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Slaney Named Pirates Assistant Coach

August 4, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League in conjunction with their AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates, announced today that John Slaney has been named the team's new assistant coach.

"The addition of John Slaney brings a significant amount of excitement and professional experience to our coaching staff here in Portland," stated Pirates head coach Ray Edwards. "He experienced a great playing career and has a wealth of innovative knowledge and expertise to offer our young defensive core. Due to our past experience competing against each other I know that John can teach the game at a high level, and I am really looking forward to working closely with him in the future to bring continued success to Portland Pirates hockey."

Slaney joins the Pirates after finishing his playing career during the 2010-11 season with Plzen HC in the Czech Republic . The 39-year old native of St. John's, Newfoundland was originally drafted by the Washington Capitals in the first round (ninth overall pick) of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. During his career in the NHL, he totaled 91 points (22-69-91) in 268 games with the Capitals (1993-95), Colorado Avalanche (1995-96), Los Angeles Kings (1995-97), Phoenix Coyotes (1997-98), Nashville Predators (1998-99), Pittsburgh Penguins (1999-00), and Philadelphia Flyers (2001-02; 2003-04). Slaney also skated in 14 games for the Capitals (1993-94), Penguins (1999-00), and Flyers (2001-02) during the Stanley Cup playoffs where he netted two goals and registered an assist.

"We are thrilled to welcome back John to Portland after 19 years of success in professional hockey," said Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek. "His impressive accomplishments during his playing career speaks volumes to what he will now deliver as a coach for the Pirates. Our young talent will have a world class athlete and professional to teach and develop them on their road to the National Hockey League."

Leaving his mark as one of the best defensemen in AHL history, Slaney joins the Pirates coaching staff with a wealth of accolades. The accomplished veteran was a two-time recipient of the Eddie Shore Award (given annually to the league's top defenseman) with the Philadelphia Phantoms in the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons, and also won a Calder Cup championship with the Phantoms in 2005. During the 2005-06 season, he became the AHL's All-Time leading scorer as a defenseman until his mark (519 career points) was passed last season by Oklahoma City's Bryan Helmer. Following a post-junior league call-up (six games in 1991-92) and rookie campaign (79 games in 1992-93) for the AHL's Baltimore Skipjacks in the team's final seasons before moving to Portland, Slaney played in 37 games for the Pirates during their 1993-94 Calder Cup championship season and the following 1994-95 season where he registered 17 goals and 23 assists (17-23-40).

"I am very excited to have been offered this great opportunity to begin my coaching career for a great organization in a thriving hockey town," Slaney said. "Portland is a great spot for young players to learn, understand the game, and also develop their skills to become a better all-around hockey player. I look forward to working with Ray (Edwards) in preparing our young players for the next level in the same place where it all started for my playing career."

Now is the time to cash in on great savings by purchasing discounted ticket plans and advance tickets for the Pirates 2011-12 season. Ticket packages are available to meet all budgets and schedules. In addition, six guaranteed home dates have been released and groups can secure their seats today by calling a Pirates representative (207-828-4665 X350).

Season Tickets are now on sale with great seats still available for the 2011-2012 season. For the first time ever, Full Season Ticket Holders will receive a commemorative Season Ticket Holder Jersey from the Portland Pirates. To become a new Full Season Ticket Holder, or to upgrade your 20 or 12-game plan to a Full Season Ticket plan, contact the Pirates' Ticket Department at 207.282.4665 ext. 350.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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