Bio

Midview Athletics announced the hiring of Russ Armbruster as its new Head Ice Hockey Coach following approval by the Midview Local School Board of Education on Thursday (April 30) evening.

Armbruster brings valuable ice hockey experience as both a player and coach to the Middies' program, which looks to reestablish itself after a seven-year hiatus.

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the return of Midview Ice Hockey," said Armbruster. "I have been part of the hockey community since I was three years old, and the chance to relaunch this program is truly an honor. My goal is to build a competitive, disciplined team that can make an immediate impact in Cleveland high school hockey. Midview Hockey is back, and we are committed to building something that will last for years to come."

Armbruster is a proud product of the Elyria Panther program. The 2011 Lutheran West High School graduate then played high school hockey for the Medina High School club team. He went on to play three years of junior hockey before continuing his career at NCAA Division III Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania. During his time with the Flying Dutchmen, he was president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Armbruster graduated from Lebanon Valley with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2018 and then transitioned to coaching. The level 2 USA Hockey certified coach led the Hershey Junior Bears, a U18 AA team, for one year. He then jumped at an opportunity to build a new U16 and U18 AAA program for the Palmyra Black Knights in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). 

"Starting from scratch, we recruited and rostered over 40 players and competed in a highly competitive league," said Armbruster. "In our first two seasons, we made the playoffs both years and reached the championship game in my second season. That experience of building a program from the ground up will be invaluable at Midview. The difference here is that we already have a strong foundation of community support and history, which gives us a great starting point for success."

Midview's Ice Hockey program began in 2004 and had a 15-year history of success before lack of numbers forced the program to go dormant following the 2018-19 season. The Middies will return as member of the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League (GCHSHL) having won the Baron Cup III championship in 2012. By the end of their run, the Middies had elevated themselves all the way to the top division in the three-tiered league.

"My immediate goal is to establish a strong culture built on accountability, work ethic, and pride," said Armbruster. "That starts with our core group of players this coming season. Midview has a proud history, and I want our team to honor that by competing hard and representing the school and community the right way."

Armbruster is the general manager of the Armbruster Energy Stores Inc., which is the Marathon gas station at the corner of Route 57 and Route 82. He and his wife Nicole reside in Vermilion with their two young children. 

"To the players considering joining Midview Ice Hockey this is your opportunity to be part of something special from the very beginning," said Armbruster. "We are ready for you, and I hope you are ready to compete, work hard, and make a statement. You will be part of rebuilding a tradition and setting the standard for future players. I care deeply about player development, both on and off the ice, and we will grow this program together. This first season is critical, and we are committed to making it the foundation of something long-lasting. I am excited to meet you all and get to work."