NEWS

Former OJHL Coach-of-the-Year Brian Perrin (photo credit - Craig Campbell/HHOF) has returned to Newmarket and will be the club's new general manager and head coach entering the 2013-14 OJHL season.

The former Hurricanes bench boss, who was named OJHL Coach-of-the-Year after leading the club to the regular season league title in 2010-11, tasted success during his previous tenure, also including the CCHL title in 2009-10 before falling to the Oakville Blades in six games during the Buckland Cup Final.

Below is a story on the hiring from John Cudmore of the Newmarket Era (www.yorkregion.com):

The Newmarket Hurricanes will have a familiar face behind the bench when the Ontario Junior Hockey League season faces off Saturday night.

Brian Perrin was confirmed as the head coach tonight after general manager Maurice Catenacci met with owner Andrew Dunin earlier in the day. Perrin was fired following the 2011-12 season and replaced by Justin Peca for one season.

In turn, Peca was fired last spring after leading to the Hurricanes to a berth in the Buckland Cup final.

In both instances, it is widely contended the coaches clashed philosophies with Dunin.

Perrin, a former coach of the year for the Hurricanes, led the Newmarket to the league final four seasons ago. He is also to take over general manager duties from Catenacci who is stepping down from the organization.

Also returning are Perrin’s former assistant coaches Steve Sedore and Kent Hutton.

Catenacci said he will be stepping back from Jr. A hockey once a brief transition phase is complete. He said the ongoing uncertainty of a team without a coach during training camp was the climax to a behind-the-scenes situation affecting his health and personal life.

“Brian is in place and I think he will do a good job,” said Catenacci, who was with the team for three seasons. “I think we’ve done the right things for the kids by bringing Brian in. It’s all positive and I’m excited for the team. I’m happy to see Brian back and both Andrew and I think he is a good fit.”

Catenacci disclosed that the players were informed of the coaching situation this afternoon.

“We met with the players today and told them the news,” he said. “It was a shock for some of them, but their job is to play. This is a game where you have to be ready for things to happen.’”

The Hurricanes are scheduled to open the regular season Saturday night in Whitby.

Prior to the hiring, Catenacci had assembled a roster of 22 players with a few deals reportedly in the work. He hopes to consult with Perrin to complete those deals before he steps aside.