Watertown Shamrocks Hire Brett Wall as Associate Head Coach for 2026–27 NAHL Season

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Shamrocks have added a major piece to their coaching staff, announcing the hiring of Brett Wall as Associate Head Coach for the upcoming 2026–27 North American Hockey League season.

Wall previously served as the Shamrocks’ Director of Scouting, giving him direct familiarity with the team’s roster and development system. The Huber Heights, Ohio native brings more than a decade of coaching experience, including six years in junior hockey, NCAA Division III head‑coaching experience, and a playing résumé that includes the NAHL, Division I hockey, and four seasons of professional play.

Wall said joining the Shamrocks full‑time is an opportunity he didn’t hesitate to accept.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be in Watertown,” Wall said. “I had the opportunity to come up last summer and fell in love with the area and people in the community. When the opportunity came up to be here full time as a coach and community member, it was a no‑brainer for me. The facilities, the way the organization supports its players and the way they are treated by our community is second to none. I’m looking forward to working with Coach Kirley and being back in the NAHL. Go Shamrocks!”

Extensive Coaching Background

Wall began his coaching career in 2015–16 as a player‑assistant coach for the FPHL’s Dayton Demolition. He transitioned to full‑time coaching the following season with the USPHL’s Hudson Havoc, where he turned the program into a perennial contender. During his five seasons with Hudson, Wall’s teams won 30 or more games three times, compiling a combined record of 136‑68‑16.

He later spent two seasons as Head Coach at Lawrence University (NCAA Division III) and served as Head Coach of the NAHL’s Janesville Jets during the 2024–25 season. Most recently, he coached within the Chicago Fury AAA program, working with teams at the 15U, 16U, and 18U levels.

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A Player’s Perspective

As a player, Wall captained the Alexandria Blizzard (now the St. Cloud Norsemen) during his NAHL career and played four seasons at Lake Superior State University, graduating in 2013. He went on to play professionally from 2013 to 2017.

Shamrocks Leadership Praises Hire

Shamrocks General Manager and Head Coach Casey Kirley said Wall’s experience and familiarity with the organization make him an ideal addition.

“We are thrilled to have Brett join our coaching staff,” Kirley said. “Brett has a strong familiarity with our team and players after serving as our Director of Scouting this past season. He brings several years of head‑coaching experience at both the junior and collegiate levels, which makes him a valuable resource for everyone in our organization. Brett has done a tremendous job of developing players for higher levels of play, and we are extremely fortunate to have him as a key figure in the growth of our players this season.”

In addition to his coaching duties, Wall will also serve as the Shamrocks’ Assistant General Manager.

Upcoming Shamrocks Events

The Shamrocks open the 2026–27 season with an exhibition series against the Aberdeen Wings on September 4 at Prairie Lakes Ice Arena.

The team will also host an intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, August 29 at 6:00 p.m., free and open to the public.