ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – He was the man…the guy the Aces counted on for the big save, the big win, the Kelly Cup championships…and he delivered in a big way. Now, Gerald Coleman returns to Alaska to mentor the young goaltenders as they aspire to such lofty heights.
Aces Head Coach and President of Hockey Operations Rob Murray made the announcement of the hiring of Coleman as goaltender coach Tuesday.
Injuries curtailed Coleman’s playing career, but oh what a run he had when healthy. After being drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 7th round of the 2003 draft, Coleman played at a level that catapulted him to the show for 2 games with the Lightning in 2005-06. But that was just the beginning. He played for various teams in the AHL and ECHL before landing in Alaska for the 2010-11 season. All he did was become the ECHL Goaltender of the Year and led the Aces to a Kelly Cup championship. Ditto for the 2012-13 season. It’s that success and Coleman’s know-how that has Murray excited to see the 31 year old back on Sullivan Arena ice.
“We are thrilled to have Gerald back with the club,” said Murray. “We’ll certainly lean on his expertise to help our young goaltenders during practice. And he gives our guys a tremendous resource to tap into…lots of experience. Additionally, Vancouver is happy to see him on our staff to help any goaltender they might send our way.”
Coleman and the Aces, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks and AHL’s Utica Comets, will welcome the players to Anchorage for training camp at the end of the month. Training camp details will follow soon.
Source: Former Aces Standout Gerald Coleman Returns To Coach Goalentenders | alaskaaces.com
