SEA DOGS ANNOUNCE MIKE KELLY AS HEAD COACH & GENERAL MANAGER

Press Release

SAINT JOHN, NB – Saint John Sea Dogs are proud to announce Mike Kelly as the 4th Head Coach in the franchises history.

Since joining the Sea Dogs in 2009, Kelly has lead the Sea Dogs as Director of Hockey operations and Associate Coach to three Jean-Rougeau trophies, awarded to the regular season champions, two President Cups (2011 and 2012) and a Memorial Cup (2011).

“I am thrilled with this opportunity and am grateful to the ownership,” said newly named Head Coach Mike Kelly. “Looking back three years ago, we were faced with the same challenges that we are today and we look forward to our next era.”

“We couldn’t be in better hands with Mike Kelly taking on both roles,” said Sea Dogs President Wayne Long. “I am excited for our future with Mike as our new Head Coach.”

Kelly has coached at several levels throughout his career. Originally from Oakville, Ont., he most recently spent three years in the Vancouver Canucks organization (2005-2008) as an assistant coach with both the Canucks and the Manitoba Moose (AHL).

At the major junior level, Kelly has experience in both coaching and in management with the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL), North Bay Centennials (OHL), and Windsor Spitfires (OHL). In 1998, Kelly led the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds to a Canadian Interuniversity Championship, winning the Father George Kehoe Memorial Award as the top collegiate coach in the country in the process. As a player, Kelly served as captain of UNB and also played professionally in Europe.

Kelly led Canada to a gold medal at the 2003 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, serving as head coach of the elite squad. He was also an assistant on Team Canada’s coaching staff at the IIHF World Junior Championships from 2000 to 2002.

When asked about the future of Sea Dog Hockey Kelly says, “Over the last 3 years we have built a culture which we are very proud of in Saint John and we look forward to maintain this tradition.”

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