MacPherson named assistant coach
November 23, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Gulls announced Wednesday that former team captain B.J. MacPherson has been named the club's assistant coach. The Gulls also announced that Jamie Black has been promoted to the club's associate coach.
MacPherson, 35, has been helping behind the bench since San Diego's game in Fresno on Nov. 12. He's also been assisting head coach Martin St. Amour and Black during Gulls practices this season. MacPherson spent the four previous years in the broadcast booth as the Gulls' color commentator.
"B.J. knows the game of hockey point-blank," St. Amour said. "Having him on the coaching staff will undoubtedly make this team better. He's an experienced leader, a great teammate and a winner. B.J., Blackie and I have been through a lot together as teammates and have a great rapport with one another. I'm excited to have his expertise and hockey know-how behind the bench."
The Toronto native played professionally for seven years, five of which were in a Gulls uniform. MacPherson finished his career as the franchise's second all-time leading scorer with 345 points. He also ranks third all-time in franchise goals (137), second in assists (208), second in games played (309), second in plus-minus (+163) and fifth in penalty minutes (699).
MacPherson was San Diego's team captain for three seasons and led the club to three West Coast Hockey League Taylor Cup Championships. Unfortunately, his playing career ended with a devastating injury suffered May 2001 during Game 4 of the 2001 Taylor Cup Finals. MacPherson suffered a dislocated neck and misaligned vertebrae. Thought to never be able to walk again, MacPherson has all but made a full recovery.
In November 2001, the Gulls honored MacPherson by retiring his jersey No. 28, becoming only the third player in San Diego professional hockey history to have his jersey retired. Since December 2002, he's shared the remarkable story of his neck injury and comeback to people across the San Diego community.
Black, 33, served last season and the beginning of this season as the Gulls' assistant coach. Prior to his duties behind the bench, he played 11 years professionally, including four full seasons with San Diego (1999-00 through 2002-03). He was a member of two Taylor Cup Championship teams (2001 and 2003) and served as an alternate captain his last two seasons with the Gulls.
The Calgary native ranks 20th on San Diego's all-time scoring list with 130 points (40g, 90a) and holds the franchise record for fastest back-to-back goals scored (seven seconds apart), which he set in December 1999. Also during his playing stint with the Gulls, Black played a string of 173 consecutive games (1999 - 2003).
In other Gulls news, Tom Lawson was named runner-up for the ECHL Reebok Goalie of the Week. Lawson was 2-1-0 last week, with a 1.97 goals-against average, 942 save percentage and one shutout. Overall, he is 4-1-1 with a 2.25 GAA and .923 save percentage.
San Diego opens its longest homestand of the season (seven games) Wednesday against the Salmon Kings. The game is slated to begin at 7:05 p.m. and will feature a Thanksgiving Food Drive, presented by the San Diego Food Bank. Any fan who donates a non-perishable food item will receive a 2-for-1 voucher, good for the Gulls game on either Friday, Nov. 25 or Sunday, Nov. 27.
All games can be heard on KLSD 1360AM and www.sandiegogulls.com with Chris Ello calling the play-by-play. Most games can also be viewed on the Gulls' web site, courtesy of B2 Networks (All upcoming games CAN BE VIEWED). Click the B2 Networks (Watch the Game Live) link on the home page for a list of the upcoming telecasted games. To view pictures from this season, visit www.zerodogentertainment.com.
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