Kingston, Ont. (August 15, 2008) – Former NHLer Alyn McCauley was named assistant coach of the Queen's University men's hockey program on Thursday by Head Coach Brett Gibson.
McCauley, a native of Gananoque, Ont., played parts of nine seasons in the NHL spending time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings. He was drafted by the New Jersey Devil's in the fourth round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.
During his nine-year career he played in 488 career games scoring 69 goals while adding 97 assists. He enjoyed his best season in 2003-04 as captain of the San Jose Sharks recording 47 points (20 G, 27 A) while earning a nomination for the Selke Trophy which is awarded annually to the NHL's top defensive forward.
McCauley is perhaps best remembered for his six-year stint with the Maple Leafs and was part of the trade-deadline deal with the Sharks which brought Owen Nolan to the Leafs in 2003. Following his three-seasons in San Jose, he joined the Los Angeles Kings as a free agent in 2006-07.
After the 2006-07 season he was forced off the ice due to injuries and McCauley is now focused on pursuing a full-time coaching career.
I'm very excited about putting my foot into the coaching ring,” said McCauley. “Joining Queen's hockey is a chance to learn from a talented coaching staff that has put together a strong and competitive program. I hope to complement them and help guide the team to a new standard.”
“This is extremely positive for our entire program,” said Gibson. “Alyn had a long career in the NHL and he certainly proved he was a leader at that NHL level. He has instant credibility with our players while adding a level of experience and knowledge that will be counted on as we contend this season.”
This is the second former NHLer to be associated with the Queen's Gaels hockey program in four seasons. Current Montreal Canadiens assistant coach and former NHL player Kirk Muller was appointed the Gaels Head Coach in 2005-06 before Brett Gibson took the reins in 2006-07.
Queen's is coming off one of their best season in 25 years claiming the OUA Mid-East division in 2007-08. The Gaels return to the ice with training camp beginning on September 10.
Queen's opens the season on October 4 against the Western Mustangs in London, Ont. They return home a week later on October 10 to face the York Lions in their home opener at the Kingston Memorial Centre. Tickets for all Gaels home games can be purchased by calling 613-533-2500.
