
Barracudas restructure hockey operations
April 8, 2006 - SPHL (SPHL)
Jacksonville Barracudas News Release
The Jacksonville Barracudas announce that they have restructured the organization's hockey operations leadership. Ron Duguay will move into the role as the Barracudas' Special Advisor, as the franchise hires Rick Allain to take over the Head Coaching duties. Gilles Richard, who has served as the team's Business Manager for the past two seasons, has been named the Barracudas' General Manager.
"We are very excited about the addition of Rick to our staff, as his credentials speak for themselves" said Majority Owner Steve Croskrey. "I want to thank Ron for several years of hard work and dedication. If it wasn't for Ron, the Barracudas would not be here today."
"I look forward to continuing to work with him to promote hockey in Jacksonville".
Allain comes to the Barracudas with impressive coaching credentials, coaching the famed Canadian Hockey League franchise Peterborough Petes for six seasons from 1998 through 2004. In 2002, Allain was named Assistant Coach for Team Canada's under-18 team for the prestigious Eight Nations Tournament in Slovakia. Allain helped guide that team to the tournament's Gold Medal. Prior to coaching the Petes, Allain won an Ontario Hockey League Championship and a Memorial Cup berth as Assistant Coach for the Guelph Storm.
Allain had an outstanding playing career as well; he was drafted to the NHL's Boston Bruins in the 1989 Entry Draft and spent 4 seasons in the Bruins' organization.
"I am very excited to be joining a quality organization like this one," said Allain. "I am looking forward to the many challenges that lie ahead, and to developing an entertaining product that the fans of the Barracudas can be proud of."
Duguay will be taking on the role of Special Advisor immediately, and will assist Coach Allain with recruitment and scouting, while remaining deeply involved with the team's community and corporate relations.
Duguay was named head coach of the Barracudas during the 2002-2003 campaign. The following season he led the Barracudas to the World Hockey Association2 Championship. In 2004-2005 the team moved into the Southern Professional Hockey League, where the Duguay's Barracudas finished the regular season in second place, but bowed out of the playoffs in the second round.
Richard's first season as General Manager will be his third season with the Barracudas' organization. In his first two seasons as the team's Business Manager he has stabilized the team's finances, and has improved the franchise's long-term viability. Before becoming a local business owner, Richard played three seasons for the Jacksonville Bullets, from 1993 until 1996.
"Gilles has done a fantastic job of managing the team over the past two seasons, getting the business side of the franchise on the right track," said Croskrey. "I am confident he will continue to do a great job as General Manager."
"After two seasons of working strictly with the business of the franchise, I am excited to begin working with the players and coaches on the hockey operations as well," Richard said. "With Rick's coaching and Ron's help, we will be able to build off the momentum this ownership group and front office has built over the past two seasons.
The Barracudas have begun preparations for the 2006-2007 season. Season tickets and corporate sponsorships are now available. For more information contact the Barracudas office at 904-367-1423, or visit the team's website at www.jaxcudas.com.
SPHL Stories from April 8, 2006
- Barracudas restructure hockey operations - Jacksonville Barracudas
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Jacksonville Barracudas Stories
- Stanley Cup Watch Party at Ham's Stanley Cup Watch Party at Ham's
- Cudas Sign Swartzentruber
- What's New With The Cudas
- Barracudas Barbecue At Atlantica Condominiums
- Barracudas Drop Home Opener 2-0

