After an extensive search the SJHL’s Melville Millionaires and their board of directors have found their new bench boss.
The hockey club announced on Thursday that they have hired Mike Rooney as their new Head Coach and General Manager.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity and challenge, I know its a great location there in Melville with
good people and players & I’m hoping to a great and successful product on the ice”, Rooney said in a phone interview this morning (Fri).
Rooney spent this past year as the Skills Coach with the AAA and Elite programs at the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan and he will go right to work in his role.
“First thing I did was get familiar with the list and players, and now its now time to get in contact with them and introduce myself to them and get prepared for everything moving forward.”
The Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan product returns to the SJHL after last being in the league as GM/Director of Player Personnel with the Notre Dame Hounds from 1997 to 2000 and before that was the Head Coach/GM of the Kindersley Klippers from 1995-97.
Rooney also has an extensive scouting background having scouted for over 15 years with a number of NHL (Nashville Predators & Buffalo Sabres) and WHL teams (Saskatoon, Swift Current and Regina) and also is the camp director of Western Prospects Hockey and is the founder of Exceptional Hockey.
Associate Coach and Assistant GM Jarett Waldbauer will remain with the hockey club in both roles.
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Mils Press Release below:
Mike is from Yellow Grass (near Weyburn), Saskatchewan, and is a familiar face in Saskatchewan hockey.
Mike has a wide array of experiences that has allowed him to work in all levels of hockey, which includes the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, Western Hockey League and the National Hockey League (Nashville Predators / Buffalo Sabres).
Mike comes to Melville with a strong reputation as a “talent evaluator” and is a proven recruiter. Considered a “student of game”, Mike is innovative and stays current to the ever evolving advancements in hockey. Mike has a strong skills coach / power skating background, that will have an immediate and lasting impact on our roster and protective list players. His experience and knowledge combined with exceptional communication skills will be an asset to lead our group.
He has been involved in winning at the provincial and national championship levels, including Calder Cup (Milwaukee Admirals – AHL), RBC Cups (Weyburn / Humboldt) and Keystone Cup (Kinistino Tiger – PJHL).
Creativity, vision and entrepreneurial experience provides a unique hockey specific business savvy. In collaboration with the Board of Directors, the founder and former owner of Western Prospects Hockey will be starting immediately to build the Millionaire Brand in the community and surrounding area !
The Board of Directors are excited to welcome Mike, wife Donna and his entire family to the organization and look forward to the start of the 2020/21 hockey season!
