The Hamilton Bulldogs have promoted Vince Laise to be their new head coach after three seasons as an associate.
Laise, 36, replaces Dave Matsos, who will remain with the team as an associate coach.
Bulldogs president and GM Steve Staios says Laise’s determination, passion and work ethic made him a good candidate to be their head coach.
“He is on an incredible trajectory and has a progressive mind for the game with a focus on developing the athlete,” Staios said Tuesday in a statement. “We are incredibly excited to have Vince lead our hockey club.”
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Matsos was named Hamilton’s head coach prior to last season, but collapsed behind the bench during a game against Barrie last September. He remained with the team, but made resting a priority.
Laise was previously an assistant with the Erie Otters for three season and also had stints with the Oakville Blades of the Ontario Junior Hockey League and Brampton Bombers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.
As a player, Laise spent four years with the University of Maine Black Bears and played in two NCAA Frozen Four Tournaments.
Ron Wilson and Patrick Jarrett will also return as assistant coaches behind the Bulldogs bench.
