Johnstown Chiefs Introduce New Coach

Johnstown, PA (June18, 2007) - The Johnstown Chiefs announced today the hiring of new head coach Ian Herbers.  He becomes the eighth head coach in the twenty year history of the franchise.  The announcement was made at a press conference held this morning at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

“I’m excited for this opportunity. There is a great tradition of hockey here in Johnstown and I intend to put together a team that has a great work ethic, is always prepared, and doesn’t take a night off”, stated Ian Herbers.

Herbers comes to the Chiefs from the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL where he was the associate head coach for the past two seasons and an assistant coach in 2004-05.  The last two years he helped guide the Spirit to consecutive playoff berths and a combined 80-51-2-3 record.  He spent the previous year in 2003-04 serving as an assistant to former Chiefs head coach Scott Allen with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL.

“Johnstown hockey is a brand of its own and our fans made it clear to me that they wanted a return to the Johnstown brand of hockey.  I believe Ian Herbers will deliver that brand” said Chiefs President and Owner Jim Weber.

The 39 year old Jasper, Alberta native also brings an extensive playing career to the table that includes stops in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, and Tampa Bay Lightning.  He has two championships to his credit as well.  Herbers was a member of the 1993 AHL Calder Cup Champion Cape Breton Oilers and the 1997 IHL Turner Cup Champion Detroit Vipers.

“He is going to be a solid fit.  Ian embodies the identity of the team and the Johnstown community.” said former Chiefs head coach Scott Allen.

Originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 10^th round of the 1987 NHL entry draft, he was known as a rugged, physical defenseman.  He racked up an astounding 468 penalty minutes in just 128 games in a two year span while playing junior hockey for the WHL Swift Current Broncos.  His 65 game NHL career included 5 assists and 79 penalty minutes.

Herbers also played four years at the University of Alberta where he compiled 140 points in 180 career games and was twice selected to the CIAU All-Canadian Team.

Former Saginaw Spirit head coach Bob Mancini had this to say.   “The Johnstown Chiefs hit a home run today.  Not only are they getting a quality hockey coach, but also a quality person.  Ian Herbers is a tremendous developer of talent that has a great rapport with the players and strong desire to win.”

Ian is married to his wife, Alina.  They have two daughters, Nicole and Jessica, and are in the process of relocating to the Johnstown area.

The Chiefs kick off their 20^th anniversary season on Thursday, Oct. 18 when they host the Wheeling Nailers at the War Memorial.   For more information, call 1-800-SLAPSHOT.