Monday, August 20, 2018

Edmonton Oil Kings Name Ex Viper Pierce New Assistant Coach:

The Western Hockey League Edmonton Oil Kings have named former Vernon Vipers forward Luke Pierce new assistant coach.

Pierce was recently an assistant coach for Canada’s National Sledge Team at the Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang. Pierce had spent two seasons as head coach with the Western Hockey League's Kootenay Ice before being fired June 2 2017. 

In two seasons with the Ice Pierce went 26-100-16-3. Pierce was also an assistant coach with Canada’s national men’s under-17 team in 2016 & an assistant coach for Team Canada/Team Red at the 2017 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge in November. 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 the Oil Kings website:

Oil Kings Name Luke Pierce as Assistant Coach

July 23, 2018

by Michelle Perron

President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, Kirt Hill, announced today, the Edmonton Oil Kings have hired Luke Pierce as an Assistant Coach.

Pierce, 34, joins the Oil Kings after serving as an assistant coach for Canada’s Paralympic sledge hockey team capturing silver at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. In addition, Pierce also served as an assistant coach with Team Canada Red at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, coaching the team to a second place finish.

Prior to his roles with Hockey Canada, Pierce spent two seasons (2015-17) as Head Coach of the Kootenay ICE (WHL) and spent over five years as Head Coach and General Manager of the Merritt Centennials (BCHL).

The Merritt, BC native played in 161 games in the BCHL with the Merritt Centennials and Vernon Vipers. Pierce closed out his playing career spending five seasons with the Royal Military College (U-Sports).

Luke, his wife Amy and three sons, William, Bennett and Austin look forward to relocating to Edmonton later this summer.

Kirt Hill said, “We are thrilled to have Luke join our coaching staff. Luke is a bright hockey mind who will bring a wealth of knowledge to the group. His past coaching experience in the BCHL, WHL and multiple Hockey Canada Programs, plus his ability to communicate and instill work ethic into his players made hiring Luke an easy decision for our group. We are excited to have Luke and his family join our Oil Kings family.”

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