BRAMPTON, ON – The Brampton Beast Hockey Club has announced the relief of Head Coach & Vice President of Hockey Operations Brent Hughes of his duties, effective immediately.
“It was a very difficult decision today, as Brent has been an instrumental part of the organization, since the teams inception two years ago,” said team President and General Manager Cary Kaplan. “Brent did a tremendous job as assistant coach in our inaugural season, and was the obvious choice to succeed mark desantis in our first year in the ECHL. Unfortunately, for many reasons, the team was unsuccessful this year on the ice, and as a result we believe this was a necessary decision moving forward. We are confident that Brent will again be a successful coach at the ECHL level or above, however change is necessary at this point. The Beast remain committed to our loyal and ever growing fan base, and we remain firm to our commitments to fill the Powerade Centre, and bring a Championship to Brampton.”
Upon his departure, Brent Hughes wanted to thank the fans and the staff for their support, dedication and commitment.
The Beast will be retaining Assistant Coach Phil Oreskovic for the 2015-16 season. Phil retired earlier this season, and began coaching in January. Phil is unique in his connections to the area, and the only player to have ever played for the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Marlies (AHL), Brampton Battalion (OHL) and Brampton Beast (ECHL). Phil has been a big part of our organization, and he will remain a strong presence in the Brampton community and a strong influence behind the bench.
The Brampton Beast have begun an extensive search for a new Head Coach.
About the ECHL
Began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 28 teams in 21 states and one Canadian province for its 27th season in 2014-15. There have been 541 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including 29 who made their NHL debuts in the 2013-14 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 28 of the 30 NHL teams in 2014-15, marking the 18th consecutive season that the league had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Brampton Beast
The Brampton Beast was founded in January 2013. The Brampton Beast finished in sixth place and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in their inaugural year. The team was recognized as the he Community Relations Franchise of the Year in their first year of operation.