McRae takes over at Indy
Published on May 9, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
The Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League today announced that Assistant Coach Ken McRae is leaving the organization to take over the top coaching spot with the CHL's Indianapolis Ice. McRae was formally introduced as the Ice's new Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel at press conference in Indianapolis late Wednesday.
The 34-year-old McRae, a native of Winchester, Ontario, has been the Ice Bats' full-time Assistant Coach for the past three seasons, including this year's run to the CHL President's Cup Finals. With McRae sharing the bench with Head Coach Brent Hughes, the Bats won nearly two-thirds of their games, recording a 128-60-18 regular season record. McRae also served as an assistant with the IHL's Houston Aeros during their 1998-99 Turner Cup championship season.
Prior to beginning his coaching career, McRae played ten professional seasons in the NHL, American and International Leagues. A first-round pick of the Quebec Nordiques (18th overall) in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft, he appeared in 137 career NHL games with Quebec and Toronto. Because of blood clots suffered twice in the final three years of his career, McRae was treated with blood thinning medication, forcing his premature retirement as a player in 1998.
"First and foremost, I want to thank Ice Bats President John McVaney, Coach Hughes and (General Manager) Charles Newman for the opportunity to coach the last three years in Austin," McRae said. "The entire Ice Bats organization and the fans have been great to me and my family."
"We had three great seasons in Austin," McRae said. "We got close this year. I wish we could have gotten the Cup. It's sad to be leaving, but I'm looking forward to this opportunity. I came to Austin looking to hone my coaching skills, so when a chance like this came up, I'd be prepared."
"Mac's been a great asset to our organization," Hughes said. "When we brought him on board three years ago, I knew all about him and what kind of person he was. It's great to see him get an opportunity to coach at this level. Opportunities for quality head coaches seem to get thinner and thinner, but it's good to see him get a chance."
"We wish Mac all the best, and I know he'll do well," Hughes said.
McRae and wife Angela will live in Indianapolis with their three-year old son, Justin, and a second child expected in late summer.
Season tickets for the 2002-03 Ice Bats season are on sale at the Ice Bats office, and will include free Belfry Club membership for full season packages, as well as free parking for all full season and 16-game plans. For next season, improvements at the Travis County Expo Center will include all-new glass surrounding the rink, and climate control for the first time ever.
Current season ticket holders have until May 17th to choose to retain their seats. The deposit deadline is May 31st for ticket holders who also purchased playoff strips. For more information, fans may call the Ice Bats Ticket Office at (512) 927-PUCK.
Central Hockey League Stories from May 9, 2002
- McRae takes over at Indy - Austin Ice Bats
- Ice Tabs Ken McRae as New Head Coach - Indianapolis Ice
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