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Kevin Dineen Named AHL's Outstanding Coach

April 7, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


PORTLAND, ME- The American Hockey League announced today that Kevin Dineen of the Portland Pirates has been named the winner of the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the AHL's outstanding coach for the 2005-06 season, as voted by members of the media in each of the league's 27 cities.

In his first season coaching at any level, Dineen has guided Portland (48-18-5-3) to the brink of its first-ever division title, occupying first place in the Atlantic Division since Dec. 10. With six games remaining, the team's 104 points are tied for the most by a Portland team in the city's 28-year history of hosting AHL hockey. The Pirates rank second in the league in offense, averaging 3.80 goals per game, and also boast six players among the top 20 in plus/minus rating. This season with Dineen at the helm, the Pirates have already set a new franchise record for wins in a season (47) road wins in a season (24) and have already secured home ice for the first round of the 2006 Calder Cup Playoffs.

"My first reaction is to thank everyone around me. I was setup for success by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim with two great assistant coaches, not many teams have that, and this award is a testament to our players and entire coaching staff. The team is a real reflection of the Mighty Ducks management team as well as the scouts and I have always said good players make good coaches," said head coach Kevin Dineen. Dineen, whose father Bill won the Pieri Award in both 1985 and 1986, led his team through the loss of Dustin Penner, Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Zenon Konopka to long-term NHL recalls, as well as injuries to players like Tim Brent, Pierre Parenteau, Curtis Glencross, Dieter Kochan and Jordan Smith.

"I want to dedicate this to my Mom and Dad, it's been a real team effort and realizing what it takes to be successful at such a young age is something I am really grateful for," said Dineen.

A 42-year-old native of Quebec City, Dineen made his professional debut in the AHL with Binghamton in 1984-85 before going on to a standout 18-year NHL career in which he became one of eight players in league history to record more than 300 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes in a career. After retiring on Nov. 5, 2002, Dineen spent two seasons in the Columbus Blue Jackets' hockey operations department before being hired by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim as their primary development coach in July 2005.

The Louis A.R. Pieri Award, which was first presented in 1968, honors the late Mr. Pieri, a long-time contributor to the AHL as the owner of the Providence Reds. Pieri also served as the general manager of three Calder Cup champions (1938, 1940, 1949) in Providence.

Dineen is the third Pirates coach to win the Pieri Award, joining Barry Trotz (1994) and Glen Hanlon (2000). Other previous winners of the award include Frank Mathers (1969), Fred Shero (1970), Al MacNeil (1972, '77), Floyd Smith (1973), John Muckler (1975), Jacques Demers (1983), Larry Pleau (1987), Mike Milbury (1988), John Paddock (1988), Marc Crawford (1993), Robbie Ftorek (1995, '96), Peter Laviolette (1999), Don Granato (2001), Claude Julien (2003), Claude Noel (2004) and Randy Cunneyworth (2005).

"Back in July when Kevin came on board, we knew that he was going to be a great addition to our franchise and put our team in a position to win on a consistent basis and provide an exciting brand of hockey for our fans. Kevin's competitiveness and work ethic that we all enjoyed when he was a player is evident in his work behind the bench and in the locker room. That same drive and determination to win has carried over to his players, making this a very special year. We are all very fortunate to have Kevin as our head coach and congratulate him on this great award," said Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek.

In operation since 1936, the AHL is celebrating its historic 70th anniversary this season, and continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 80 percent of all NHL players today are AHL graduates, and over 350 AHL players have been recalled to the NHL this season alone.

The Pirates return to action tonight on the road against the Hartford Wolf Pack at 7:00 p.m. The Pirates can clinch their first-ever Atlantic Division title on Friday with a win against the Wolf Pack. Fans can watch the game live on the internet at www.portlandpirates.com or listen to the game on the U.S. Cellular, Big Jab, Pirates Radio Network on WLOB 1310AM, 1220AM ESPN Radio, WTME 780AM and WKTQ 1450AM.

The Pirates next home game is on Saturday, April 8th at 7:05 p.m. against the Lowell Lock Monsters. It will be Time Warner Cable Night with the Pirates and AAA Member Appreciation Night. Fans will receive a Portland Pirates/Time Warner Digital Phone mini-stick. One lucky fan will also win a 30" HDTV courtesy of Time Warner Cable. Time Warner Cable invites you to meet Boston Bruins legend and member of NESN's Bruins Broadcast Team, Don! Sweeney, who will be at the game to meet fans and sign autographs. In addition, 1,000 fans will receive a AAA Tote Bag on the way out of the arena.

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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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