A goaltender with junior and professional playing experience is joining the coaching staff of the Powell River Kings.
Michael McNiven is an assistant coach who has the ability to manage, develop and enhance the Kings’ defence with the added advantage of working closely with the goaltenders on a daily basis within coach Glenn Anderson’s system, according a media release from the BC Hockey League Club.
McNiven had a successful and decorated junior career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with Owen Sound Attack. He played more than 120 games between the pipes for the club was named to the 2015 CHL Top Prospects game. In 2016/2017, he was the OHL and CHL goaltender of the year.
McNiven signed with Montreal Canadiens in 2015 and went on to play 84 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) with Laval Rocket and Belleville Senators. He played in one National Hockey League (NHL) game with Montreal in 2022. He also spent time in the ECHL and France’s top division.
McNiven retired from professional hockey to pursue this opportunity with the Kings and is determined to bring a winning mindset to the club.
"My goal is to create an environment where our players have the best possible chance to succeed both mentally and physically," stated McNiven. "Having played in all three levels of professional hockey in North America, I am well versed in the demands and challenges our team will face. I am committed to bringing my utmost effort and expertise to win a Fred Page Cup."
McNiven was born in Winnipeg, but at a young age moved to Georgetown, Ontario, the same community where fellow new assistant coach Christopher Klack is from. They have known each other for many years and played minor hockey together.
With the team looking to make great strides this upcoming season, Kings’ president Stephan Seeger Sr. is happy to add Klack and McNiven to the staff.
"Kings management and coach Anderson worked diligently since the end of the season to ensure an experienced and capable bench staff to complement exciting changes in systems and our global player profile,” stated Stephan Seeger Sr. “We are proud to welcome both Michael and Chris to the Powell River Kings community and look forward to their respective team contributions immediately."
Klack and McNiven's first coaching duties in Powell River will be at the Kings Hockey School from August 19 to 22, where they will be working closely with all participants. Online registration is available at powellriverkings.com/hockeyschool.
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