Ice Flyers call Justin Stevens as new assistant coach and assistant -director of hockey operations | Pro hockey news

Pensacola, Fla. -The Pensacola Ice Flyers are proud to announce the hiring of Justin Stevens as the new assistant coach and assistant director of hockey activities. Stevens arrives in Pensacola after a historic season at the University of Ottawa, where he was the associated head coach and the program helped to lead to the first national championship ever.

“I am very happy to welcome Justin and his family in the Ice Flyers organization,” said Ice Flyers head coach Jeremy Gates. “His recent success at the University of Ottawa is perfectly in line with the culture and goals that we build here. His background in developing players makes him a huge asset and I am pleased to work with him.”

Stevens brings a long-term connection with Gates, dating from the 2011-12 season with the Pembroke Lumber Kings, a junior team that plays in the Central Canada Hockey League. At the time, Gates completed his internship and worked as an assistant under head coach Sheldon Keefe, the current head coach of the New Jersey Devils in the NHL, and Stevens was a striking player known for his high hockey IQ and of course leadership. The two have stayed in contact over the years when Stevens switched from Games to Coaching.

“I am very familiar with the history of the ice flyers and the strong tradition built in Pensacola. The team has consistently been one of the most important organizations of the competition, with several President’s Cup championships. The success that this franchise has had over the years to strong leadership, a clear standard and a winning.

Prior to his time in Ottawa, Stevens was the associated head coach at the University of Guelph, who led the team to several conference titles. Stevens now brings his championship pedigree to the SPHL and the Ice Flyers Bench.

“I was attracted to this opportunity because of the strong tradition of the ice flyers of winning, dedication to player development and organizational professionalism,” said Stevens. “The chance to work with Jeremy Gates and Greg Harris was incredibly attractive. From both a coaching and character point of view, this is a place where I believe I can contribute and bring another championship to Pensacola.”

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