Attack Extend DeGray, Ireland, Bannister and Brown
The Owen Sound Attack is pleased to announce that the organization has agreed to terms with and signed General Manager Dale DeGray, Head Coach Greg Ireland, Assistant Coach Drew Bannister and Athletic Therapist Andy Brown to contract extensions.
General Manager Dale DeGray has been signed to a three year contract extension through the 2016/2017 season, that will see him complete his 10th season as the Attack’s General Manager.
“Dale has brought consistency and stability to the franchise and the confidence we have in his leadership and vision for the hockey program is evidenced by this renewed commitment to him.”, stated Dr. Robert Severs, President of the Owen Sound Attack. “We look forward to another three years of exciting and successful hockey under Dale’s guidance. “
Having just completed his seventh season as General Manager of the Owen Sound Attack, Dale is the 7th longest serving General Manager with the same team, following Stan Butler (NB /BRA), Mark Hunter (LON, Owner), Sherwood Bassin (ER, Owner), George Burnett (BEL), Warren Rychel (WIN, Owner) and Mike Vellucci (PLY).
“I am extremely honored to be able to continue my career in Owen Sound with the Attack.”, stated DeGray. “I feel we have established ourselves as one of the top franchises in the OHL through our consistency and work ethic and I look forward to building towards another OHL Championship.”
DeGray, was named the Ontario Hockey League’s Executive of the Year in 2010/2011 and under the Oshawa native’s guidance, won the J.Ross Robertson Cup in 2011 as the OHL Champions. The Attack has made the playoffs in five of DeGray’s seven seasons, including the last four straight.
Head Coach Greg Ireland has been given a two year contract extension through the 2015/2016 season, which will be his 5th as the bench boss of the Owen Sound Attack. In his three years at the helm of the Attack, Ireland has compiled a 107-76-7-14 record, which included a 44 win season in 2012/2013.
“I am very excited to continue the work we have started here in Owen Sound.”, said Ireland. “We came a long way as a group this past season, competing hard night in and night out. I feel we are ready to take the next step with this group of young men.”
Ireland said one of the best parts about the job is watching the players as they graduate from the OHL. “To be able to see these young men move on in their lives to the Pro Level or Post Secondary Education is truly rewarding. It makes us extremely proud of what we have been able to build here in Owen Sound.”
Greg took over the Attack bench in 2011/2012 where he guided the Attack to a 6th place finish in a rebuilding year. Following that season, Ireland guided the Attack to a 44 win season and 94 points; the 2nd most in franchise history. Once again retooling in 2013/2014, Ireland lead a young squad to a 7th place finish while playing in one of the best division in OHL History.
“Bringing Greg back to guide our team was a no brainer.” Said DeGray of Ireland. “He is one of the best teachers of the game that I have had the pleasure of working with and his body of work over the last three years with our organization speaks for itself.”
Also signed through the 2015/2016 season is Attack Assistant Coach Drew Bannister, who joined the Attack just prior to the 2012/2013 season.
Bannister completed his second season with the Attack in 2013/2014 and has also served as an Assistant Coach with the Ontario U17 Team and will serve as the Head Coach of Ontario’s U16 Team at the upcoming Ontario Winter Games.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to continue my development with the Attack organization and am extremely excited to build on the success we have had as a staff.”, said Bannister. “I have gained valuable knowledge and experience during my first two seasons with the Attack and am looking forward to continuing to work with Dale and Greg.”
Prior to joining the Attack, Bannister had a playing career that spanned eighteen professional seasons across several pro leagues, including 164 games in the NHL with Tampa Bay, Edmonton, Anaheim and New York Rangers.
“Drew came in and immediately took to the role of being an Assistant Coach in the Ontario Hockey League.”, said DeGray. “He has a great understanding of the game, what is expected at the Junior level and is constantly striving to better himself as a coach, learning from those around him.”
The Attack has also signed Athletic Therapist Andy Brown to a three year contract extension through the 2016/2017 season. Andy was also the Head Therapist for Team Ontario at the 2006 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, Athletic has been with the team since the 2005/2006 season and has also served as a therapist for Team Canada at the 2009 World Under 18 Ivan Hlinka Tournament and Trainer for Team Cherry at the 2010 CHL Top Prospects Game.
“Andy is a huge part of our Hockey Operations staff.”, said DeGray. “He is a consummate professional, a tireless worker for our organization and one of the best in the business.”
