New ice age begins with McRae
May 8, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Indianapolis Ice News Release
The Indianapolis Ice have entered into a new era with the hiring of Head Coach Ken McRae. An official announcement was made at the Indianapolis Athletic Club on Wednesday night.
"Finding the right person for this job was essential," said General Manager Larry Linde. "We looked for a leader, a winner, a student of the game and someone who will represent the organization in the community. The process was not taken lightly. Ken McRae fits all the criteria and it is with great delight that I am able to introduce Ken as the new Indianapolis head coach."
McRae arrives in Indy after spending three seasons as an assistant coach with the Austin IceBats. Prior to his Austin stint, McRae was an assistant coach with the IHL Houston Aeros for one year.
"I feel ready to take on the challenge of being a head coach," said McRae. "My four years serving as an assistant have prepared me for this opportunity with Indianapolis. I am grateful to Larry Linde and the Ice ownership group for giving me this chance."
McRae, 34, is a native of Finch, Ontario and has a long history in professional hockey. In ten seasons as a player, McRae played in 649 games and amassed 488 points (196G, 292A) and 1711 penalty minutes. A former first round NHL draft pick, McRae skated in 137 games with the Quebec Nordiques and Toronto Maple Leafs.
The new bench boss plans on assembling the 2002-2003 Indianapolis Ice team with a solid summer of recruiting. McRae will have to battle the 18 man roster and $8500 salary cap.
"Signing quality players with high character will be my biggest challenge," said McRae. "There is a solid core of players in Bernie John, Selleke, Harris and Popp. I think we can build around those guys."
One area where McRae feels the Ice must drastically improve is team discipline. "Taking six, seven minors a game won't be tolerated. It will be essential that all 18 guys buy into the system of discipline. We will have discipline without sacrificing grit."
McRae has five months to fill out the roster before Indianapolis begins season number four in the Central Hockey League.
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