Former KIJHL coach expected to be named new Hockey Canada president and CEO
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Canadian Press reported Monday that former Kootenay International Junior Hockey League coach and current associate skipper of the Detroit Red Wings Tom Renney will be named as the new Hockey Canada president and CEO Tuesday.
Renney coached in Trail, Rossland and Columbia Valley before gaining national recognition by leading the Kamloops Blazers to the Memorial Cup.
During time with the Blazers, Renney compiled a 101-37-6 record for a .714 winning percentage, which ranks as the all-time highest winning mark in CHL history.
The 59-year-old native of Cranbrook replaces Bob Nicholson, who resigned earlier this year to take the vice chairman job of Oilers Entertainment Group in Edmonton.
Renney is known for his calm demeanour behind the bench and tremendous knowledge of the game during his 17 years of coaching in the NHL, WHL and internationally.
He spent the past two seasons with the Red Wings.
Before that, Renney was head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks and served as Rangers’ director of player personnel and vice president of player development.
Renney, who spends time in Nelson at his home on the North Shore during the offseason also served as head coach of Team Canada for two years, including the 1994 Olympics where he coached the Maple Leaf to a silver medal.
Renney also coached Canada in 10 world championships and also served as vice president of hockey operations in 1998 and 1999.
The Canadian Press is also reporting former Colorado head coach and recent Pittsburgh assistant Tony Granato will replace Renney in Detroit.
