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Chiefs Hire Jeff Flanagan As Head Coach

September 9, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Johnstown Chiefs announced today that they have hired Jeff Flanagan as the ninth head coach in team history. The Chiefs have been a member of the ECHL since 1988 and are the only original club still playing in its original city.

"Johnstown is a community that takes a lot of pride in the history of its hockey club. Being from a small town myself, I am excited to coach in a community where the team is a part of the fabric of the town. With Neil Smith and Bill Bredin leading the club, it seems like a perfect fit for me. They have put a huge amount of work in this past offseason and I feel that I have a lot to offer the program from an on and off ice perspective," said Flanagan.

With pieces already in place Flanagan is ready to hit the ground running. "This is the time of year where everything is exciting, the players can't wait to get on the ice and the coaches can't wait to get their team into practice. Ian Herbers has done a fantastic job of recruiting quality players to the Chiefs and I know that if we work hard and stick to the plan we will be able to compete with any team in the league."

Flanagan's philosophy should match well with those players. "As a team we are looking to be tight and tough in the defensive zone. We want to be fast and forecheck hard while still giving our skilled players room to be creative. In order for us to be successful in the ECHL, we are going to have to take opportunities in the offensive zone, no matter what type of goal, (pretty or ugly) and not give any freebies in the defensive zone," added the new coach.

Flanagan comes to Johnstown from Italy where he was the head coach of HC Gardena, which plays in Serie-A2, last season. Flanagan guided his club to an 18-11-3 record (.627) and an appearance in the playoff semifinals. Under his direction, Gardena posted one of Serie-A2's best offenses with a league-high 153 goals (4.8 goals per game). He also coached overseas as an assistant with Basingstoke in the Elite Ice Hockey League (U.K.) for the 2004-05 season.

Prior to joining Gardena, Flanagan held assistant coaching positions at the professional, university, and junior levels. Notably, he worked as Karl Taylor's assistant in Reading during the 2006-07 season. The Royals finished 32-33-7 that season and were eliminated from playoff contention by the Chiefs on the last day of the regular season.

Now the head coach of the Ontario Reign, Taylor believes Flanagan is a good fit for the Chiefs. "Jeff is a hard worker who grew up in a small town working on his family farm and will fit in the culture and fabric of Johnstown."

Flanagan has extensive experience as a coach and administrator at the amateur hockey level as well. The Guelph, Ontario native served as an associate coach (2007-08) at his alma mater the University of Guelph. In 2005-06 he was the associate coach and assistant general manager for the Powell River Kings of the Junior 'A' British Columbia Hockey League, and the associate director of hockey operations for the Powell River Minor Hockey Association.

"After an extensive search, we are confident that Jeff Flanagan is the right man to lead the Johnstown Chiefs in 09-10. We felt Jeff is the right combination of knowledge, passion, and energy for our team. He is very familiar with the player personnel, not just on our roster but throughout the league. He is also well connected and respected from the NHL down to the college and junior ranks, which will be an asset in recruiting. His background as a teacher is perfect for the development young talent, and philosophically we are on the same page in terms of a implementing a winning formula. He is also very aware and respectful of the history and tradition of hockey in Johnstown. I have no doubt that he will earn the respect of the players and fans, and will give the team a chance at immediate success" said Vice President and General Manager Bill Bredin.

Before joining the coaching ranks, Flanagan played his college hockey at the University of Guelph (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) from 1996 to 1999. The 1996-97 edition of the Gryphons skated to the CIS Canadian National Championship. After his college career, Flanagan had a stint in 1999 with the Leuven Chiefs of the Belgian Premier League and the Topeka Scarecrows of the Central Hockey League.

Be a part of Chiefstown! The 2009-10 season starts at home on October 17 against Cincinnati. Chiefs season ticket packages are on sale right now. Don't miss out on all the great benefits of being a Chiefs season ticket holder. There are even special discounts for children, students, military veterans, and seniors. You can speak to a season ticket representative today by calling the Chiefs at 814-539-1799, or by visiting the team's office during business hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.



ECHL Stories from September 9, 2009


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.

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