For More Information Contact Sara Jerke
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Tuesday, July 2nd, 2002
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Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced Assistant Coach Cory Clouston has signed a two-year contract to be the Head Coach of the Hockey Club. Clouston becomes the third bench boss in franchise history and replaces Ryan McGill, who was named Head Coach of the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League last week.
"The decision to promote Cory was an easy one as he has been with the Hockey Club for three years (1999-2002) and has demonstrated he has the skill and experience to be a Head Coach in the WHL. The philosophy of our organization is to hire and promote from within wherever possible. His past credentials as a Head Coach speak for themselves and the returning players are very familiar with him and his style which will make the transition that much easier," continued Chynoweth.
"When I came here three years ago it was one of my goals to someday be a Head Coach in the WHL. To be named as bench boss for an organization that gave me an opportunity, and has achieved as much success as the ICE have, is definitely a huge honor. I look forward to the many challenges that lie ahead, but know the foundation is definitely in place to continue on with the winning tradition," commented Cory Clouston.
Cory Clouston is a 32-year-old native of Viking, Alberta, who prior to joining the ICE in 1999 was the General Manager and Head Coach of the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (1995-99). During his four year stay in Grande Prairie his team compiled a .627 winning percentage (143-82-15) and was named AJHL Coach of the Year in 1995-96. Cory was also an Assistant Coach with the Powell River Paper Kings of the British Columbia Hockey League in 1994-95. He played four years at the University of Alberta and was a member of the 1991-92 Golden Bears team that won the CIAU championship. Cory also achieved a Bachelor of Arts, Recreation Administration degree from the University of Alberta.