By Nathan Kanter

Hasselberg let go by Ice Flyers

Feb 14, 2017 | 4:00 PM

Kevin Hasselberg was relieved of his coaching duties by the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League on Monday, after compiling a 15-15-6 record in his first 36 games with the club.

“Kevin came in here, worked tirelessly and put everything into this team, and I truly appreciate that,” said Ice Flyers owner Greg Harris in a press release on the team’s website. “Unfortunately, the results haven’t been what we want and need them to be. So with great respect to him and everyone a part of the organization, I had to make a change of leadership behind the bench.”

The former Battlefords North Stars head coach and general manager was hired by the Florida team this past summer after guiding the North Stars to a 43-11-2-2 record and first place finish in 2015-16, his fifth year behind the bench.

Hasselberg’s season with the Ice Flyers started with a 1-3-3 record out of the gate, but the team had gone 6-3-1 in their last 10 games before he was let go. That included a three-game sweep over the weekend.

“I’m extremely happy with our performance this past weekend, however my evaluation and decision had to be based on the entire season thus far and not just on one weekend,” Harris added. “To ensure the continuity of the team, I needed to put the pieces in place for the transition.”

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

5h ago

Battlefords Volleyball Club

13U BVC Impact take provincial silver in Warman

9h ago

Spirit Group

Battleford Community Spirit Group needs members to stay open

10h ago

The Ice Flyers have won three of the past four league championships, including last season under head coach Rod Aldoff. Aldoff left Pensacola for a coaching opportunity with the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals this past summer, but he was fired on Nov. 29, after just two wins in 17 games.

On Tuesday, the Ice Flyers announced Aldoff would return to coach the team he had helped to two championships in three years.

Hasselberg declined to comment at the present time but will return to the Battlefords in the coming days.

Nathan.kanter@jpbg.ca

@NathanKanter11