The Kootenay ICE has hired a new head coach for the 2015/16 Western Hockey League season and beyond.

ICE General Manager Jeff Chynoweth today announced the club has hired Luke Pierce as the seventh head coach in franchise history.

Pierce, who signed a three-year contract, replaces Ryan McGill who in April mutually agreed to part ways with the club when his contract expires on June 30.

“Luke is one of the bright young coaches coming through the system. He has coached in Merritt, which is very similar to Cranbrook in terms of his teams achieving on-ice success despite the obstacles faced as a small market team,” said Chynoweth, adding, “In speaking with numerous hockey people throughout this process there was one common theme: his teams come to play and work hard every night, while most importantly getting better as the season progresses. Patience and teaching will definitely be needed as we turn over the majority of our roster and ice one of the youngest teams in the WHL this year.”

Pierce said he is looking forward to joining a team with such ongoing on-ice success.
“This is a great opportunity for my family and I. Kootenay has been one of the most successful WHL franchises for the past 17 years. I intend on keeping the strong culture and tradition going despite the expected roster turnover. Hard work gives you a chance to win and we definitely will be a team that competes each and every game,” he said.
Pierce has been the GM / head coach of the Merritt Centennials of the British Columbia Hockey League since November 2009. During his time behind the bench his teams posted a 168-111-21 regular season record and qualified for the playoffs all six years.

He was named the BCHL Interior Conference Coach of the Year in 2012-2013 and was an Assistant Coach for Team Canada West at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge.

Pierce attended the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario from 2004-2009. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a Psychology Major and Business Minor. He also earned a Master’s Degree of Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Management.

Pierce, 31, and his wife Amy, are the parents of three boys – William (6), Bennett (3) and Austin (1).

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