THUNDER NAME CAIL MACLEAN AS HEAD COACH

Glens Falls, NY - The Adirondack Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames, announced Cail MacLean as the first head coach in franchise history today.

"This is a special opportunity and I am eager to join President Brian Petrovek and the rest of the Thunder team in building a first-class ECHL organization,” MacLean said. “I would like to thank Brad Pascall and the Calgary Flames organization for the trust they have placed in me. I am honored to help continue the excellent tradition of professional hockey in the Adirondack region and our family is excited to become part of the Glens Falls community."

MacLean, 38, joins the Thunder with two years of head coaching experience at the ECHL level, having previously led the South Carolina Stingrays to a 78-48-18 record and two playoff appearances over two seasons from 2009-2011. MacLean’s tenure included a 41 win season in 2009-10, where the Stingrays’ 94 points were tied for the second most in the league. MacLean was named the Head Coach of the American Conference at the 2010 ECHL All-Star Game and finished as the runner up for the John Brophy Award as the ECHL’s Coach of the Year. The Stingrays ranked amongst the Top Five in the ECHL in fewest goals against in both of his seasons behind the bench and saw 26 players recalled to the AHL. MacLean also spent the 2008-09 season as an Assistant Coach with the Stingrays, where he helped lead his team to the 2009 Kelly Cup Championship.

The Middleton, Nova Scotia native also has prior ties to the Calgary Flames organization, with two seasons spent as an Assistant Coach with the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat from 2011-2013. As a member of Troy Ward’s staff, MacLean helped guide the Heat to a 76-58-7-11 record, including participation in the second round of the 2012 Calder Cup Playoffs. Under MacLean’s tutelage, the Heat ranked sixth in goals against in both 2011-12 and 2012-13. With Abbotsford, MacLean worked with current Calgary Flames T.J. Brodie, Lance Bouma, Paul Byron and Michael Ferland.

“Cail brings a good mix of coaching experience, championship pedigree, and a track record of player development that aligns well with our focus in the Calgary Flames organization,” Calgary Flames Assistant General Manager Brad Pascall said. “We feel Cail will be a terrific asset to the Adirondack franchise and will demand a high level of performance both on the ice and throughout the Glens Falls community.”

Prior to his five years of experience behind the bench, MacLean skated in 747 professional games as a player, spent between the AHL (207), ECHL (474) and IHL (66). After a four year career with the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs, where MacLean ranks 11th all-time with 244 games played, an undrafted MacLean made his professional debut in 1997 with the Jacksonville Lizard Kings of the ECHL, where he spent two seasons and now ranks second in franchise history in goals (59), fifth in assists (63) and fourth in points (122).

MacLean played on 14 additional teams during his 11-season professional career, including the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, Lowell Lock Monsters, Philadelphia Phantoms, Providence Bruins, Hartford Wolf Pack, Hershey Bears and Bridgeport Sound Tigers at the AHL level. MacLean also represented the Trenton Titans, Reading Royals and South Carolina Stingrays in the ECHL and the Cleveland Lumberjacks, Indianapolis Ice, Michigan K-Wings and Grand Rapids Griffins in the IHL. Over his career, MacLean captained three teams, lead his team in goals on three occasions (Jacksonville 1997-98, 98-99 and Trenton, 1999-00) and scoring once (Jacksonville, 1997-98). The winger finished his playing career with 44 AHL points (21-23-44), 439 ECHL points (224-215-439) and 22 IHL points (15-7-22).

“We’re excited for our fans and for the entire community to have a person of Cail’s character and experience lead our players on and off the ice,” Adirondack Thunder President Brian Petrovek said. “His detail driven approach to coaching and his passion for the game will compliment his deep hockey knowledge and commitment to high standards. We look forward to great days ahead under his leadership and welcome him, his wife, Keri, and his daughter, Ashton, to the region.”

Full season, partial season, flex and group ticket plans are now available to renew or purchase for the Adirondack Thunder’s inaugural 2015-16 season, presented by Bud Light. The benefits of being a Thunder season ticket holder include a savings of 27 to 42 percent off of box office pricing. All full season, 22 game and 12 game Thunder season ticket holders are entitled to unlimited unused ticket exchange, playoff ticket priority and the ability to buy tickets all season long at the discounted season ticket price.

To purchase tickets, contact the Adirondack Thunder front office at 518-480-3355 x1, visit echlthunder.com/season tickets or stop by the Adirondack Thunder front offices, located at the Glens Falls Civic Center.

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The Days Of Thunder Are Coming To Glens Falls