Kris Mallette was only out of a job for 32 days.
In an announcement on Tuesday, the former Kelowna Rockets head coach is the new bench boss of the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) Erie Otters. He's the team's 11th coach in franchise history.
“Our group conducted an extensive and detailed search into Kris Mallette. It was resounding that Kris is a very well-respected coach in hockey circles and is regarded as an A1 person,” said Otters general manager Dave Brown. “His exceptional ability to communicate on all levels with players, staff, media partners, and the community is a testament to his leadership skills and creates paramount synergy among the group.”
Mallette was let go by the Rockets on Jan. 10 after being the head coach for four years and in the organization for 11. In his time as head coach, the Rockets went 121-107-19.
“The more questions I asked my colleagues around the OHL and people familiar within the Otters organization it was a very easy decision for my family and I to accept this opportunity," said Mallette. "Once I was able to sit down and listen to the vision moving forward it became clear this was the place for us. I’m excited for the challenges that come within a new league and personally I’m very fortunate to have a staff who is very experienced to help with this transition for all of us.”
The Kelowna native has some connections with the Erie organization as he's been both an assistant and a head coach for Hockey Canad at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup the last three years.
With Erie just one of just three American-based teams in the OHL, Mallette will officially join the team after his U.S. immigration approval, according to the team.
