Friday, November 26, 2010

WILD NAMES ROD COLLINS INTERIM HEAD COACH

Press Release

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Wenatchee Wild announced today that it has named Rod Collins as its interim head coach. Chris Clark will continue in his role with the team as assistant coach.

In addition to his new duties as interim head coach, Collins will continue in his position as General Manger of the Wild as well as head coach of the Wenatachee Wild U18 team. Prior to joining the Wild, Collins was the head coach of boys hockey at Shattuck St. Mary’s, which is known as one of the top private school hockey programs in the nation. A native of Manitoba, Canada, Collins also owns Collins Elite Hockey, a hockey development program that he operates with assistance from his children.

Collins replaces Paul Baxter, who served as the team’s head coach for two-plus seasons. Baxter led the Wild to two West Division titles and the Presidents’ Cup as the team with the most regular-season points in the NAHL in 2009-10. Baxter was also an integral part of the early success of the team, which advanced to the Robertson Cup championship game during its inaugural season in the league in 2008-09.

“Paul is a friend and a great coach,” said Bill Stewart, president and managing partner of the Wenatchee Wild. “He has helped move many players on to the college ranks, and we will support Coach Baxter in his future endeavors.”

Baxter has been offered a position in the organization as an advisor to the General Manager. The Wild will begin a search for a new full-time head coach.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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