The Kootenay ICE has signed James Patrick to a three-year contract as the new head coach of the team and eighth in franchise history.

Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the ICE spending 32 seasons as a player and coach in the National Hockey League (NHL). The 53-year-old has spent the past 11 seasons as an assistant coach in the NHL. He was with the Buffalo Sabres from 2006-2013 and Dallas Stars from 2013-2017.

“James Patrick is the perfect fit to lead our team into a new ICE age” explained President and GM Matt Cockell. “He has a tremendous amount of experience, understands what it takes to be a pro, develop as a pro and create a world class player experience.”

Patrick is no stranger to the East Kootenay, owning a condo near Fernie for the last 20 years.

“I know how passionate hockey fans are in the Cranbrook and East Kootenay and I look forward to getting started,” explained Patrick. “The future is bright, it is an exciting time and I look forward to being a big part of it.”

Patrick – a defenseman – played 21 seasons in the NHL with four teams (New York Rangers, Hartford Whalers, Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres). In 1,280 career games, he recorded 149 goals, 490 assists totalling 639 points. Patrick played an additional 117 games in the playoffs, collecting six goals and 38 points.

Patrick also suited up for Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships twice, World Championships (five times), Canada Cup and at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia.

He is also Winnipeg resident Nolan Patrick’s uncle. Nolan is the potential first overall selection in the upcoming 2017 NHL draft.

“We are very serious about providing the premier player and fan experience in the Western Hockey League and James is going to be a big part of what we do going forward,” said Greg Fettes owner and Governor of the ICE.  “We are very excited about what we are building.”

Patrick will be attending the #ICEcountry Drive to 25 Corporate Kick Off event presented by The Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort. The business community will gather on Thursday, June 8 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The Drive to 25 features exclusive benefits and pricing for season seat holders, available until June 30. For more information call 250-417-0322 or visit ICEcountry.ca to order online.

Kootenay ICE

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