Ian Herbers Promoted to AHL

Published on August 3, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Johnstown Chiefs announced today that coach Ian Herbers has accepted an assistant coaching position with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League. The Admirals are the top farm team of the NHL's Nashville Predators.

"I am grateful to the Chiefs organization for giving me the chance to improve my coaching skills in Johnstown. Also, I would like to thank all the players and staff that worked hard and made it a pleasure to come to the rink every day. Last but not least, thanks to the loyal fans and the community of Johnstown for the support they have shown me and the team the last two seasons," said Herbers.

"I am very excited about the new opportunity in Milwaukee. The Admirals have been consistently one of the top teams in the AHL because of the talent and staff that Nashville has assembled. I am looking forward to the challenges of helping to develop the players in the Nashville Predators organization," he added.

The Jasper, Alberta native burst onto the ECHL coaching scene in 2007-08, his first season at the helm of the Chiefs. In the team's 20th Anniversary Season Herbers directed the Chiefs to a 36-30-6 finish, good for fourth in the North Division, and a 2-0 sweep of the Dayton Bombers in the North Division Quarterfinals round of the playoffs. His 36 wins were the most ever by a first-year Chiefs head coach.

Herbers' second season saw the Chiefs roar out of the gates with wins in 10 of their first 13 games. That start vaulted them to the top of the ECHL standings, and helped the 2008-09 Chiefs become the fastest team in club history to 20 wins, achieving that feat on December 28, 2008 at home against the Elmira Jackals. Those accomplishments earned Herbers a selection as one of the coaches of the American Conference All-Star Team at the ECHL All-Star Game in Reading, Pennsylvania on January 21, 2009. Herbers' team that season went on to finish with 37 wins, but finished one point out of the playoffs in the highly-competitive North Division.

In all, Herbers compiled a record of 73-60-11 in two seasons on the Chiefs' bench. His 73 wins are tied with Toby O'Brien for the most among Chiefs' coaches in their first two seasons at the helm.

"This is one of those bitter/sweet moments that happen in the crazy world of professional hockey. On one hand, I'm thrilled for Ian and his family for this wonderful opportunity to advance his career. With Ian's track record of developing talent and advancing players to the AHL, it's also very deserving. On the other hand, I'm sorry to lose a tremendous coach and co-worker. I'm grateful for Ian's many contributions to the organization and community and wish him the very best of luck," said Chiefs Vice President and General Manager Bill Bredin.

Herbers came to the Chiefs from the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL where he was the associate head coach for two seasons and an assistant coach in 2004-05. In his last two years he helped guide the Spirit to consecutive playoff berths and a combined 80-51-2-3 record. He spent the previous year in 2003-04 serving as an assistant to former Chiefs head coach Scott Allen with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL.

He also has an extensive playing career that included stops in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, and Tampa Bay Lightning. He has two championships to his credit as well. Herbers was a member of the 1993 AHL Calder Cup Champion Cape Breton Oilers and the 1997 IHL Turner Cup Champion Detroit Vipers. He ended his playing career with 65 games in the NHL and produced five assists.

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.

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