The Sydney Ice Dogs are pleased to announce the signing of new head coach Chris Blagg (second from the right).  As 2016 coaching staff Vlad Rubes and Chris Sekura stepped down due to family commitments, the search didn’t venture too far as President Chris Blagg takes on the reins.

Blagg might be a fresh face to the AIHL but certainly isn’t fresh when it comes to Ice Hockey in this country.  Blagg was a member of the Australian National Team for 8 World Championships, played 13 years of Super League for the Warringah Bombers, where he was captain for 10 of those teams, winning 3 championships.  Most importantly he has won the Goodall Cup twice over an 8 year span and knows what it means to work for and lift the historic prize.

“He [Chris] brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our hockey club” says General Manager Jason Juba. “He is a good communicator which we believe will work well with the players and also get the best out of them”.

Upon his appointment, Blagg has wasted no time in naming his support staff, hiring assistant coaches Chris Foster and Andrew Waite who will serve as assistant/goalie coach. Foster is a Canadian is a Canadian Ex-pat who grew up playing Junior across both OHL and OPJHL.   His fellow assistant Andrew Waite has represented Australia in net on numerous occasions, has played overseas and in the AIHL. “We believe goaltending last season was an area we needed to address this year.  Andrew allows us the opportunity to work with the guys and ensure our goaltending is where it needs to be” adds Juba.

“I am really excited about the playing group and our new staff we have in pre-season” says incumbent Chris Blagg.  “Last year we came back from the dead, this year accountability and performance will be key in order for us to win a Goodall cup” finishes Blagg.

“We really like the look of the new coaching staff.  But we would also like to thank Vlad and Chris for stepping in at a pivotal moment for the club and donating their time and experience” finishes Juba.