NAHL Houston Bulls announces Assistant, Goaltending Coach

The North American Hockey League (NAHL)'s Houston Bulls have announced that AJ Ruskowski will be remaining with the organization and serving as both the team's Assistant and Goaltending Coach. 

Ruskowski is coming off his first season coaching in 2025-26 with the North Iowa Bulls, and will be staying with the staff as they relocate to the Houston, Texas area. The NAHL announced in March that they would be relocating the North Iowa Bulls to the major Texas city to compete as the Houston Bulls. Former NHL alum Nathan Oystrick — who spent time with both the St. Louis Blues (2010-11) and Anaheim Ducks (2009-10) — will lead the coaching staff alongside Ruskowski.

In an exclusive, Ruskowski said that the Bulls are looking to bring an exciting on-ice play style for the Houston area.

"Every division within the North American Hockey League kind of has their own style, and the South obviously has that reputation. It has the reputation of being more of a physical game, more of an in-your-face game, more hits, more fights, whatever you want to say, that comes with that that reputation," Ruskowski said in reference to what coaching style he's looking to bring behind the bench. "I think 'Big Boy Bulls Hockey' is a great way to put it. I think we have some size that we're adding to our group, and we're excited to be able to mix that with some of the speed and skill that we have eligible to come back with our returning players."

Getting to know Houston Bulls Assistant, Goaltending Coach AJ Ruskowski

Ruskowski boasts an extensive former playing resume. He played in the NAHL himself with the Minot Minotauros in addition to NCAA Hockey with Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. A former goaltender, he concluded his NCAA career with a .902 save percentage and 23 wins.

The netminder concluded NCAA play following the 2024-25 season. 

Ruskowski said his own experiences in the net have already begun serving as an advantage for him throughout the early stages of his coaching career.

"For me, during my playing career and when I was at the junior age, the NAHL was a league I respected so much and it was a league that I really strived to get to. I try to use that experience with our goaltenders that we currently have, and as well as other prospective goaltenders, to say that everyone's path is not clear cut. Everyone's going to have their own turns, and being able to react and adapt off of the current situation that you find yourself in as young goalies is important to grow," said Ruskowski. "Having my relatability with the goaltenders is something that I think really helps."

The Houston Bulls' home opener is currently slated for Oct. 2. against the Lone Star Brahmas, and the season opens with away matchups at the Shreveport Mudbugs on both Sept. 11 and Sept. 12. 

Games are to be played at the Deep South Ice Sports Plex in Richmond, Texas — construction is currently ongoing and coming along nicely. The venue is to be completed with 1,800 seats and 14 suites in addition to a second NHL size practice ice sheet.

Ruskowski and Oystrick have both stated they are looking forward to implementing an aggressive and fast-paced play style, with Ruskowski also saying he is looking forward to learning under Oystrick's leadership.

"I think with the way that Nathan played and his expectations for the players ... I'm excited to be able to learn from Nathan, he's got a wealth of knowledge and a lot of connections and a lot of experiences within the game, so I'm excited again to be able to learn from him in year two here," said Ruskowski.

Current season ticket sales interest remains at over 3,250 for the Bulls’ inaugural season.

MORE: NAHL Houston Bulls reveal inaugural schedule