The Port Alberni Bombers have named Gaelan Patterson the first head coach and general manager in Port Alberni Bombersthe fledgling Jr. B hockey teamB次元官网网址檚 history.

Patterson is a native of La Ronge, Saskatchewan and was a seventh-round draft pick of the Calgary Flames.

After completing a four-year junior career with the WHLB次元官网网址檚 Saskatoon Blades, Patterson embarked on an eight-year professional career which included stops in the AHL, ECHL, Norway, France and England.

Patterson has spent the past three seasons on the coaching staff of the SJHLB次元官网网址檚 La Ronge Ice Wolves.

The opportunity to become a head coach was too good of an opportunity for Patterson to pass up. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 very excited for the opportunity to join the Port Alberni Bombers,B次元官网网址� he said in a press release.

B次元官网网址淚 look forward to working with Joe and the Bulldogs organization in developing the Bombers into a top end VIJHL organization. I believe in their vision and development model for the team and I feel this is a great opportunity for me to develop as a coach. I look forward to helping form a successful organization and helping players realize the goal of moving on to the next level.B次元官网网址�

The hiring of Patterson was equally as exciting for the first-year franchise, which will start play in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) in September 2021. They are one of two expansion teams, including the Lake Cowichan Kraken.

B次元官网网址淭he addition of Gaelan is a huge step for the Bombers,B次元官网网址� said Joe Martin, who is in charge of BombersB次元官网网址� hockey operations. B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 experienced at the Jr. A level, experienced as a player, and motivated to help develop players and move them on. WeB次元官网网址檙e thrilled with what he will bring to our group.B次元官网网址�

Patterson will officially join the Bombers in August.