NEWS

Dan West has replace Paul Mattucci (pictured - photo credit: Brian Watts/OJHL Images) as the new head coach of the Lindsay Muskies, while Mattucci has joined the OHL's Peterborough Petes as an assistant coach.

West, who was formerly a player and assistant coach with the Muskies, becomes the new bench boss after coaching the Junior 'C' Uxbridge Bruins in 2012-13.

Mattucci joins the Petes as part-time assistant coach and will be the club's 'eye-in-the-sky' during Petes game nights.

Congratulations to both on the appointments.

Below is the official press release from the Peterborough Petes website (www.gopetesgo.com):

Peterborough Petes General Manager Michael Oke and Head Coach Jody Hull are pleased to announce several additions to the Petes hockey operations staff on Thursday.

Former Lindsay Muskies Head Coach Paul Mattucci will join the Petes as Assistant Coach. After two seasons with the Muskies, Paul will work as a part-time Assistant Coach for the Petes and will serve as an “eye-in-the-sky” for Head Coach Jody Hull and Assistant Coach Bryan Helmer.

“Having grown up in Peterborough and given my playing time in the Petes’ system, it’s incredible to have the opportunity to join this coaching staff,” said Mattucci. “I’m looking forward to working with everyone, and the talent and expertise in this organization should make it a very successful transition.”

“I know Paul will be a great addition to our staff having worked with him in the past and knowing his vision and skill set,” added Hull. “We have a strong staff and we’re looking forward to building on the successful foundation laid by coaches like Roger Neilson, Dick Todd, Scotty Bowman, Gary Green, and Mike Keenan.”

Robert Francz, former Petes player and founder of The Edge Strength and Conditioning, has been named the team’s Fitness Coach. Robert was a stand-out left winger for the Petes for three seasons between 1996 and 1999, and after being drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes he went on to enjoy several seasons playing professionally in the AHL, ECHL, and in Europe.

“I’m very excited to be back with the Petes,” said Francz. “I’m honoured to have the opportunity to work with the players and help this organization achieve great success.

“Robert will be a valuable resource to our organization,” noted Hull. “He will provide our players with the best resources available in terms of conditioning and fitness.”

“I’m pleased that Paul and Robert have joined the staff. Both will be an asset to our coaches and players in their respective areas of responsibility,” added Oke.

Chris McNamara has been named the Petes Director of Scouting. Chris has served as the Petes Scouting Coordinator for three seasons and was previously with the Kingston Frontenacs, Oshawa Generals, and International Scouting Services.

“I’m honoured to be named Director of Scouting for such a prestigious organization,” said Chris. “I like the direction of the team moving forward, and I’m very excited to continue working with such a strong group of scouts and coaches.”

“I know that Chris will do a great job leading our scouting department. He’s an excellent evaluator, works hard, and sees a lot of hockey,” added Oke. “Our scouting staff, led by Chris, will have the Petes well positioned leading into the 2014 OHL Priority Selection.”

“I’m excited about both the hockey and business operations teams that have been put in place for the upcoming season,” said Oke. “We’re looking forward to making this an exciting season for our fans and corporate partners.”