Pontiacs Re-Sign Coaching Staff

Press Release

In a move to solidify continuity, the Bonnyville Pontiacs Board of Directors is very pleased to announce they re-signed their coaching staff to long term contracts. General Manager/Head Coach, Chad Mercier and newly appointed Assistant General Manager/Associate Coach, Ryan Pollock, have both agreed to five year contracts taking them through the 2015-2016 season.

Chad Mercier joined the Bonnyville Pontiacs as General Manager/Head Coach in April 2006. The Bonnyville native had spent the previous eight seasons (1998-2006) coaching in the Western Hockey League between the Regina Pats and the Saskatoon Blades. Mercier won the 2010-2011 Alberta Junior Hockey League Coach of the Year Award as he guided the Pontiacs to a 36-16-9 regular season record.

After spending the previous four seasons as Pontiacs Assistant Coach, Ryan Pollock will enter the 2011 season as Assistant General Manager/Associate Coach. The Regina, SK product joined the organization after a standout career with the University of Regina Cougars. The Kinesiology and Health Studies graduate brings experience in elite level personal training and works to continue player's educational opportunities.

Pontiacs President, Don Sydora states, "the dedicated commitment and combined experience these two individual's have brought to this organization does not go unnoticed, either here in Bonnyville or throughout the hockey world. The level of professionalism and respect brought forth by Chad Mercier and Ryan Pollock warrants an equal response by our organization and that being our commitment to them. It is both an honour and a privilege to have them represent the Bonnyville Pontiacs today and in the future."

Additionally, the Pontiacs have added alumnus Jeremy Gerhardt to their staff for the season. The former assistant-captain will work alongside trainer Kim Sydora to assist with athletic therapy duties as well as taking on responsibilities with off-ice conditioning. Gerhardt is entering his third year at the University of Alberta in pursuit of a physiotherapy degree.


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