Toms Strauss
Toms Strauss
Interim Head Coach
Toms began his coaching career at the age of 16, securing the first coaching contract at the esteemed “Hockey School Riga” in Latvia, where he worked with the country’s top youth players. Recognized as a promising coach, he participated in the IIHF coaching development camp in Vierumaki, Finland, and garnered multiple medals in the Latvian youth championship while in Riga.
Transitioning to the “Liepajas Metalurgs” outside the capital after five years in Riga, he continued to excel, winning several medals with the youth teams. When the main sponsor faced financial troubles, he co-founded the new club “HK Liepaja” and assumed the roles of General Manager and assistant coach.
During his tenure in Liepaja, he achieved significant milestones, including leading the professional team to Bronze medals, coaching a Junior team to a Silver medal at the Latvian Youth Olympic Games, and securing the championship for “HK Liepaja” in Latvian Hockey.
Alongside his coaching successes, he contributed to the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation committee for youth player development. In 2017, he embraced a new challenge as a head coach and Director of coaching at a Danish club.
His journey in Denmark began with IK Aarhus, where he served as the Director of Development and head coach for various age groups, achieving the club’s objective of promoting hockey and nurturing quality players. Moving to Odense, he accepted a head coach position for U-20 and the second-best league, later signing a historic five-year contract after remarkable achievements in his initial seasons.
With Odense Bulldogs, he won a bronze medal as an assistant coach and further contributed as an associate assistant coach, eventually becoming a full-time assistant coach for the top league in Denmark. Continuously guiding the Bulldogs, he played a pivotal role in their success, including reaching the Denmark Championship playoff first round in the 2022/2023 season.