Brian Sipotz (born October 9, 1980) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman and current hockey coach and executive. He played nine seasons of professional hockey, primarily in the American Hockey League (AHL) and ECHL, after being drafted by the Florida Panthers in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
Early Life and Collegiate Career
Sipotz was born in Livonia, Michigan. He played junior hockey for the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and then for the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in the United States Hockey League (USHL).He committed to Miami University, where he played four seasons (1999–2003) for the RedHawks in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). During his collegiate career, he was drafted by the Florida Panthers in the eighth round, 234th overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
Professional Career
Sipotz began his professional career in the 2002–03 season, splitting time between the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL and the Augusta Lynx of the ECHL, both affiliates of the Florida Panthers. He spent the majority of his professional playing career in the AHL, playing for the San Antonio Rampage (2002–2005), Chicago Wolves (2005–2007), and Rockford IceHogs (2007–2011). He also had a brief stint with the Grand Rapids Griffins during the 2006–07 season.Known for his physical play and leadership, Sipotz served as a captain for the Rockford IceHogs during his tenure with the team. He retired from professional hockey after the 2010–11 season.