No Coaching Changes Appear Imminent With Ex Viper Pierce:

Will former Vernon Vipers forward Luke Pierce be back with the Western Hockey League's Kootenay Ice?

Jeff Chynoweth, President and General Manager of the Ice announced the Chynoweth family, owners of the Edmonton and Kootenay ICE franchise since 1995, have sold the WHL team to Winnipeg entrepreneur Greg Fettes and hockey executive Matt Cockell April 27th 2017. What does the future hold with Pierce? Pierce finished his second season with the Ice will be entering his third and final season on a three year contract.

Prior to joining the Ice Pierce spent the previous six seasons as Head Coach-GM of the Merritt Centennials. Pierce was named BCHL Interior Conference Coach of the year in 2013 played his final year of Junior hockey in Vernon (2003-04) after being acquired from the Merritt Centennials for future considerations on June, 10th 2003. In 53 regular season games with the Vipers Pierce collected (7-goals-21-assists-28-points).

Luke Pierce's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=136883

This was posted on Gregg Drinnan's Blog:

No coaching changes appear imminent

Monday, March 20, 2017

The future of Luke Pierce, who has completed two seasons as head coach of the Kootenay Ice, may hinge on what appears to be the impending sale of the franchise. Pierce signed a three-year contract, so has a year left on his deal. The Ice went young two seasons ago and has paid a steep price, going 26-99-19 during Pierce’s stint in Cranbrook.