THUNDER BAY -- Giovanni Petraglia is taking over the coaching reins of the Thunder Bay Chill.
The Premier Development League team announced the move on Sunday, completing their three-week search to replace long-time coach Tony Colistro.
The Italian-born Petraglia served as Colistro’s assistant for the previous three seasons to become acquainted with the North American game after coming over with an extensive European background.
“I’m looking forward to start. When we choose to do the job of coach it’s because we like the challenge,” he said in an interview Sunday night.
“It’s a good opportunity because it’s very close to professional soccer…North America is a good opportunity and the soccer is much better than I thought it was before I came here.”
Colistro, who is stepping aside with a mark of 130-94-24 along with three national championship appearances and one league title over the past 15 seasons, said Petraglia was brought to the club to eventually become his successor.
“This wasn’t a last minute decision. This was the vision we had as a club a few years back when we brought him in with the idea from Day 1 that he could take over the head coaching job,” Colistro said.
“What’s important is the experience and how you deal with the players and I think (Petraglia) has that. He was a very good relationship with the players on our club, PDL players and people in the community.”
In addition to serving as an assistant on the main team, Petraglia also worked with the club’s youth programs.
As the Chill look to graduate more of their young local players to the PDL squad that experience became one of his biggest assets.
“I think for them it’s better because they can actually feel the real opportunity to step on the field and to play. They already know who I am and I trust them. I know their level and potential,” Petraglia said.
Colistro, who is remaining with the club in his role as owner and technical director, said he wants to see more locally developed players suiting up for their hometown team.
Hiring Petraglia is a step towards making that a reality.
“There’s a comfort zone, especially for our younger players, when they’re coming in and they’re already familiar with the coaching and style. You want to give your younger players that boost of confidence,” Colistro said.
“We have some really good youth players in our own club but the players we bring in really makes it difficult for them when we bring in such strong players. This gives them the idea they have the opportunity and they have a chance to get into the lineup.”
Colistro will remain involved in the recruiting process as club brass works to build the team’s 2015 PDL roster, looking to return to the postseason after a seven-year playoff streak was snapped last season.
He said a shortlist of potential players has been identified and returning players from last season’s squad were made aware of the planned coaching change and are “comfortable” with Petraglia running the team.
