Newark, NJ - The New Jersey Devils today announced it has named Kevin Dineen as Head Coach of the Utica Comets, the club's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Dineen will lead a returning group of Associate Coach Sergei Brylin, Assistant Coach Ryan Parent, Goaltending Coach Brian Eklund, and Video Coach Adam Purner to make up the Utica Comets 2021-22 Coaching Staff. The announcement was made by Devils Executive Vice President/General Manager Tom Fitzgerald.
"Tom Fitzgerald, Robert Esche and I are pleased to bring Kevin and his family into the New Jersey Devils organization, and we all look forward to what he will bring to Utica," said Devils Assistant General Manager/Utica Comets General Manager Dan MacKinnon. "Kevin's vast coaching experience leading both an NHL and AHL bench, winning a Stanley Cup as an Assistant Coach and his international experience with young players covers everything you would want in a coach to lead our AHL team. The organization is excited by the players who will hit the ice in Utica this season and their future possibilities to help the big club in New Jersey. Kevin, and the entire returning staff, have all the attributes we look for in individuals to help our players develop successfully."
Dineen, 57, spent the last two seasons serving as head coach of San Diego (AHL) in the Anaheim Ducks organization, posting a 56-36-9 record and a three-game playoff appearance in 2021 (1-2). Prior to San Diego, he was an assistant coach, from 2014-15 to 2018-19, with the Chicago Blackhawks, winning a Stanley Cup in his first year on Joel Quenneville's staff.
Kevin Dineen Named Utica Head Coach I RELEASE
Dineen, and rest of the Comets coaching staff, are set for the 2021-22 season
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