Anaheim Ducks' San Diego Gulls Coaching Search: Finding a Successor for Matt McIlvane
The Anaheim Ducks are facing another coaching search as their top minor-league affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, will need a new head coach. Matt McIlvane, who coached the Gulls for the past three seasons, is moving to the Boston Bruins as an assistant coach. This move was triggered by former Bruins assistant Jay Leach taking over the Hartford Wolfpack, the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers. McIlvane, who recently had his contract extended by the Ducks, has coaching experience in Germany and Austria, where he won championships in their top leagues. He also served as an assistant coach for the German national team in international competitions.
In Boston, McIlvane will be working alongside former Kings assistant coach Marco Sturm, who is now the head coach of the Bruins. Sturm, who coached the German national team to a silver medal in the Olympics and a bronze medal in the World Championship, will be entering his second season as the Bruins' head coach. McIlvane's coaching background and international experience make him a valuable addition to the Bruins' coaching staff.
The Ducks will now be on the lookout for a new head coach for the San Diego Gulls as they aim to continue their development and success in the AHL. With McIlvane's departure, the Ducks will need to find a replacement who can build on the progress made under his leadership. The coaching search will be a crucial decision for the Ducks as they look to maintain a strong coaching staff at both the NHL and AHL levels.