NHL veteran Patrick new head coach in Kootenay

CRANBROOK, B.C. — The Kootenay Ice have named James Patrick their new head coach.

Patrick was an assistant coach with the NHL’s Dallas Stars from 2013 until the end of the 2016-17 season, and spent seven seasons with the Buffalo Sabres before that. As a defenseman the Winnipeg native spent 21 seasons in the league, with the Rangers, Whalers, Flames, and Sabres.

“James Patrick is the perfect fit to lead our team into a new ICE Age,” the team’s new president and GM Matt Cockell said in a news release. “He has a tremendous amount of experience, understands what it takes to be a pro, develop as a pro and create a world class player experience.”

Patrick is also familiar with the East Kootenay region, according to the team. He owns a condo in the Fernie area.