The Manchester Monarchs, the primary affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, have extended the contracts of head coach Mark Morris and assistant coach Scott Pellerin for another season, Monarchs general manager Ron Hextall announced on Wednesday.
Morris and Pellerin have been the bench bosses of the Monarchs squad for the last two seasons and coached the team to a record of 90-64-6. Winning the first playoff round in franchise history during the 2006-07 season, the coaches guided the team to the Eastern Conference finals during their rookie year, and returned the Monarchs to the postseason for the seventh year in a row in 2007-08.
"I’m excited to be returning to Manchester for the upcoming season and I look forward to working with Scott Pellerin, Hubie McDonough, the players and the entire Monarchs organization,” said Morris. “Coaching in Manchester has been a wonderful experience. It’s a great environment here. The people, the facilities, the warmth and support of the community are top-notch. A coach couldn’t ask for more."
“We are very pleased to reach this agreement with Mark,” Hextall said. “I had approached Mark about an extension during the season and we are pleased to make this announcement today. Mark is a consummate professional who has helped elevate our club. He is a good leader, a solid communicator and he has not only helped in the critical area of player development but he has also fostered a winning attitude.”
“My family and I are thrilled about coming back to be a part of the Manchester Monarchs coaching staff,” said Pellerin. “It is an honor to be involved with such a great organization. We have the best fans in the AHL and we are all excited about the future development of our players and our quest to bring the Calder Cup to the Queen City. I look forward to working with the Kings organization, their prospects and to be a part of Mark Morris and Hubie McDonough’s staff.”
“Scott is a very valuable member of our coaching staff,” explained Hextall. “His experiences as a former player are a valuable asset in his crucial role of creating a winning environment and in the development of our young players.”
