The Vancouver Canucks, in conjunction with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, announced today that Scott Arniel has been named as head coach of the Wolves.
“We are thrilled to have Scott return to our organization,” said Mike Gillis, Vancouver Canucks president and general manager. “He has had a large impact on the development of a number of our current roster players and we are confident he’ll again play an instrumental role in player development. Scott brings a great deal of character, experience and expertise to the head coaching position.”
Arniel, 49, becomes the ninth head coach in Wolves franchise history. The Kingston, Ont., native most recently was head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, compiling a record of 45-60-18.
Prior to coaching the Blue Jackets, Arniel was the head coach of the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, from 2006-10. In 2008-09 he led the Moose to a number of franchise records including the most wins in the regular season (50) and the most road wins (25), while tying the franchise mark for the most home wins in one season (25). The Moose finished first overall in the entire American Hockey League for the first time ever that season with a record of 50-23-1-6 for 107 points. Arniel was named the winner of the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the league’s outstanding coach, and led the Moose to the Calder Cup Finals.
In four seasons under Arniel, the Moose won more than 40 games each season and compiled a record of 181-122-17, winning two division titles.
Arniel played 730 games in the NHL during his 17-year professional career, and had AHL stints in Maine and New Haven as well. Arniel served as an assistant coach with Manitoba from 2000-02, including their first season in the AHL (2001-02), and was an assistant for the Buffalo Sabres from 2002-06.
