WARRIORS NAME HEAD COACH; RE-SIGN ASSISTANT

Press Release

Moose Jaw, SK- Warriors Director of Hockey Operations, Alan Millar announced today that the Moose Jaw Warriors have hired Mike Stothers as Head Coach. Mike has signed a multi year contract with the tribe.

Mike Stothers has over 30 years of professional hockey experience as both a player and coach. He recently served as an Assistant Coach for the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers. Prior to his time in Atlanta, Mike was the Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), Head Coach of the Owen Sound Attack (OHL), Assistant Coach of the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) and an Assistant Coach for the Philadelphia Phantoms and Hersey Bears (AHL).

“We are pleased to welcome Mike and his wife Judi and their daughters Ashley and Logan to the Warriors organization,” said Director of Hockey Operations Alan Millar. “Mike brings a wealth of experiences and successes in the game to our hockey club,” said Millar. “We are excited to have Mike leading our team,” he concluded.

Career Highlights

First round draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in 1980
702 professional games played in the NHL and AHL with only two organizations: Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs
Played in the AHL's Calder Cup finals in 1983 with the Maine Mariners
Won the AHL's Calder Cup as a player with the Maine Mariners in 1984
Played in the Stanley Cup finals with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1987
Won the AHL's Calder Cup as a Assistant Coach with the Philadelphia Phantoms in 1998
Part of Bill Barber's staff with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2001 when Bill Barber was named the NHL's Coach of the Year
Won the Stanley Cup as the Detroit Red Wings AHL Head Coach in 2008 and was part of Head Coach Mike Babcock's staff for the playoffs
Five year OHL record with Owen Sound Attack: 160-134-21-25 and 5 straight playoff appearances

Coaching Experience

- Assistant Coach- Atlanta Thrashers (NHL) 2010-11
- Head Coach- Grand Rapid Griffins (AHL) 2007-08
- Head Coach- Owen Sound Attack (OHL) 2002-00

In the 2004-05 season, Stothers led the Owen Sound Attack to a regular season record of 40-18-7-3, boasting a 90 point season; at the time established the highest win and point total in team history.

- Assistant Coach- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) 2000-02

85-52-21-6 record

- Assistant Coach- Hershey Bears (AHL) 1991-96
- Assistant Coach-Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL) 1996-00

187-92-32-9 record

REMARKS ON MOOSE JAW’S HIRE

Craig Ramsay
Former Head Coach of the Atlanta Thrashers & current Associate Coach of the Florida Panthers

“First off, Mike is an honest, family orientated man who cares about his family and those around him. Mike will bring both presence and experience to Moose Jaw. Mike has coached at every level and has a personality the players will instantly warm up to.”

Don Nachbaur
Current Head Coach, Spokane Chiefs & 2011 WHL Coach of the Year

“Moose Jaw is fortunate to get such a quality person and excellent coach in Mike. Mike is a caring and passionate guy who will make the transition well as a coach and community leader. There is no question that Mike’s teams are prepared, organized and tough to play against”.

“Every good coach instils their own philosophies in their players and if you see how passionate, prepared and how hard Mike works--- you can expect the same from his players.”

Mike Futa
Former GM of the Owen Sound Attack & Current Co-Director of Amateur Scouting for the LA Kings

“Mike is a tremendous person and leader. He had a tireless work ethic that he will demand from those around him including his players. He is an honest, straightshooter who will be firm but fair with his team.

“His players will no exactly where they stand with him and they should be prepared to work hard each and every day.”

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MOOSE JAW, SK--- Warriors Director of Hockey Operations Alan Millar announced this morning that the hockey club has resigned Assistant Coach Mike Vandenberghe to a new multi year contract.

Mike joined the Warriors in December 2010 after spending the first part of the 2010-11 WHL season with the Brandon Wheat Kings as Interim Assistant Coach.

“Mike was an excellent addition to our coaching staff last December. We are pleased to have resigned Mike to a new contract and look forward to his continued efforts on our new coaching staff under Head Coach Mike Stothers,” said Alan Millar.

Mike is a WHL alumnus playing 4 years as a defenseman with both the Wheat Kings and the Medicine Hat Tigers. Following his 4 year WHL career, Mike played 8 seasons of professional hockey in both the ECHL (’93-97) and the WPHL (’97-2000). Mike also played 1 year of CIS hockey with the Brandon Bobcats (’92-93).

Mike began his coaching career with the UHL’s Knoxville Speed as Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations in 2001. Other career coaching highlights include: Assistant Coach, Team West, World U-17 Challenge in 2007; Head Coach/General Manager, Notre Dame Jr. A Hounds, 2004-2009; Head Coach, Team West, World U-17 Challenge in 2010; Assistant Coach, University of Regina Cougars (CIS), 2009-10.

The Warriors also announced that they will not be exercising the club option on Assistant Coach Trevor Weisgerber’s contract for the 2011/12 season. “Trevor is a good young coach and has a bright future in the game,” said Alan Millar. “We thank him for his efforts and commitment to our hockey club last season,” he added. “Trevor and I have left the door open to discuss potential opportunities for him to stay with the hockey club. If possible, we would like to keep Trevor as part of our team and will continue those discussions at the appropriate time,” concluded Millar.


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