Jake Heisinger, Winnipeg Ice VP of hockey operations and assistant general manager, and Ice head coach James Patrick. (CHRISD.CA)
The Winnipeg Ice has shown confidence in head coach James Patrick, signing the WHL bench boss to a three-year contract extension.
Patrick, a Winnipeg native, is in his third season with the Ice and first since the team moved from Cranbrook, B.C. to Winnipeg to begin the 2019-20 season.
“James has been instrumental in changing the culture of our organization over the last three years,” said Matt Cockell, Ice president and general manager.
“We are excited that James will continue leading the development of Ice players moving forward.”
As a player, Patrick recorded 1,280 NHL games over 21 seasons with the New York Rangers, Hartford Whalers, Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres. He also represented Canada at the Olympic Games in 1984 as well as five World Championship appearances.
The Ice also announced the promotion of Jake Heisinger to vice-president of hockey operations and assistant general manager.
Heisinger joined the Ice ahead of the 2017-18 season and helped build out the scouting and player development department.
In his expanded role with the team, Heisinger will also oversee all aspects of hockey operations for the Winnipeg Blues in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
“Jake brings passion, attention to detail and leadership to our team,” added Cockell.
Taras McEwen retains the role of manager hockey operations and general manager of the Winnipeg Blues reporting directly to Jake Heisinger.
The Winnipeg Ice has posted a 31-19-1-0 record through 51 games and sit second in the East Division and fifth in the Eastern Conference.
