Mississippi's Kevin Kaminski Named CHL Coach of the Year
Published on March 19, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release
The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today that Mississippi RiverKings Head Coach Kevin Kaminski has been selected the recipient of the 2008-09 Central Hockey League Coach of the Year award following balloting among all 16 CHL Head Coaches. The award is 'presented annually to the Central Hockey League coach adjudged to have contributed most to his team's success.'
In his first season with the RiverKings, Kaminski earned 10 of 16 first place votes and appeared on all possible ballots (coaches could not vote for themselves). Earning three first place votes and ultimately coming in second place was rookie head coach Chris Brooks of Rio Grande Valley. Texas' Dan Wildfong finished third in the voting, while also receiving first place votes were Doug Sauter (Oklahoma City) and Kevin McClelland (Colorado).
Kaminski helped direct the RiverKings to the Northeast Division title and has them in contention for the Governors' Cup (regular season champions) with a 42-16-3 record (through the games of March 19th). The Churchbridge, Saskatchewan native has compiled an impressive 115-56-18 record in just his third season of coaching in the CHL. His .656 win percentage (CHL games) has vaulted him into the league's top five all-time in win percentage.
The former NHL player began his coaching career as an assistant coach under Mike Babcock (reigning Stanley Cup Champion coach of the Detroit Red Wings) with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks during the 2000-01 season. He has served as a head coach in both the ECHL and the United Hockey League. As a player, the scrappy forward who earned the nickname 'Killer' played in 139 career NHL games seeing action with Minnesota, Quebec and Washington.
The RiverKings have taken on the gritty, defensive personality their coached exuded during his playing days. Mississippi allows the second fewest goals in the league (161) and the fewest shots (26.6 per game). The 'Kings are 32-8-3 since December 1st.
The league award for top defenseman and goaltender will be announced on Friday and the CHL Most Valuable Player recipient will be announced on Monday, March 23rd.
Central Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2009
- Ftorek's overtime winner gives Gorillas 5-4 win over Scorpions - Amarillo Gorillas
- Kaminski Named CHL Coach of the Year - Mississippi RiverKings
- Scorpions Playoff Hopes Still Alive After Overtime Loss - New Mexico Scorpions
- Mississippi's Kevin Kaminski Named CHL Coach of the Year - CHL
- Brahmas Individual Playoff Tickets On Sale Friday - Fort Worth Brahmas
- 'Bugs to Finish Regular Season at Home This Weekend - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- CHL Honors Jeff Lund - Tulsa Oilers
- Laredo's Darryl Smith Named CHL Rookie of the Year - CHL
- Bucks Smith Wins Rookie Of The Year - Laredo Bucks
- Gorillas to hold end-of-season party Sunday - Amarillo Gorillas
- Scorpions Celebrate Their Season This Weekend - New Mexico Scorpions
- Bucks Host Brahmas Tonight In Home Finale - Laredo Bucks
- Jacks First Round Playoff Series Determined - Odessa Jackalopes
- Rush Use Five Special Teams Goals To Silence Thunder 6-3 - Rapid City Rush
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