The Kootenay Ice have parted ways with head coach Ryan McGill.
McGill and the club agreed to mutually part ways when the coach’s contract expires June 30, 2015.
The announcement was made via press release at 5 p.m. (MT) Wednesday.
“Ryan is a good coach and we are thankful for all the contributions he has made to our club,” said Jeff Chynoweth, Kootenay Ice general manager, via press release. “At this time, we feel we need a fresh face and voice moving forward to lead our team. We wish Ryan the very best as he moves on in his coaching career.”
During McGill’s final season in Cranbrook, the Ice went 37-31-1-3, good for fourth place in the WHL’s Central Division, before falling to the Calgary Hitmen in a seven-game first-round playoff defeat.
The 2014-15 WHL season was the third season for McGill in his second stint with the club.
McGill, a native of Sherwood Park, Alta., previously coached the Ice from 1997 to 2002.
In eight total seasons behind the Kootenay Ice bench, McGill registered a career regular-season record of 280-222-53, with two WHL championships (2000 and 2002) and one Memorial Cup title (2002).
During the 2012-13 campaign, the 46-year-old McGill was named WHL Coach of the Year.
MORE: Let the search begin — Ice mutually part with Ryan McGill (April 16)
