Noel Named Coach of the Year
April 6, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Milwaukee Admirals News Release
Milwaukee Admirals' Head Coach Claude Noel was selected today as the winner of the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the American Hockey League's (AHL) outstanding head coach for the 2003-04 season, as voted by the media and players from each of the league's 28 teams.
In his first year at the helm, Noel has guided Milwaukee to a 44-22-7-3 record and a league best .645 winning percentage with one week to go in the regular season. Those 44 wins are the most in a season for the Ads since 1994-95. With four games left on the schedule, the Admirals are currently tied for the top spot in the league with the Philadelphia Phantoms at 98 points and are looking for their first division title since 1996.
Noel's Admirals lead the league in many offensive categories including goals (258), assists (410), and total points (668) and came within one victory of tying the franchise record for consecutive wins when they reeled off seven in row from February 1 to February 15.
This year marks the third different stint that the Kirkland Lake, Ont. native has had in Milwaukee, beginning in 1987-88 when he played for the Admirals. Noel was also an assistant coach for Milwaukee from 1998-2002 before taking over the head coaching reigns this season.
This is the second consecutive year that Noel has been honored as Coach of the Year. Last season he received the award while leading the Toledo Storm, the Nashville Predators ECHL affiliate, to a league best 47-15-0-10 record.
"We knew when we hired Claude that he would do an outstanding job for us," said Admirals Executive Vice President/General Manager Phil Wittliff. "He is extremely hard working and is very deserving of this honor."
The honor marks the third post-season league award that the Admirals have garnered. Last week forward Timofei Shishkanov was selected to the All-Rookie team and defenseman Curtis Murphy was named a First-Team AHL All-Star.
American Hockey League Stories from April 6, 2004
- Andy Hilbert recalled by Boston Bruins - Providence Bruins
- Noel Named Coach of the Year - Milwaukee Admirals
- On Sale Date For IceCats Playoff Tickets - Worcester IceCats
- River Rats renew affiliation with Devils - Albany River Rats
- P-Bruins look to clinch playoff spot Wednesday - Providence Bruins
- Moose Sign Zelenewich to PTO - Manitoba Moose
- Canucks Recall Auld - Manitoba Moose
- Falcons announce 2004-05 season package and individual game ticket prices - Springfield Falcons
- Capitals Reassign Three To Pirates - Portland Pirates
- Ling Reassigned to Syracuse - Syracuse Crunch
- Milwaukee's Noel wins AHL's Pieri Award - AHL
- Milwaukee battling for AHL's top spot - Milwaukee Admirals
- Grizzlies Hold Annual Awards Banquet - Utah Grizzlies
- Trio returned from Minnesota - Houston Aeros
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