The Coquitlam Express have found someone to replace departed hockey boss Jason Fortier, hiring Dan Cioffi as the BCHL team’s new head coach.
Fortier left the Express less than two weeks ago after failing to come to terms on a new contract and has since landed on his feet with the Odessa (Texas) Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League.
He’ll have the dual role of head coach and general manager in Odessa, something he wasn’t going to have with David McLellan holding the GM post in Coquitlam.
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Cioffi comes to the Express with previous experience in BCHL along with the Pacific Junior B Hockey League and B.C. Major Midget Hockey League. Originally from Montreal, Cioffi played junior A in Ontario and Halifax and then attended the University of Ottawa.
“We see this as a very positive step for our organization,” McLellan said. “Dan has a great approach toward promoting personal leadership and demands the best from his players and those working with him. Additionally, Dan’s teams are always prepared. They play fast and possess a very competitive style of play.”
Cioffi is no stranger to the Express. He served as the team’s associate coach between 2007 and 2010 before moving on to work in the Salmon Arm and Trail organizations.
Cioffi has won a PJHL championship as coach of the Delta Ice Hawks.
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