Darren Pang Joins Ice as Goaltending Coach

October 17, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Indianapolis Ice News Release


INDIANAPOLIS, IN-- Indianapolis Ice General Manager Larry Linde announced today that the team has hired former NHL and Ice netminder Darren Pang to be the team's goaltending coach. The 38-year-old Pang can be seen on ESPN and ABC Television as one of the main hockey analysts for the two network's NHL coverage. He will be in attendance when the Ice opens the season Friday night at the Pepsi Coliseum.

ESPN's resident goaltending expert played six years professionally in the NHL, IHL and AHL. His time in the NHL rested solely with the Chicago Blackhawks as he was initially signed as a free agent by Chicago in 1984. He spent parts of three seasons in the "Windy City," playing in 81 games, while compiling a 27-35-7 record. Following his first full rookie season with the "Hawks," he was selected as a member of the 1988 NHL All-Rookie Team.

"Our goal is to make this the best franchise in all of minor league hockey," said Ice General Manager Larry Linde. "The way you do that is to operate as though this were the NHL. There aren't too many franchises at this level that have both a scouting department and a goaltending instructor. Darren brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table...his character and standing in the hockey community is unequalled. I expect this to be a tremendous shot in the arm to our goaltenders."

The 5-5, 155-pound Pang was also a member of the IHL Ice's 1990 Turner Cup Championship Team. Assigned by Chicago to rehabilitate an injured knee, he played in seven regular season games for the Icemen going 4-1-2 with a 2.54 goals-against-average. He also saw action in four playoff games as a compliment to Ice goaltender, Jimmy Waite, and went 3-1 with a 2.85 GAA.

"The 1990 Team was a special team filled with character guys like Bob Bassen, Mike Eagles, Bruce Cassidy, Jim Playfair and fellow goaltender Jimmy Waite. When I went to Indy on rehab, you knew there was something special going on as Darryl Sutter treated that lockerroom like a mini-NHL team."

A native of Medford, Ontario, Pang spent three years as the goaltending coach with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association on a team coached by former NHL forward Dave Poulin.

"It was quite an honor to work with up and coming collegiate goaltenders and it thrilled me to no end. I am also excited to now get a chance to work with the goaltenders in Indianapolis. These guys have battled in juniors and college and are now professionals. It is also satisfying to get back on the Ice with fellow goaltenders because we all think the same."

The Indianapolis Ice opens up the regular season and its 15th season of hockey in the "Circle City" with a pair of home games this weekend as the team hosts the Tulsa Oilers on Friday, October 18th and the Memphis RiverKings on Saturday, October 19th. Both games begin at 7:00 p.m. from the Pepsi Coliseum.

Fans can purchase tickets for the first two games and all individual games at all Ticketmaster locations including select Marsh Supermarkets, Karma Records, select L.S. Ayers and the Pepsi Coliseum and Conseco Fieldhouse box offices, or by calling 239-5151 or online at ticketmaster.com

Season tickets are still on sale now and can be purchased by calling (317) 925-4423. For all the latest Ice information, please visit www.indianapolisice.com.



Central Hockey League Stories from October 17, 2002


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