CHL Colorado Eagles

Stewart Steps Aside as Head Coach, Kevin McClelland Steps In

Published on July 22, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


FORT COLLINS, Colo. - After guiding the Colorado Eagles to an unparalleled level of success over the past five seasons from behind the bench, Chris Stewart is stepping down as the team's head coach. Stewart will remain heavily involved in the franchise, maintaining his roles as president and general manager of the organization.

Taking over the reins is four-time Stanley Cup winner Kevin McClelland, recently the head coach of the Mississippi RiverKings (2005-06 thru 2007-08). A fourth round draft pick of the Hartford Whalers, McClelland spent parts of 12 seasons in the NHL, seven of them with the Edmonton Oilers during the team's 1980s dynasty.

McClelland played a rugged game as a checking line winger, accumulating the second-most penalty minutes in Oilers history. In the mid-'80s, he strung together four consecutive seasons of over 200 PIMs and finished his NHL career with a total of 1,672 (1,952 including playoffs). Part of his job description included protecting Wayne Gretzky.

McClelland's most famous offensive contribution came in Game One of the Oilers first Stanley Cup championship series in 1984. With the Oilers and rival Islanders skating to a 0-0 tie, McClelland's goal stood up as the only score of the game, propelling Edmonton to their first of five championships in seven years.

With his playing days over, McClelland's coaching career began in 1997 as assistant coach of the OHL's Barrie Colts, and he has been either a head coach or assistant coach every year since. After spending one year with the Colts, he got his first head coaching job with the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. Following two years with the Raiders, he advanced to the AHL, becoming assistant coach of the St. John's Maple Leafs for five seasons.

Over the past three seasons, McClelland guided the RiverKings to a regular season record of 100-77-15, two playoff berths and a trip to the Northern Conference Finals in 2007 (where they lost to Colorado in six games). McClelland was named the CHL's Coach of the Year for 2006-07 and was the recipient of the league's Ralph Backstrom Soul of Service Award following the 2007-08 season for "demonstrating the qualities of excellence and dedication to providing outstanding customer service."

A native of Oshawa, Ontario, McClelland now lives in Windsor, Colorado with his wife Wendy and their three sons, Jack, Max and Matt.

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Central Hockey League Stories from July 22, 2008


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