonton and in 17 seasons scored 391 goals while adding 436 assists for 827 points in 237 games. In NLL postseason history, he ranks fifth in goals (58), tied for eighth in points (99), and tied for ninth in games played (26). Accursi is a five-time NLL champion and truly an asset to have on any bench.
Early in training camp the young coaching staff placed an emphasis on conditioning with the mindset of being the more physical team in the third and fourth quarters. This philosophy ultimately translated to the team’s success on the defensive end of the ball in second half action. The Thunderbirds held an impressive 7-0 record while leading after three quarters.
His experience as a player and willingness to adapt to an ever-changing game has helped Accursi and his staff rank third in the league in goals scored (139) and second in power-play scoring, converting on 56.1% of their chances.
Impressively enough, the Thunderbirds 139 goals came with a fair share of ball distribution. Only Cody Jamieson and Ryan Benesch ranked among the league’s top 20 goal scorers, a true testament to the offense that Accursi has helped craft. The addition of Clarke Petterson, Stephen Keogh, and Ryan Benesch has opened opportunities for Jamieson and Shanks.
Accursi and the Thunderbirds successes are due in large part to the family atmosphere and culture he and his staff have embraced. A true player’s coach, Accursi’s staff has placed Halifax on the map as a prime landing spot for free agency.
“I truly believe we have a great chance of bringing a championship to Halifax,” said Head Coach Mike Accursi. "We are disappointed that we will not get to see that goal achieved this year for our players, staff, and most importantly for our tremendous fans. We have Unfinished Business heading into the offseason.”