Jason Christie Named Ontario Reign's New Head Coach
Published on August 23, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Ontario Reign News Release
ONTARIO, Calif. - The Ontario Reign, proud affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, named Jason Christie as the team's new head coach. Christie, 42, is a native of Gibbons, Alberta, Canada and takes over as the team's second head coach as the franchise heads into its fourth season in October.
"I'm very excited for the opportunity to coach the Reign and be part of the Los Angeles Kings organization," said Christie. "My goal is to bring a winning atmosphere to the team and get this club to the playoffs."
Christie was voted 2010-11 CHL "Coach of the Year" by his peers, as he took the Bloomington PrairieThunder from four consecutive losing seasons to a 37-22-0-7 record and a playoff appearance in his first year at its helm. The team earned CHL "Hardest Working Team" honors under Christie's leadership, a style he'll bring with him to Ontario. "Every player wants to make it to the NHL and I give them the support they need to reach that objective and develop a winning edge," he said.
Christie was also successful in his eight seasons behind the bench in the ECHL. He achieved seven winning seasons, made the playoffs in six of those eight seasons, and twice reached the Kelly Cup finals. Christie posted a 307-203-0-66 regular-season record in his five years with the Peoria Rivermen and three years with the Utah Grizzlies.
Christie's other accomplishments include coaching in the ECHL All-Star games in 2001 and 2004, as well as the AHL All-Star game in 2008. He served the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons as an Assistant Coach for the AHL's Chicago Wolves. Peoria recognized Christie's franchise-record 233 coaching victories with a spot in the Peoria Rivermen Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010.
As a player, Christie skated nine seasons split between the ECHL, AHL, and IHL. He had a tenacious playing style and wasn't afraid to venture into the corners in either zone. He led the 1999-2000 Peoria Rivermen to an ECHL championship as a player/assistant coach and assisted on the game-winning overtime goal which allowed the team to hoist the Kelly Cup in victory.
The new bench boss is happy to coach before an enthusiastic Ontario crowd. "It says a lot about the fan base when you lead the league in attendance," Christie said. He added that he, his wife Kelley, and their two boys Jaxon and J.D. are excited about their move to Southern California.
"Getting a coach of Jason's stature in such a short time frame is a major coup for this organization." said Reign President Justin Kemp. "He is a proven winner who has been successful in this type of situation before and one we feel will be able to step right in and help us achieve the goals we've set for ourselves. We're very excited to get this season underway and work toward bringing a Kelly Cup Championship to Ontario."
Remember that the Reign's regular season opener is Friday, October 14, 2011. Season tickets are on sale now, with mini-plans starting as low as $85. Call us today to secure the best seats in the arena, as you won't want to miss a minute of the action! Call (909) 941-PUCK (7825) or visit us on the web at www.ontarioreign.com .
ECHL Stories from August 23, 2011
- Reign Individual Game Tickets to Go on Sale - Ontario Reign
- Reign Toughen up Right Side - Ontario Reign
- Goldie and Cox Return to Aces - Alaska Aces
- Kalamazoo Community Skate-A-Thon Set For September 17th - Kalamazoo Wings
- K-Wings Searching For New Music Choreographer - Kalamazoo Wings
- Robbie Smith Agrees to Terms with Wranglers - Las Vegas Wranglers
- K-Wings Looking For Dance Team Director And Dancers - Kalamazoo Wings
- Jason Christie Named Ontario Reign's New Head Coach - Ontario Reign
- Zavatsky Promoted to Director of Hockey Operations - ECHL
- Titans Name Hoerman Equipment Manager - Trenton Titans
- 'Blades Acquire Rights to Conacher - Florida Everblades
- Eagles Stay in Colorado, Sign Rookie Patrick Knowlton - Colorado Eagles
- Titans Announce Additions To Front Office - Trenton Titans
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.
