Warriors Name Head Coach

Moose Jaw, SK- Warriors Director of Hockey Operations, Alan Millar announced today that the Moose Jaw Warriors have hired Mike Stothers as Head Coach.  Mike has signed a multi year contract with the tribe. 
Mike Stothers has over 30 years of professional hockey experience as both a player and coach.  He recently served as an Assistant Coach for the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers.  Prior to his time in Atlanta, Mike was the Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), Head Coach of the Owen Sound Attack (OHL), Assistant Coach of the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) and an Assistant Coach for the Philadelphia Phantoms and Hersey Bears (AHL).

“We are pleased to welcome Mike and his wife Judi and their daughters Ashley and Logan to the Warriors organization,” said Director of Hockey Operations Alan Millar.  “Mike brings a wealth of experience and success in the game to our hockey club,” said Millar.  “We are excited to have Mike leading our team,” he concluded. 

Career Highlights

• First round draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in 1980
• 702 professional games played in the NHL and AHL with only two organizations: Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs
• Played in the AHL's Calder Cup finals in 1983 with the Maine Mariners
• Won the AHL's Calder Cup as a player with the Maine Mariners in 1984
• Played in the Stanley Cup finals with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1987
• Won the AHL's Calder Cup as a Assistant Coach with the Philadelphia Phantoms in 1998
• Part of Bill Barber's staff with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2001 when Bill Barber was named the NHL's Coach of the Year
• Won the Stanley Cup as the Detroit Red Wings AHL Head Coach in 2008 and was part of Head Coach Mike Babcock's staff for the playoffs
• Five year OHL record with Owen Sound Attack: 160-134-21-25 and 5 straight playoff appearance

Coaching Experience

- Assistant Coach- Atlanta Thrashers (NHL) 2010-11

- Head Coach- Grand Rapid Griffins (AHL) 2007-08

- Head Coach- Owen Sound Attack (OHL) 2002-07

§         In the 2004-05 season, Stothers led the Owen Sound Attack to a regular season record of 40-18-7-3, boasting a 90 point season; at the time established the highest win and point total in team history.

- Assistant Coach- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) 2000-02

§         85-52-21-6 record

- Assistant Coach-Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL) 1996-00

§         187-92-32-9 record

- Assistant Coach- Hershey Bears (AHL) 1991-96

REMARKS ON MOOSE JAW’S HIRE

Craig Ramsay

Former Head Coach of the Atlanta Thrashers & current Associate Coach of the Florida Panthers

“First off, Mike is an honest, family orientated man who cares about his family and those around him. Mike will bring both presence and experience to Moose Jaw. Mike has coached at every level and has a personality the players will instantly warm up to.” 

Don Nachbaur

Current Head Coach, Spokane Chiefs & 2011 WHL Coach of the Year

“Moose Jaw is fortunate to get such a quality person and excellent coach in Mike.  Mike is a caring and passionate guy who will make the transition well as a coach and community leader.  There is no question that Mike’s teams are prepared, organized and tough to play against”. 

“Every good coach instils their own philosophies in their players and if you see how passionate, prepared and how hard Mike works--- you can expect the same from his players.”

Mike Futa

Former GM of the Owen Sound Attack & Current Co-Director of Amateur Scouting for the LA Kings

“Mike is a tremendous person and leader.  He has a tireless work ethic that he will demand from those around him including his players.  He is an honest, straight shooter who will be firm but fair with his team”. 

“His players will know exactly where they stand with him and they should be prepared to work hard each and every day.”