Monday, July 23, 2012

Mike Minard Announced as Goaltending Coach for the 2012-2013 Season

Press Release

Saco, ME- The Portland Junior Pirates and Maine Hockey Group are very excited to announce that Mike Minard will be joining the organization as the Goaltending coach in Saco. Mike is entering his second season as part of the coaching staff with the Portland Pirates of the AHL. "I am very excited to be joining the Portland Jr Pirates staff this year and looking forward to working with the goalies in the Jr pirates system, I look forward to the challenge and opportunity", stated Mike.
The 35-year old native of Owen Sound, Ontario was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round (83rd overall) of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, and was in the Oilers system from 1996-2000. His NHL debut came on April 8, 2000 against the Calgary Flames where he stopped 33 shots en route to earning the victory. Following the 1999-2000 season, Minard joined the Toronto Maple Leafs organization where he competed in 96 games from 2000-2002 and 2003-2004 for their AHL affiliate, the St. John's Maple Leafs.

A two-time recipient of the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award (1999-2000, 2000-2001) for outstanding community service, Minard played in a total of 141 AHL games with the Hamilton Bulldogs (1996-2000), St. John's Maple Leafs, and Manitoba Moose (2002-2003). Following his 12-year professional career in which he additionally played in the ECHL, CHL, and overseas in Northern Island, Minard became a Senior Instructor at the Grainger/Minard Steel City Hockey Goaltending School in Hamilton, Ontario. Minard's younger brother, Chris, currently plays in the Detroit Red Wings organization, registering 32 points in 39 games for the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins in the 2011-2012 season.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Mike’s experience and character.” stated Doug Friedman. “ Our goalies will all benefit greatly from having the opportunity to work with and learn from Mike.”


(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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