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Stan Drulia Resigns As Icehawks Head Coach After Three Seasons

May 5, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2) - Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, MI - The Port Huron Icehawks announced today that Head Coach and General Manager Stan Drulia has resigned after three seasons with the Icehawks, and four in Port Huron overall.

Drulia's tenure in Port Huron began in 2006-07 with the Flags of the United Hockey League. When the Flags folded, Drulia stayed in town and was retained by the Kinneys to coach the Icehawks in the new International Hockey League. Drulia led the Icehawks to the Turner Cup Finals in their first season in the IHL in 2008. For his work in the 2008-09 season, Drulia was named IHL Coach of the Year. Drulia's teams increased their win totals every year in Port Huron, finishing the 2009-10 season with a franchise-record 47 wins.

The Icehawks competed in the Turner Cup Playoffs in each of their three seasons under Drulia. In four seasons in Port Huron, Drulia earned an overall record of 161-112-31. His 161 wins are the second most by a coach in Port Huron, just seven behind Ted Garvin's 168. Garvin coached the Port Huron Flags and Port Huron Wings for five seasons in the late 60s and early 70s.

Drulia excelled in his role as General Manager as well, making key signings and successful trades to improve his teams. This season, his Icehawks were led by newcomer Mickael Bedard, who was named IHL Rookie of the Year.

"After three great seasons with the Icehawks I have made the personal decision to move on and explore other opportunities," Drulia said Wednesday. "I have loved my time coaching in Port Huron, and I'm happy to have been a part of an organization with such a loyal fan base. Everyone from the fans to the players to the front office expects to win, and I am confident this winning tradition will continue for years to come. Port Huron is still my home, and I am proud and excited to see my daughter graduate high school here."

As the Icehawks begin the offseason, they are faced with the challenge of filling both of Drulia's roles. An exhaustive search for the next coach and general manager of the Icehawks is underway, and while Drulia's replacement will have tough shoes to fill, confidence within the organization has never been higher after the success of the past three seasons.

"To Stan's credit, his careful consideration of the business side of operations, while being an advocate for the players served us well," said Icehawks Governor and COO Mr. Frank Kinney. "The depth of his hockey knowledge aided our assessment of each faction of our business ranging from quality of on-ice play to weekly budget calculations and suggestions and feedback on front office sales' efforts.

"I know that Stan will have a positive, significant impact wherever his career path takes him," Kinney added. "Our organization has amassed much knowledge as a result of Stan's efforts on and off the ice. From this sound effort, we remain committed to bringing the best product forth to compete on and off the ice as we move forward to next season and beyond. We wish Stan and his family well."

Kinney Management Group Vice President and Business Manager Dave Goetze shared, "Stan is not only a great hockey coach with a superior knowledge of the game, he is also a man of high ideals. He stressed leadership, discipline, hard work and integrity on and off the ice," adding, "Coach Drulia expected his players to be positive and active members of our community, and I really respect him for that. He will be missed and we all wish him well in his future endeavors."

2010-11 season ticket packages are available now, and include more benefits than ever. Packages start at just $371 and a 5% discount is available if paid in full by October 1. For more information, call Keri at the Icehawks office at 810-966-3800.

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