Habscheid is hired by Chilliwack

Press Release

Chilliwack, B.C. -- The Chilliwack Bruins are pleased to announce the hiring of Marc Habscheid as the hockey club’s Head Coach and General Manager. Bruins President Darryl Porter made the announcement at a press conference Wednesday evening at Minter Gardens in Chilliwack.

“Our ownership was committed to bringing in the best possible person for these two positions,’ stated Porter. “We feel we have found that person in Marc and by making a long term commitment to him we believe that our team will make the improvements necessary to reach the levels of success that our fans expect and deserve.”

Habscheid, a former Western Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League Coach of the Year, last coached in the WHL in 2004 when he led the Kelowna Rockets to the Memorial Cup Championship.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the Western League and to be part of the Chilliwack Bruins,” said Habscheid. “Chilliwack is a great hockey town with an excellent facility. The Bruins have a solid ownership group and the coaching staff believes we have the foundation here to build a contending hockey team.”

Porter, who himself has agreed to a long term deal as Team President also announced that current Bruins assistant coach Bob Rouse has agreed to a long term contract with the team. Rouse, a two time Stanley Cup winner with the Detroit Red Wings will be taking on the added role of Assistant General Manager. Rouse joined the Bruins as an assistant coach prior to the 2007-08 season.

Dave Archibald, who joined the team as an assistant coach prior to the 2008-09 season will be taking on an expanded assistant coaching position in addition to his recently added duties of Hockey Operations Advisor and Community Liaison.

“Bob has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization,” added Porter. “His role last season was more of a part time role and we’re extremely pleased that he has accepted a full time position with the added duties of Assistant GM. Dave’s role with the team has steadily increased since he joined us prior to last season and we wanted to ensure that he too was a part of our organization long term.”

“I am very excited with the opportunity to get more involved with this team,” expressed Rouse. “We have some key veteran players and some bright young players to develop this team into a contender in the near future.”


(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)